Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is one of the most significant
and highly contagious viral diseases of dogs. The virus
targets various organ systems all at the same time in an
animal’s body adding to its severity. It is caused by a
paramyxovirus, a type of virus that causes measles in
humans and rinderpest in hoofed-animals such as cattle.
Canine distemper affects dogs at any age. Cats, skunks,
and binturong are some other animals that are also susceptible
to the canine distemper virus.
Transmission of the Distemper Virus
The canine distemper virus is spread in many
ways. An infected animal can easily shed the virus
through exhalation implying that the virus is transmitted via
air. The virus is also shed through other bodily
secretions and excretions such as urine and feces.
Younger dogs are more vulnerable canine distemper than older
dogs because of their under developed immune
systems.
Signs and Symptoms of Canine Distemper
What canine distemper is in terms of symptoms maybe
confused with other diseases due to its universal and wide
range clinical manifestations. Common symptoms are either
gastrointestinal (such as vomiting, decrease in appetite,
and diarrhea) or respiratory in nature (difficulty in
breathing). Transient fever or dramatic and sporadic
increases in body temperature is a telltale sign of the
infection. Behavioral changes include lethargy, weakness, and
depression. Neurological signs may also be seen such as
muscle twitching especially near the mouth and legs.
Seizures and paralysis may occur in severe cases. A more
or less unique skin sign in dogs with canine distemper is the
hardening of footpads and nose pad most evident in older
dogs. Sudden death is not uncommon with this
disease.
Diagnosis of Canine Distemper
Aside from signs and symptoms, laboratory diagnostic
examinations such as blood tests are recommended to detect and
confirm the disease and its severity. Actual viral
isolation and identification is also possible depending on the
capacity of a laboratory.
Prevention of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is rampant in unvaccinated dog
population. Many industrialized countries having
implemented great vaccination programs against the disease have
successfully controlled the virus from spreading.
Vaccination of young dogs begins as early as 6 weeks of
age. Booster shots are administered yearly to ensure and
maintain the antibodies against the virus. Basic proper
hygiene and sanitation such as the use of standard
disinfectants is sufficient to kill the canine distemper
virus. Infected animals should also be quarantined from
other animals.
Treatment of Canine Distemper
Similar with other viral diseases there is no direct
treatment for canine distemper. Moreover, treatment
becomes irrelevant provided that preventive measures are
performed. Early detection of the disease is also important to
increase the chances of recovery. Once a dog has been
infected, a dog owner can only offer supportive treatment and
hope for the best. Antibiotic therapy may also be
prescribed to lessen any detrimental effects of opportunistic
secondary bacterial infections. Recovery may be
absolute. However, in most cases, despite being provided
with the utmost care, lingering debilitating signs do persist
throughout the animal’s life such as involuntary muscle
twitching.