My vet says my puppy could have a cold or it could be distemper, she seems fine she's playful active eats good drinking her water naps like a normal pup, but she does have a runny nose with some mucus and what sounds like a cough, my vet gave her med to take, were making sure she gets rest, I'm hoping it is just a cold but he vet has me worried by mentioning distemper, she goes back Monday for a check up , I need mucus help does this sound like a pup with distemper or just a cold , I'm worried if it is distemper vet said its fatal, she also did not have a fever during her vet visit, so I don't know what to think?:confused:

Did the vet do a blood test to verify distemper? A blood test is the only SURE way to know.

Was your puppy vaccinated?

It could simply be a cold. Let me know what tests the vet did to prove distemper.

I don't want to get your hopes up, because distemper is fatal... the vet can only treat its symptoms, there is no way to treat the distemper its self...


Let me know if the vet verified the diagnosis with a blood test.

Until then, keep her away from any other pets you have, keep her safe and warm and comforted and give her lots of love. Keep giving her the medications.

And remmeber the LOVE. Because if it is distemper, you may lose your puppy :( good luck hon, and let me know what the doc did.

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did the vet do a blood test to verify distemper? A blood test is the only SURE way to know.

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That info is not exactly correct.

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Blood tests usually are not helpful in the diagnosis, though in some cases they may reveal lymphopenia (a deficiency of lymphocytes, a type of immune system cell) during early infection, followed by leukocytosis (an increase in the number of white blood cells circulating through the blood) during later infection.

Imaging studies (e.g. x-rays, CT scans) can diagnose pneumonia.

Inclusion bodies (unique cellular structures that indicate the presence of the virus) can be detected with microscopic examination of buffy coat cells (cells that make up the "buffy layer" of centrifuged blood) and conjunctival secretions (secretions from the conjunctiva, the inner lining of the eyelids). A negative result does not rule out the possibility that the dog has distemper.

An immunofluorescent assay can detect viral antigens (proteins that the immune system manufactures to fight the virus) in the buffy coat cells and conjunctival secretions when inclusion bodies are not visible. Immunofluorescence involves using special proteins labeled with a fluorescent chemical that bind to the antigens and make them visible. Again, a negative result does not rule out the possibility that the dog has distemper.




Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that helps identify the virus's genetic material, is usually more sensitive than either microscopic examination for viral inclusions or immunofluorescence. It can be a difficult procedure and it is not always successful.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be examined for CDV-specific antibodies and elevated levels of particular proteins and cells that indicate the presence of the virus.

Differential Diagnosis
Many diseases can cause symptoms resembling canine distemper and should be ruled out during diagnosis. Respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough and labored breathing) could be caused by bacterial pneumonia. Intestinal symptoms (e.g. vomiting and diarrhea) could be caused by gastroenteritis (an inflammatory bowel disease). Seizures and other neurological symptoms could be caused by toxoplasmosis (a protozoan infection) or epilepsy.

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Canine Distemper - Diagnosis - animalhealthchannel

My mistake artlady. I got my info here...

http://www.2ndchance.info/dog%20distemper.htm

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Typical disease signs accompanied by very low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia) are highly suggestive of canine distemper. Laboratory tests to positively confirm the disease include fluorescent antibody techniques, polymerase chain reaction, virus isolation and ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests. The demonstration of heavily pigmented inclusion bodies in stained blood neutrophils or in smears from the eye also aid in diagnosis. In animals that die, pathologic changes in tissue samples diagnose the disease. These pathological lesions of canine distemper include congestion and inflammation of the lungs (focal pneumonitis). Characteristic red stained (eosinophilic) oval structures are found in the epithelial cells of the salivary glands, central nervous system, adrenal glands, bile duct, urinary tract, lymph nodes spleen and skin.

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I'm sorry, I should have posted it. Sorry if its wrong.

The difference is just one of wording.You used the word sure and the information indicates highly suggestive.
I did not want the OP to think perhaps her vet was not doing his job.The last thing she needs is to not have faith in her doctor.
No big deal :)

It's very important to give the correct info. If you're quoting a site that you googled then post the link so the OP can see for themselves and determine whether the info is valid or not.

The internet is not a great place to get info, many sites give out the wrong info and when dealing with an illness it's not a good idea.

Trust the vet, he's the one with the education and experience.

Artlady, great catch. I hope that the OP saw the info you posted. :)