My puppy has distemper and isn't improving. Is it time to say goodbye?

Question

I am in Mexico and rescued a puppy. She has been very sick for the past week with distemper and is in the vets on a drip. She has no energy, can't stand or open her eyes, has discharge in her eyes and nose, is uncoordinated, can't eat and just sleeps all the time. We have tried lots of different medication but she doesn't seem to be getting better. I don't know if it's best to give her a few more days to fight it or it is kinder to put her to sleep? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 8 days old | 17.6 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

This is such a difficult decision to make, and ultimately I think it would be a better question for your vet. They know the particulars of her case and have probably noticed trends in her recovery. Distemper is a devastating disease, and sometimes dogs that make it through the acute respiratory phase go on to develop devastating neurologic symptoms. If she has truly shown no improvement it may be best to end her suffering. On the other hand she may need a little more time to improve. Distemper can also be very expensive to treat, so if finances are (understandably) playing a role you should let your vet know this as well. You could also give an arbitrary time frame to see if she improves 24-48 hours or so. There are no wrong answers in a situation like this.

My puppy has distemper and isn't improving. Is it time to say goodbye?

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