Canine distemper is a multi-systemic viral disease that is contagious, incurable and most often fatal. It is caused by the canine distemper virus or CDV that affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and the central nervous system. Is distemper deadly to your pet’s health? Yes it can be, if your pet is not duly vaccinated. Read on to find more about canine distemper and how to protect your pet from the deadly virus.
Transmission
Canine distemper virus is shed through the bodily secretions, especially respiratory secretions of infected dogs and transmitted as airborne viral particles. Generally, puppies and dogs get infected when they are exposed to the airborne CDV. While all dogs are susceptible to CDV, puppies between 3 and 6 months old and non-immunized adult dogs are more susceptible and more likely to die.
Canine distemper symptoms are numerous and varied. The CDV once inhaled starts to spread rapidly infecting all lymphoid organs in just about 5 days. In about 9 days the virus enters the blood and spreads to the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems where it starts to cause damage that triggers the symptoms of canine distemper.
The initial symptoms include fever, eye and nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses the symptoms become more severe and include depression, progressive deterioration of mental abilities and motor skills, twitching, seizures and partial or complete paralysis.
Canine distemper is most often fatal and even if it is not the CDV can bring about irreparable damages to the nervous system.
Diagnosis
Distemper in canines is very difficult to diagnose as most of the symptoms are also common to many other diseases. Generally, canine distemper is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, vaccination history and various laboratory tests that might include blood tests and radiology.
There are no known cures for distemper. So, treatment is only supportive and given to address the symptoms. Several medications might be prescribed like anti-emetics for vomiting, antibiotics or bronchodilators for pneumonia and anticonvulsants to control seizures.
It is important to monitor your pet closely for any signs of dehydration as dogs that have appetite problems along with diarrhea and vomiting might require re-hydration therapy. Try to keep their nose and eyes clear of discharge. Providing a comfortable environment that is warm, clean and free from any draft is recommended. Affected dogs must be provided appropriate medical care and should be isolated from other dogs.
Prevention
Canine distemper might be incurable but it can be prevented. Timely vaccinations and keeping your dog away from infected animals are the most important preventive measures that you can take.
Vaccination is very important. Young puppies are vulnerable to infection and have to be duly vaccinated. Sometimes, even vaccinated puppies might be infected as the immunity they receive from their mother’s milk might interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. So, usually a series of canine distemper vaccinations are administered during the first few months of a dog’s life. Consult your vet for an appropriate vaccination program for your puppy.
For adult dogs, make sure that their distemper vaccinations are up to date and even if it is, it is always better to avoid contact with any infected dogs.
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