My dog has canine distemper. Will he survive this deadly disease?

I'm sorry Kiku has distemper. Supportive care is the only treatment available for this disease, which can include IV fluids, anti-seizure medications, and medications to help control vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately about 80% of puppies who get distemper will die from the disease. His best chance for survival is hospitalization with a vet, so I would take him into one immediately.

Unfortunately, distemper is a seriously debilitating disease and there is no cure. We can only try to limit the damage done by the virus. This often entails nerve and brain damage, and upper respiratory problems. The upper respiratory problems can often be alleviated, however the nerve damage is permanent. When it is mild, the dog can have a good quality of life. At this time supportive care is the only option and you will have to wait it out and see what damage will be permanent. It is a nasty disease, and I am very sorry your pup is affected.

IT is very possible that Cookie has distemper but I will say it is not very common in the united states. I have seen a few cases but they were from rescue dogs in over crowded situations. I would first make sure Cookie has a good exam by a vet to confirm that distemper is the problem. Other disease can look like distemper for example low blood sugar and a liver shunt in small and young dogs will cause seizures. Typically distemper causes neurologic disease and the best way to help is with supportive care with your vet. This includes hospitalization with medications for seizures and muscle relaxation. until the patient recovers even possibly supplemental feedings. I hope that helps and hopefully it is not distemper and Cookie will make a fast recovery

Unfortunately this is a serious viral disease which can cause lasting neurological damage. The treatment for CDV (infection with canine distemper virus) is supportive, there is no cure other than the body of Nasus fighting it himself. We can only help him fight it. Vaccination can prevent a dog from getting an infection with CDV. Here is more information: http://www.center.vet.br/cinomose.html

Dogs which develop the neurological stage of distemper have a very poor chance of functional recovery and in the rare cases they do survive for any length of time tend to have permanent neurological side effects and seizures. Euthanasia is recommended to prevent further suffering and prolonged starvation

Unfortunately, with distemper there is not much you can do for them. There is no treatment, only supportive care which is already being done. If it progresses to the neurological form, the chance of recovery is minimal. They are doing all the treatment they can based on your description. Nothing else can really be done other than trying to force feed him, which many animals do not take to having done. If they want to try something, I would recommend force feeding either canned dog food or human meat flavored baby foods (in a jar). I am really sorry that his has happened to Rex. Distemper can be easily prevented with vaccination. So, let your friends know that in future all their dogs need to be vaccinated. As puppies they get a series of 3 vaccinations and then as an adult it should be boostered every year. Below is a link to an excellent article about canine distemper. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/distemper-in-dogs

Distemper in a dog this age is not common. How was he diagnosed? Had he never, ever been vaccinated against distemper? This sounds strange. Here is an article about distemper in dogs. Hopefully it will answer your questions. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/distemper-in-dogs )