Golden officials are reminding residents to vaccinate their pets after a possible outbreak of distemper in the raccoon population.
The city has euthanized more than a dozen raccoons suspected of having distemper after the animals were found exhibiting unusual behavior, such as being active during daylight hours. Typically, only three to five of the nocturnal animals are euthanized a year.
“It seems to be tied to the weather. We’ve had a mild winter. In years when we’ve had a really snowy, cold winters we are less likely to have outbreaks,” said city spokesman Jonathan Ashford.
Distemper spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as nasal discharge, feces and urine. It may also be contracted from food and water contaminated with infected fluids. Alford recommended that people move their pets’ water inside.
Infected dogs typically develope a fever within three to six days, and a second fever shows up 11 to 12 days after the initial infection. Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss often follows, as well as muscle group twitching and seizures.
Puppies and older dogs infected with distemper are also susceptible to developing pneumonia and encephalitis.
The quicker a dog gets treatment, the better its chances are at surviving.
Karen Crummy: 303-954-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com
