Cosmo’s recovery from distemper

Kara Ritenour is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

For many years I have wanted to adopt a rescue dog. On July 16, 2023 we finally did just that and got our boy from a rescue in Bellingham Washington. He was quiet and sleepy and we thought nothing of it as we shopped for him and took him home.

The rescue informed us of kennel cough going around and gave us some medication to take home. After giving it things never improved.

I took him to the vet a week later and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. And again a week later he never improved.

I was at my wits end and confused as he stopped eating had bloody stool and continued to just sleep all day everyday.

Finally his Vet realized it could be distemper based on me telling her another puppy from his litter was also sick. We tested and the result as positive and well has positive for Giardia and ova/para over 50 eggs sampled.

Distemper at a glance:

Has no cure
Virus that attacks his entire body
Starts with respiratory issues (his cough and pneumonia
Only 20% of puppies survive
Can lead to seizures, paralysis, permanent damage to the neurological system and brain

Cosmo has fought hard for 4 weeks and is having slight ticks of seizures in his face.

He is a fighter and will be having to go through supportive care and recovery for several months and several vet visits and medication. Any support is greatly appreciated!