Canine health has hit a snag in Lancaster as the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) confirms cases of distemper in dogs at its local Animal Care Center (ACC). This news follows several dogs showing up with symptoms that suggest the presence of this highly infectious virus in the community, putting our four-legged friends at risk, especially those younger than four months and those yet to be vaccinated. The disease is formidable, capable of wreaking havoc on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of canines, with a startling fatality rate—it claims around 50% of its victims, as per the details by the County of Los Angeles.
Symptoms that should raise red flags include ocular and nasal discharge, fever, coughing, and lethargy, in conjunction with gastrointestinal distress like vomiting and diarrhea, which can eventually progress into more dire neurological signs such as convulsions and a troubling head tilt. According to the announcement, the distemper virus spreads through airborne exposure from a dog or wild animal, as well as by sharing contaminated food and water bowls. With an incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks, symptoms may lie dormant and only become noticeable 4 to 5 weeks post-exposure.
The solution offered by DACC is simple: vaccination. As Marcia Mayeda, Director of DACC, stated, "Our priority is the health and safety of the animals in our care and the pets in our community." They recommend ensuring your pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations and to consult with your vet if your dog begins to display any signs of illness. DACC's veterinarians are remaining vigilant, overseeing the condition of dogs in their centers, and maintaining rigorous cleaning protocols to curb the spread of the virus. Additionally, boosters are being administered to dogs housed at their facilities beyond two weeks to bolster their defenses against distemper.
For more information about DACC and resources available to local pet owners, visit their website or check out their social media presence. And for those looking to lend a supportive hand, donations to assist DACC's efforts can be made through the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation.
