Distemper or Kennel Cough?

by Laura Guerrero
(Rosharon, Tx.)

Neighbors moved and left mother and puppy behind, of course my ten year old son brought him to me, he was flea infested, but really sweet and cute.

Bought Frontline for him, seemed to be doing well, also made an appointment at local HHS for vacs and to be spayed, 1st available 06/10/08, well on Wednesday I noticed his personality change, and his eyes were swollen with gunk in them, almost like when a human has an eye infection, and he wasn't eating and being happy.

That night he had the worst diarrhea I've ever seen. I took him to the Paws and Hoof Hospital down the street from the house, the doctor said he had a high fever, I was scared it was Parvo test was neg. Her concern was that he had either Kennel Cough or Distemper, she gave him fluids under the skin and medicine for his eyes and Clavamox 125mg, oh yeah he did prove pos for hook worms, also medicine for that.

And now just wait and see if he improves or start showing signs of chewing gum (seizures) well since yesterday he will eat chicken and broth some water, also been giving him Pedialyte through dropper, he does sneeze and watery brown fluid hits the floor, and sleeps a lot, have an appt. on Tuesday at 9:00 am, I want to hope he will pull through, he will eat the heck out of the chicken & broth and holds it down, he has not had a bowel movement yet and no signs of seizures, just sneezing.


Hi Laura
I'm sorry to hear about your poor little puppy! You don't say much about actual coughing, and with Kennel Cough there's usually a pretty pronounced cough.

Coughing can accompany Distemper too, but the severe discharge and the fact that he had a high fever (with Kennel Cough that's unusual) I would guess it's more likely our pup has Distemper. Your veterinarian can make a definite diagnosis by taking a skin biopsy.

If treated before the neurological problems (ie seizures) set in, there's a chance a pup can recover from Distemper, and it sounds as though you did get it early. Kennel Cough usually gets better by itself within 10 - 14 days.

The fact that he's eating is a good sign, and don't worry about him sleeping, it's giving his little body the rest it needs to fight whatever is making him sick.

I wish you the best of luck with him and really hope he recovers!