If the distemper virus is caught in the very early stages, there is a good chance for an otherwise healthy dog, to make a full recovery.
The disease may last for a period of around 10 days, but the onset of neurologic signs may be delayed for several weeks or months.
Vets treat the diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and neurological symptoms of the dog, as well as preventing any secondary infections that may manifest.
Distemper in dogs is often fatal, and those that do survive, may have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.
Sadly, there is no cure for canine distemper and treatment for acute neurologic manifestations of the distemper virus is frequently unsuccessful.