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My dog has distemper and is paralyzed. What's his long-term outlook?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 3 years old | 35.2 lbs

2 years ago, i sent him to Vet clinic because he had sticky eyes, allergy & he's having seizures. The Vet then diagnosed him with distemper & said that there's no cure. After a few weeks, he's paralyzed from his hips to his back legs. He had open wounds on his hips. i love him so much that i continue to take care of him and feed him. As of now, he eats a lot and that made me happy. He crawls with frontlegs. No open wounds, just little scratches. Is he goint to survive w/o expensive treatment?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2017

I'm sorry that Bruno suffered from distemper! Your vet was right that there is no cure for distemper, and about 50% of dogs who come down with it pass away. It's fortunately that Bruno was one of the lucky ones to survive, but dogs who do survive often have lasting effects such as the paralysis you are seeing. I would recommend speaking to your vet about seeing if a doggie wheelchair can be made or purchased for Bruno. Dragging his legs on the ground can easily lead to wounds on his legs which can then get infected. A wheelchair will support him and make it easier for him to get around safely. Dogs with distemper typically do not have normal life spans due to the lasting effects of the disease, so to answer your question, Bruno will survive but for how long is truly unknown. I'm sorry I don't have a more definitive answer for you :-(

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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