Diagnosis Diagnosis can be very difficult, especially in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the physical symptoms will usually lead to a diagnosis of distemper. If your dog is carrying distemper, euthanasia will most likely be necessary. Vaccinations are very effective at preventing this disease, especially when they have been started early and boosters are given according the vaccination schedule. Studies have shown that 76 percent of vaccinated puppies immunized with a modified live vaccine were successfully protected agains CDV at 6 weeks of age.
Prevention is the best cure.
Vaccinations for distemper contain a modified live virus. This means that the animal is being injected with a live form of the virus that is much less virulent, so your dog s body is easily able to mount an immune response against it and overcome the virus. This stimulation of the immune system will initiate higher levels of circulating antibodies against CDV, enabling the body to protect your dog against any possible subsequent exposure to the environmental form of the virus, which is much more virulent. Distemper vaccinations for puppies are recommended at 4 week intervals, from 8 to 16 weeks of age. These are followed by annual revaccinations, or boosters .