by Rachel Mcclain

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: September 26, 2010

Canine Distemper

The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is incurable and usually fatal. It belongs to the paramyxovirus family of viruses. It hits nearly all of the systems of the dog's body; including the respiratory, the gastrointestinal and the central nervous system. It effects dogs worldwide and in puppies from three-six months of age are especially susceptible. However, any dog that is unvaccinated and that comes into contact with an infected dog or with other carnivores is at risk.

Transmission of Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper is transmitted primarily through respiratory secretions and inhaled airborne particles. Dogs that are in recovery, even those that seem to have no symptoms, may transmit the disease through their respiratory secretions, for several weeks.

Symptoms of Canine Distemper

Fever (103-106F) first sign and can go unnoticed. This peaks at the first 3-6 days

Eye/Nose Discharge

Loss of Appetite (anorexia)

Diarrhea

Pneumonia

Vomiting

Ataxia (muscle incoordination)

Depression

Myoclnous (muscle twitching)

Paralysis

Paresis

Progressive Deterioration of Mental Ability

Seizure

Less common symptoms, and considered relatively minor in comparison are enamel hypoplasia (loss of the enamel on puppy teeth that haven't yet erupted) and hyperkeratosis (hardening of the footpads).

Diagnosing Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper is usually diagnosed by reviewing the dog's vaccine record, looking at symptoms and reviewing lab work. Unfortunately, there is no definitive lab test for the distemper virus. The veterinarian can do lab work to rule out other conditions or to look for signs that distemper is causing the dog's discomfort. For example:

Blood Tests: can show certain elevations of select white blood cell counts to indicate presence of infection

Imaging Studies: To show presence of pneumonia (though not necessarily canine distemper related).

Differential Diagnosis: Helps rule out other similar conditions with symptoms mirroring distemper.

Prognosis for Canine Distemper

A dog that has contracted canine distemper does not have a very good prognosis. Most will succumb to the virus within 2 weeks to 3 months. Most vets quarantine all animals with signs of distemper and recommend humane euthanasia for any animal that shows clear signs of the virus. It is possible for an animal to recover, but highly unlikely. If an animal recovers, he will not be contagious. However, it is possible for permanent central nervous system damage. If the dog suffered from muscle problems during the illness, he may not recover full use of those muscles, for example.

Treatment for Canine Distemper

Since there is no cure for canine distemper, the most that can be done is to treat the symptoms; that is to make the dog comfortable. If there is vomiting, the dog will be treated with antiemetic medication and monitored for dehydration. If there are seizures, anticonvulsants may be administered. And, the dog will be kept clean and dry, monitored for discharge from the eyes and nose.

Prevention of Canine Distemper

Vaccination is widely available for canine distemper. The two most common strains are the canine tissue-culture adapted vaccine and the chick embryo-adapted vaccine.

Sources:

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/distemper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_distemper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramyxoviridae

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