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My dog has distemper. Is a lower fever a good sign for survival?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 18 days old | 48 lbs

Hi. My dog (9 months) got distemper. He had a fever yesterday but seems to have disappeared due to the vet's care; The dog was given dextrose. Is it a good sign? Willmy dog will live through it? Also, does distemper have a high chance of fatality? Thank you!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2017

Typically dextrose is given when their blood sugar is low. A low bloo sugar is a result of not eating and it can cause weakness and seizures. Distemper can be fatal. It has potential to cause respiraory symptomas and GI problems and in advanced cases it attacks the nervous system and cause a head bob and seizures. It is not always a fast progression, so they can be sick for weeks before getting better or worse. It is a viral infection so suportive care is all you do to wait for their body to fight the virus off. make sure the secondar bacterial infections stay under control with antibiotics, keep the fever under control and make sure they are eating and drinking well

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thanks for posting. I am sorry Vito has distemper. Distemper is a viral disease that is associated with a high fatality rate in puppies even with treatment. It can be very touch and go and prognosis is guarded to poor in most cases, especially in puppies (less than 1 year of age). It is a good sign the fever has dissipated, but it is hard to say without examining Vito what the outcome will be. I wish you and Vito the very best!

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