| Treatment: Treatments are directed at limiting | | | | antibody. To overcome this barrier, pups are |
| secondary bacterial invasion, supporting the fluid | | | | vaccinated with MLV vaccine when 6 wk old and at |
| balance and overall well-being of the dog, and | | | | 2-to 4-wk intervals until 16 wk old. Measles virus |
| controlling nervous manifestations. Antibiotics, | | | | induces immunity to canine distemper virus in the |
| electrolyte solutions, protein hydrolysates, dietary | | | | presence of relatively greater levels of maternal |
| supplements, antipyretics, nasal preparations, | | | | distemper antibody. An MLV measles vaccine and a |
| analgesics, and anticonvulsants are used. No one | | | | combination of MLV measles and MLV canine |
| treatment is specific or uniformly successful. Dogs | | | | distemper vaccine are available. These vaccines must |
| may recover completely from systemic | | | | be administered IM. Pups 6-7 wk old should receive the |
| manifestations, but good nursing care is essential. | | | | measles or combination vaccine and at least two |
| Despite intensive care, some dogs do not make a | | | | more doses of MLV distemper vaccine when 12-16 |
| satisfactory recovery. Unfortunately, treatment for | | | | wk old. Many varieties of attenuated distemper |
| neurologic manifestations of distemper are | | | | vaccine are available and should be used according to |
| unsuccessful. If the neurologic signs are progressive or | | | | manufacturers' directions. Annual revaccination is |
| severe, the owner should be appropriately advised. | | | | suggested because of the breaks in neurologic |
| Prevention: Successful immunization of pups with | | | | distemper that can occur in stressed, diseased, or |
| canine distemper modified live virus (MLV) vaccines | | | | immunosuppressed dogsaaheroe is a webmaster and |
| depends on the lack of interference by maternal | | | | cat and dog lover. |