Canine Distemper
When you bring your dog to the veterinarian, one of the preventative care measures generally recommended is a vaccination against a complex of viruses. That includes the canine distemper virus. Many veterinary hospitals around the world utilize a vaccine that also protects against canine parvovirus: Another similarly dangerous viral infection which we mentioned in the previous blog.
What is Canine Distemper?
Symptoms
Symptoms of canine distemper vary. Many animals have respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing or nasal discharge, while some have vomiting or diarrhoea. Some animals have seizures when the nervous system has been affected. One hallmark of the infection is hyperkeratosis, meaning thickening of the paw pads.
Spreading
Animals can spread canine distemper through several mechanisms. Usually, the virus is spread through direct contact, but respiratory secretions can also spread the virus, such as when a dog sneezes.
Effects
Unfortunately, many animals that get infected with this viral disease end up dying from complications. In pets that recover from the initial viral infection, lifelong neurologic conditions, such as recurrent seizures, may occur.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of canine distemper often requires a specialized test performed at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. When multiple body systems are affected or hyperkeratosis is found upon physical examination, your pet’s veterinarian may suspect canine distemper.
Treatment
Unfortunately, as with many viral infections, there are no direct treatments for dogs with canine distemper. Instead, supportive care is utilized. Many dogs need to be hospitalized and receive IV fluids and care. While antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, they may be used to help treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections, which are especially common in animals with canine distemper.
Other medications may be used to treat symptoms of canine distemper infection, such as anti-diarrheal medications or anti-nausea medications, such as Maropitant or Cerenia. In dogs with neurologic signs, such as seizures, anti-seizure medication is also employed, such as Diazepam. Dogs that survive initial infection are often placed on long-term anti-seizure medication to control symptoms.
Vaccination and Prevention
Canine distemper is a devastating disease found throughout the world. Fortunately, there are highly effective vaccines available on the market. Many of these also protect against other highly infectious diseases, such as canine parvovirus.
In most cases, puppies start receiving canine distemper vaccines when they are between 6 and 8 weeks of age. The vaccine boosters are traditionally given every 3 to 4 weeks until puppies are at least 16 weeks old. In most cases, a series of at least 3 vaccines are used. Depending on your dog’s risk factors, the area where you live, and the vaccine that your veterinarian uses, you should booster your dog’s canine distemper vaccine every 1 or 3 years.
Vaccinating is the most important thing you can do to prevent infection in domesticated dogs. Because wildlife and stray dogs may also be carriers for infection, dogs should be supervised and contact with potentially infected animals should be minimized.
In Summary
While canine distemper was a relatively common viral infection in dogs, the widespread use of vaccines has helped greatly diminish the occurrence of infection in many areas. Your veterinarian can help you determine how often your dog needs to receive the vaccination based on risk factors such as possible exposure. If your veterinarian suspects infection with canine distemper, intensive supportive care will likely be needed to give your dog the best chance at recovery.
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