Distemper

DISTEMPER
The Disease Distemper is a rare but serious viral disease that dogs are still considered at risk from in many developed countries. It affects all aspects of a dog’s health eventually attacking the central nervous system causing spasm, seizures and paralysis. The wide variety of symptoms found under this disease classification is said to be due to the distemper virus’ lowering of the overall immune system which in turn allows for secondary opportunistic infections that produce the diverse clinical symptoms. The virus is thought to be transmitted through the air via infected animal’s breath, although E. H Ruddock DVM states that “all dogs appear to carry the seeds of distemper in their system”.

Treatment Options:
Canine distemper is a serious disease and, when treated conventionally, 50% of dogs with distemper will die. Homeopathic vets see much better results however, thanks to Distemperinum. Due to the vast array of clinical symptoms produced by this disease, an experienced veterinary homeopath should be consulted immediately to determine the most appropriate remedy. “If the disease is noticed in the early stages, use of the potentised virus by itself may achieve spectacular results”(Macleod). Treatment of dogs who have survived distemper but exhibit ongoing symptoms of paralysis and seizure has been found effective and may include the use of such common remedies as Belladonna, Gelsemium, Conium and Causticum.

REASONS TO VACCINATE FOR DISTEMPER:
Distemper can have a high mortality rate, without access to a homeopathic vet.
The distemper vaccine is relatively effective. One dose given to a puppy over 16 weeks of age will protect
him within hours and last a lifetime.
Although no vaccine is safe, distemper is one of the less controversial vaccines.

REASONS NOT TO VACCINATE FOR DISTEMPER:
Distemper is a relatively rare disease.
Like many modified live vaccines, the distemper vaccine has been known to create the disease it was intended to prevent.
The distemper vaccine has been strongly linked to joint disease and arthritis – two increasingly common chronic diseases in dogs.
The risk of Vaccine Induced Autoimmune Disease is greater than the risk of distemper.
The distemper vaccine likely caused the parvovirus outbreaks in the 1970s.
The distemper vaccine may cause parvo in young puppies.
Maternal antibodies are likely to block the vaccine until 12-16 weeks of age.
Post Vaccinal Encephalitis is a recognized complication of the vaccine.
Vaccination suppresses the immune system for several days, increasing the puppy’s risk of developing disease.
The vaccine can cause persistent skin problems and allergies.
Distemper vaccination can create a chronic form of the disease, the symptoms of which include watery eyes and nose, chronic gastritis, hepatitis and pancreatitis, chronic diarrhea, food sensitivities, epilepsy and rear leg paralysis, spondylitis, lip fold dermatitis, allergic eruptions on the face, eruptions between the toes and a habit of licking the feet, interdigital dermatitis, kennel cough and bronchitis, lack of appetite and failure to thrive.

The Distemper Nosode: The nosode is generally thought to be the most effective and safe manner of prevention by qualified homeopathic vets. John Saxton MRCV presented research showing the distemper nosode ability to reduce an outbreak by around 65% in only five days with a reduction from 11.67% infected to 4.36%. When the entire population of the kennels’ results were analysed, an even higher success rate was reported with a drop from 8.05% to 2.81% (IJVH, Vol.5, 1, 1991).