Hey Labman, Ruby, MrsColdweaver, and others,

This is a PM I received and thought it more appropriate for you folks to answer.


I would like some...advice, I guess. I got a puppy from the pound, week later diagnosed with distemper, bad prognosis, etc. today is saturday, and she was diagnosed officially last monday. I've been getting her to eat, and doing everything the vet said.

he advised if she seizuers to bring her in and put her down.

after the penicillin shot, changing the antibiotics, giving pedialite, giving nutrical (palatable supplement), eye drops, and on and on...the secondary issues of pneumonia, eye boogers, cough, have gone away. she's still lethargic, but she will still go for a walk, or go sit outside with me, lie down, and watch cars.

there's nothing more I can do to help her than everything I'm doing, I think, but could you give me some of your experience to maybe help through this process/possible loss?

she's a gorgeous 4-month-old shepherd mix named Molly.

-ebaggerhooligan
:confused:

It does sound like she is slowly responding to the vet's treatment. It is unfortunate so many puppies get such a bad start. I hope she continues to improve. I encourage people to adopt from shelters. While it is true, there are too many sad stories where even after expensive treatment, the puppy doesn't make it; but there are many more stories of people enjoying a greatly loved companion they rescued from a shelter. I hope yours will be one of them. You vet is your best source of info on her progress. I often discourage tempting a dog with rich food. In this case, I would continue exactly what the vet says. As she improves and gains strength, then it will be time for the discipline of a dry puppy chow and little else.

At times I may seem to be harsh with people that don't spay/neuter their dogs. The puppy you are struggling with is the result of somebody having an unspayed female they allowed to become pregnant. That couldn't have happened without the availability of an unneutered male. At some point the puppies were exposed to distemper. I so hate seeing good people such as you being put through the wringer with a puppy you want to have to love, because of others' irresponsibility. I can't see how anybody that know and loves dogs, can help but be very concerned.

A thank you to J_9 for properly posting your PM to the dog forum where people with more dog experience can respond. Site policy encourages such. In this case, I am not sure we can do much except encourage you and urge you to work with the vet. As she improves, you may find some of the material in the sticky useful. See https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post251802 You can always post back with specific questions.

I fully agree with labman. Your vet seems to be giving you very good advice and treatment. Follow his lead. Any questions or problems, call him. Vets don't charge for follow up phone calls.

Thank you for putting in all the effort you have for this pup. You have given her the best possible chance she could ever have at living a normal life. I wish there were more people like you out there.

I would suggest that you advise the pound in which you adopted the puppy from, what exactly has occurred. Since there was a 1 week lag between when you adopted and when she was treated, they may deny any responsibility, but it doesn't hurt to ask. They may offer to reimburse you for money spent. If nothing else, they need to be made aware that the vet they use should be looking out for cases of distemper.

Please post back and let us know how you are getting along.

I have replied to the PM giving the user the link to this thread so that s/he may check back for your great answers.