There's no cure for distemper, however, there is supportive treatment:
- Provide a clean, warm, draft-free environment.
- Keep eyes and nose clear of discharge.
- Give antiemetics (anti-nausea and anti-vomiting drugs) if there is vomiting.
- Give antidiarrheals for diarrhea.
-
Monitor closely for dehydration. Dogs without an appetite that are
experiencing vomiting and diarrhea may require intravenous rehydration
therapy.
- Antibiotics or Bronchodilators are prescribed for pneumonia.
- Anticonvulsants may partially control seizures. Many veterinarians prescribe them before seizures start.
- Myoclonus is untreatable and irreversible.
-
Puppies who recover but have Hypoplasia (unenameled teeth that erode
quickly) can have the enamel restored to prevent further tooth decay.
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Glucocorticoid therapy can sometimes help blindness due to optic
neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). This may help in the short
term, but Glucocorticoids weaken the immune system and may make symptoms
worse.