Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs. The condition is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Dogs of all ages can contract canine distemper, although it is most common in young puppies with underdeveloped immune systems.
Causes of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is transmitted through direct contact with virus particles. Uninfected dogs can contract the virus by coming into contact with bodily fluids from an infected animal. Virus particles can also become airborne, and contaminate objects and surfaces. The disease is particularly prevalent in animal shelters and other areas where there are large numbers of unvaccinated dogs.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper
Symptoms of canine distemper can vary, and often mirror those of other conditions. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your dog displays any of the following signs and symptoms of canine distemper.
- Discharge from the eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Respiratory issues
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
Diagnosis of Canine Distemper
Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset of their symptoms. A complete physical examination will then be performed, along with diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. These tests will help your veterinarian rule out other underlying conditions and assess your pet’s overall health.
Diagnosis of canine distemper will usually be made based on clinical signs such as a low white blood cell count. In some cases, a fluorescent antibody test will be performed to reach a more conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment of Canine Distemper
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for canine distemper. For this reason, treatment will focus on supporting your dog’s overall condition and preventing secondary infections or other complications.
Dogs with canine distemper will usually be hospitalized and isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. During treatment, your veterinarian will administer medications and fluid therapy to help stabilize your pet’s condition.
Please be aware that canine distemper is often fatal despite treatment. However, it is possible for dogs with a strong immune system to make a full recovery. Because of the risk of ongoing symptoms, dogs that recover from canine distemper will need to be closely monitored. Please speak to your veterinarian for more information about protecting your dog’s health.
Prevention of Canine Distemper
Since canine distemper is highly contagious, it can be difficult to prevent your dog from coming into contact with it. The best way to protect your pet is by vaccinating them against the canine distemper virus. For this reason, the CDV vaccine is considered a core vaccine that should be administered to puppies and kept up to date with boosters throughout a dog’s lifetime.
The canine distemper vaccine is typically given in a combination vaccine that also protects your dog from other diseases. Please consult with your veterinarian to discuss vaccination options to protect your pet.
