Canine distemper is a highly contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. Canine distemper is a relative of the measles virus, which affects humans. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease. The virus is spread through the air and by direct or indirect (i.e. utensils, bedding) contact with an infected animal. It initially attacks a dog’s tonsils and lymph nodes and replicates itself there for about one week. Then attacks the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems often with fatal consequences.
Symptoms of distemper in dogs
In the initial stages of distemper in dogs, the major symptoms include high fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit), reddened eyes, and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. An infected dog will become lethargic and tired, and will usually become anorexic. A nagging cough, vomiting, and diarrhea may also be present. In the later stages of the disease, the virus starts attacking the other systems of the dog’s body, particularly the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are affected so the dog may start having fits, seizures, paralysis, and attacks of hysteria.
Canine distemper is sometimes also called “hard pad disease” because certain strains of the virus can cause an abnormal enlargement or thickening of the pads of an animal’s feet. In dogs or animals with weak immune systems, death may result two to five weeks after the initial infection.
Causes of distemper in dogs
The disease can be acquired from improperly attenuated vaccines, though this occurs very rarely. Bacterial infections of the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems may also increase an animal’s vulnerability to the disease. Non-immunized dogs that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal carry a particularly high risk of contracting the disease. Special care must be taken to protect new-born pups from exposure, since they are especially susceptible to the disease.
Treatment of distemper in dogs
Although recovery is possible, there is no cure for canine distemper. Treatment for the disease, therefore, is heavily focused on alleviating the symptoms. If the animal has become anorexic or has diarrhea, intravenous supportive fluids may be given. Discharge from the eyes and nose must be cleaned away regularly. Antibiotics can be prescribed to control the symptoms caused by a secondary bacterial infection, and phenobarbital or another anti-convulsant may be needed to control convulsions and seizures. There are no antiviral drugs that are effective in treating the disease. Fully recovered dogs do not spread or carry the virus.
Management of distemper in dogs
In the later stages of distemper in dogs, it is necessary to monitor for development of pneumonia or dehydration from diarrhea. The central nervous system (CNS) must also be monitored because seizures and other neural disturbances may occur. A dog’s chances for surviving canine distemper will depend on the strain of the virus and the strength of the dog’s immune system. Recovery is entirely possible, although seizures and other fatal disturbances to the CNS may occur two to three months after recovery.
Prevention
There are only two methods of prevention in regards to distemper in dogs: vaccinations as soon as the puppy is eligible and isolation of infected dogs.