Since Canine Distemper is caused by a virus, there is no specific "cure". Vaccination is still the absolute best way to "cure" Canine Distemper by preventive means. However, there are still many treatment options available to dogs that have been positively diagnosed with Canine Distemper.

Most of these treatment procedures are simply used to help treat the symptoms of Canine Distemper, and help dogs that are infected with this virus to have a better chance of survival.

1. INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS

Due to the severe gastrointestinal symptoms that often are present in dogs infected with CDV, it may be necessary to administer intravenous fluids on a regular basis to help minimize dehydration. Diarrhea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of Canine Distemper. Both of these symptoms can cause a severe fluid and electrolyte deficiency in infected dogs. To help replace the lost fluids and electrolytes, an intravenous supply of replacement fluids and electrolytes may be administered by a veterinarian.

2. ANTIBIOTICS

Since many dogs that are infected with CDV also develop secondary infections, antibiotics against these infections are often administered by a veterinarian. Many of the possible secondary infections that are associated with Canine Distemper can be extremely serious, and may actually cause death before the virus spreads. The reason that dogs with CDV are specifically susceptible to many secondary infections is because bacteria is able to take advantage of the damaged condition of the lining of the lungs and intestines. This is why a constant supply of antibiotics is often necessary to help minimize any secondary infections that may develop.

3. ANTI-SEIZURE MEDICATION

Anti-seizure medication is often used to control some of the more severe neurological symptoms that accompany the infection with CDV, such as seizures. When the disease has progressed to the neurological infection stage, it is extremely important that your dog be under constant supervision, either at the veterinary hospital or at home (depending on your veterinarian's recommendation). However, sometimes when neurological symptoms develop in conjunction with a positive diagnosis for Canine Distemper, there are a limited number of treatment options available (depending on the severity of the symptoms).

4. VITAMIN INJECTIONS

This treatment option is usually only necessary for dogs that are completely unable to eat or ingest vitamin supplements because of severe progression of the Canine Distemper Virus. This is also a primarily supportive treatment, since it will not provide a cure for Distemper. Vitamin injections are extremely important for dogs that are partially or completely debilitated, since it will help improve your dog's chances of surviving infection with the Canine Distemper Virus.

5. TREATMENT FOR DIARRHEA

Since this is a symptom of Canine Distemper that can become very severe, it may be necessary to provide a course of treatment specifically designed to minimize diarrhea. The most commonly used treatments for diarrhea include emollients, intestinal coatings, and anti-spasmodic agents. These treatments help to prevent and treat the symptom of diarrhea, which may also minimize the effects of dehydration that sometimes result from severe cases of diarrhea.