|
What You Should Know About Canine Distemper August 2003 |
|
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. 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 and
domestic canids may facilitate spread of the virus. 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. 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. 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. 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.
This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association. |
