Canine Distemper is the viral disease that occur due to CD virus or Canine Distemper Virus. Canine distemper is highly contagious that is spread from one dog to another dog. Distemper is fetal disease in dogs. There is no any fixed treatment of canine distemper in dogs.
Canine Distemper is also known as Old dog encephalitis, hardpad disease
Definition : Acute contagious viral disease of dogs which is characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract, high temperature, vesicles on skin and also on digestive tract and nervous symptoms are seen. This disease mostly occur in 3-6 month of dog age. Canine Distemper is the lethal disease that mostly effect the pups of age up to 6 months all the unvaccinated pups aged up to 1 year will suffer from this disease.
This disease is found in the worldwide in Canidae ( dogs, foxes, wolves ), Mustelidae ( including ferrets, mink and skunks ) and several other species of the wild animals. In the most cases of canine distemper develop after an animals breathe in the virus from the droplets of the moisture exhaled by an infected virus for several months after outward signs of the disease have passed.
Etiology / Causes / Reason : Canine Distemper In Dogs
Canine Distemper is caused by Morbilli virus or Canine Distemper Virus. This disease occur in pups of age up to 6 month of all the unvaccinated pups aged up to 1 year of age will suffer from this disease. Distemper is deadly disease mostly occur in puppies of dogs.
Transmission : Canine Distemper In Dogs
Most cases of canine distemper develop after an animal breathes in the virus from the droplets of the moisture exhaled by an infected animal ( aerosol route ) or spread from air. There are some infected dogs may spread the infectious virus for several months after the outward signs of the disease have passed. Transmission depends upon various factors following as :
1. Direct contact.
2. Contaminated feed and water.
3. By nasal discharge.
4. By inhalation.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper In Dogs
In acute stage there is a short fever usually occurs 3 to 6 days after infection. In this stage blood test report put the low value of white blood cell counts. Another acute stage symptom is anorexia ( loss of appetite ). Discharge from the nose and eyes, lethargy can be seen. Due to secondary bacterial infections gastrointestinal or respiratory signs appears. Overgrowth of the skin of the footpads ( hardpad disease ) can be seen. There is few neurological signs appears such as :
- Localized involuntary twitching of a muscles or group of the muscles involving legs and face muscles.
- Slight or complete paralysis, Failure of muscles coordination, followed by weakness and paralysis in all 4 legs.
- Convulsion ( Seizures ) with drooling and chewing movement of jaw ( Chewing gum fits ).
- Circling movement ( walking in a circle instead of a straight line ).
- A head tilt and nystagmus ( uncontrolled, rapid eye movements ).
Four forms of symptoms are seen in canine distemper.
1. Pneumonic Form :- All the pneumonic symptoms are seen i.e.
a) Painful, Harsh or dry cough.
b) Sneezing
c) Greenish nasal discharge
d) Dyspnea
e) Respiratory troubles and high temperature
2. Gastrointestinal Form :-
a) Constipation
b) Diarrhea
c) Vomiting
d) Emaciation
e) Brownish mucous membrane of digestive tract
f) Pain in abdomen and high temperature ( 107 Degree Fahrenheit )
3. Cutaneous Form :-
a) Pustules/ Vesicles / high temperature.
b) Papules formation on the belly of dog.
c) Scab formation
4. Nervous Form :-
a) Epilepsy
b) Epileptic convulsion
c) Tremors of muscles
d) Restless ness
e) Urination and defecation will be difficult
f) Tapping sound while walking
g) Chewing gum fits
Sequel :-
- Corneal opacity
- Paralysis of hind limbs
- Decreased smelling power
Diagnosis :
By history of age.
Symptoms – 4 types.
There is most important diagnosis point is that one test i.e. examined by immunofluorescent assay or reverse transcriptase ( RT ) PCR :
- Smears of conjunctival, tracheal, vaginal or other epithelium.
- The buffy coat of the blood.
- Urine sediment.
- Bone marrow aspirates.
Treatment – There is no any fixed treatment of Canine Distemper in dogs
Treatment is designed to limit bacterial invasion, support fluid balance and control nervous system problems. Antibiotics, fluids, pain medications and anticonvulsants are used as appropriate for the individual dogs. No any fix or single treatment of is specific or uniformly successful. There is no any fixed cure of this disease. If the neurologic signs are severe or continue to worsen, it may be appropriate to have the dog euthanized. If the progressive form of the neurologic distemper have responded to immune system treatment with anti – Inflammatory drugs or steroids.
Treatment Include : Based on symptomatic treatment
- Broad spectrum antibiotics.
- Balanced electrolyte solution.
- Parenteral nutrition.
- Antipyretics, Analgesics and Anticonvulsants.
- Good nursing care.
Prevention And Control : Canine Distemper In Dogs
Vaccination is the most widely used and the best available prevention for the canine distemper. Vaccination is more important for every dog to protect from this disease. Puppies should be vaccinated when they are 6 weeks old and then at 3 to 4 weeks intervals until they are 16 weeks old. Every type of treatment depend upon the symptoms and as per guidance of your vet.
Control :-
- Hygienic conditions
- Segregation of animals
- Vaccination