Notification of a case of distemper in eastern Melbourne seen by the RSPCA

The RSPCA has alerted the AVA to a puppy with a positive PCR for distemper from the Bayswater area of Melbourne.

Canine distemper is extremely contagious to all dogs of any age and often fatal. Symptoms can include coughing and sneezing, nasal and eye discharge and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis can occur later in this disease. As the virus attacks the nervous system the recovery rates even with treatment can be low and recovered dogs may have permanent brain damage.

Vaccination against this disease is advised. Information taken from Routine healthcare for dogs on the Agriculture Victoria website.