388 The Diseases of Animals 
DOG DISTEMPER 
Distemper is a contagious catarrhal fever that is a 
common and serious disease among dogs. 
The disease is caused by a germ, and animals contract 
it from coming in contact with or proximity to another 
animal suffering from the disorder. It is thought that 
the germs float through the air and are inhaled by the 
dog. Among the conditions that favor the disease are 
those that tend to weaken the system. Pure bred 
puppies appear to suffer greatly from it. The time that 
elapses between exposure and the first symptoms is 
seldom more than three days. When dogs are gathered 
at shows the disease is likely to occur, owing to ex- 
posure to infection and the unusual nervous strain. 
One attack of the disease usually gives immunity to 
future attacks. 
The disease is brought in with a chill, that may last 
an hour or more. It is followed by a high fever, the 
dog’s temperature going to 107° Fahr. There is a slight 
discharge of watery mucus from the nose and eyes, 
that soon becomes profuse and purulent, sticking the 
lids together. Usually a rash breaks out on the inside 
of the thighs. In some cases there are nervous symp- 
toms, shown by the jerking of the head and twitching 
of the muscles; or the dog may become delirious. 
Often there is difficult breathing, with a painful cough 
or moan. The bowels may be constipated, or there 
may be a severe diarrhea, with a fetid odor. The dog 
suffers greatly from prostration, and dislikes to be dis- 
turbed. The disease runs its course in ten to thirty 
