LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A dog at The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas has tested positive for Canine distemper, according to the shelter.
A news release said the female dog arrived at the shelter on Saturday, Feb. 22 showing signs of an infectious disease. The test results came back on Wednesday, the shelter said.
Canine distemper is described by the Animal Foundation as a “highly contagious” disease that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. It can spread through the air and direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Paralysis
The shelter said they are closely monitoring and testing exposed dogs and reaching out to adopters who may have taken an exposed dog home. Dogs showing symptoms are in isolation. The shelter said it vaccinates all dogs against distemper, but the vaccines can take weeks to become protective.
There is no cure for distemper, the shelter said.
The shelter says they have 647 animals currently and that overcrowding makes the disease harder to control.
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