Canine Distemper
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly
contagious and serious disease
caused by a virus that attacks the
respiratory, gastrointestinal, and,
often, the nervous systems of
puppies and dogs. The virus also
infects wild canids (e.g. foxes,
wolves, coyotes), raccoons, skunks,
and ferrets.
How is Canine Distemper virus spread?
Puppies and dogs usually become infected through airborne
exposure to the virus contained in respiratory secretions of an infected dog or wild animal. Outbreaks of distemper tend
to be sporadic. Because canine distemper also affects wildlife
populations, contact between wild canids and domestic dogs
may facilitate spread of the virus.
What dogs are at risk?
All dogs are at risk but puppies younger than four months
old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine
distemper are at increased risk of acquiring the disease.
What are some signs of Canine Distemper?
The first sign of distemper is eye discharge that may appear
watery to pus-like. Subsequently, dogs develop fever, nasal
discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting,
and diarrhea. In later stages, the virus may attack the nervous
system, bringing about seizures, twitching, or partial or
complete paralysis. Occasionally, the virus may cause footpads
to harden. Distemper is often fatal. Even if a dog does not
die from the disease, canine distemper virus can cause
irreparable damage to a dog’s nervous system. Distemper is
so serious and the signs so varied that any sick dog should
be taken to a veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis.
How is Canine Distemper diagnosed and treated?
Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper on the basis of
clinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug
is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment
consists primarily of efforts to prevent secondary infections;
control vomiting, diarrhea, or neurologic symptoms; and
combat dehydration through administration of fluids. Ill
dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and
be separated from other dogs.
How is Canine Distemper prevented?
Vaccination and avoiding contact with infected animals are
key elements of canine distemper prevention. Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very susceptible
to infection, particularly because the natural immunity
provided in their mothers’ milk may wear off before the
puppies’ own immune systems are mature enough to fight
off infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine distemper virus
during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional
concern is that immunity provided by a mother’s milk may
interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This
means even vaccinated puppies
may occasionally succumb to
distemper. To narrow gaps in
protection and optimally defend
against canine distemper during
the first few months of life, a
series of vaccinations is
administered.
Until a puppy has received its
complete series of vaccinations,
pet owners should use caution
when taking their pet to places
where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops, parks, puppy
classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and grooming
establishments). Reputable establishments and training
programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies
and dogs.
To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that
their dog’s distemper vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your
veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program for
your canine companion.
Contact with known infected dogs should always be avoided.
Similarly, contact with raccoons, foxes, skunks, and other
potentially infected wildlife should be discouraged.
* The above information was provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association. |
