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Canine distemper virus causes a devastating disease in dogs that
have not been protected by vaccination. This virus can attack the
body in three ways. First, it attacks the upper and lower
respiratory systems causing coughing, discharge from the eyes and
nose, and often times pneumonia. Second, the virus can attack the
gastrointestinal system leading to lack of appetite, vomiting, and
diarrhea. Finally, the virus can attack the central nervous system
leading to ataxia (difficulty walking), seizures, and paralysis.
Frequently, these pets may exhibit minor seizures that involve the
muscles of the face or legs which lead to the description of
“chewing gum” seizures or “muscular ticks”.
Canine distemper virus is highly contagious to other dogs as well as
ferrets. The virus is present in the secretions of the mouth and
nose as well as in the feces, urine, and vomitus. The most common
roots of infection are by inhaling the virus or by licking a
contaminated surface. There is usually a delay of 2-10 days from the
time of contamination to the sign of clinical symptoms. Sometimes,
the respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms may be very mild and
then weeks later the pet may develop neurologic symptoms.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of canine distemper virus is a difficult task. The
test that we have available cannot always determine if the dog has
active canine distemper virus or not. Typically, we submit a test
that checks for the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream of the
pet that are directed against this virus. If antibodies are present,
and the pet has not been vaccinated previously, then there's a high
probability that this pet has canine distemper virus. However, there
is a period during the initial infection when antibodies may not be
present even though the dog may be infected with the virus. In these
cases, we may have to rely on the clinical symptoms and elimination
of other possible causes through additional testing (including blood
tests and x-rays) to determine that the pet has canine distemper
virus.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment to cure the dogs of canine distemper
virus. We can offer help in supporting the dogs through the
respiratory and gastrointestinal phases of the disease. This is
usually done with a combination of intravenous fluids, injections,
and oral drugs. Occasionally, we can help the neurological portion
of this disease with the aid of anticonvulsant medications.
Unfortunately, survival from this disease is very poor. Typically
only 10 percent of pets contracting this disease will survive
regardless of the types of therapy that are attempted. Those pets to
do survive may have residual neurological deficits such as muscular
switching, unstable gait, or intermittent seizure activity. Given
the poor prognosis of this disease, often times euthanasia may have
to be considered as a humane alternative to alleviate their
suffering.
Prevention:
Canine distemper virus is easily prevented through regular
vaccination programs which should begin when puppies are six weeks
of age, and are continued every three weeks until the puppies reach
16 weeks of age. Thereafter, yearly vaccination boosters are
required to maintain the immunity. Puppies better in the middle of
their vaccination sequence (less than 16 weeks of age) should be
kept isolated from any potential infectious sites such as parks,
streets, and other places where infected dogs may congregate. The
reason for this is that we cannot be certain that the dog is
protected until after 16 weeks of age.
Distemper virus can be eradicated from the environment using common
disinfected its such as Lysol or diluted bleach (one ounce per
quart). If you have an infected environment, it is best to keep
young puppies or non-vaccinated pets away from that environment for
a month or more after the diagnosis is made. |
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