Dec 4, 2024
Canine distemper is one of the dangerous diseases dogs can have. The good news is that the disease is preventable through vaccination, but unvaccinated dogs or those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Having a good understanding of canine distemper will go a long way in helping protect our dogs. Knowing how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and what steps to take to protect your dogs can make all the difference in safeguarding their health. To help you get started, here’s a quick guide.
What is Distemper in Dogs?
Canine distemper is a severe and often fatal viral disease from the canine distemper virus, a paramyxovirus. This virus is closely related to the culprit of measles in humans, but its effects on dogs are far more devastating.
CDV is a multi-systemic virus, meaning it doesn’t limit itself to one part of the body. Instead, it spreads through the bloodstream, targeting critical systems like the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, leaving widespread damage in its wake.
What makes distemper so insidious is its ability to disguise itself in its early stages. The initial symptoms are mild, showing no urgency or need for immediate treatment. However, as the disease progresses, it does so rapidly and becomes a serious issue once it creates neurological problems.
How Does Canine Distemper Spread?
Canine distemper is highly contagious, spreading quickly among dogs and even to certain wild animals. Here’s how your dog can contract the distemper virus:
Respiratory Droplets
When a dog infected with the distemper virus sneezes, coughs, or barks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. Nearby dogs can inhale these droplets, allowing the virus to enter their nasal passages and throat.
Bodily Fluids
Canine distemper virus is also present in saliva, nasal discharge, urine, and feces of infected animals. If a healthy dog comes into direct contact with these fluids, whether by sniffing, licking, or stepping on contaminated surfaces, they risk becoming infected.
Contaminated Surfaces
The virus can survive on shared objects and items. Things like food bowls, bedding, toys, and even human hands can carry the virus for short periods. Dogs exposed to these surfaces can contract the virus if they touch these areas.
Wild Animals
Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and ferrets can carry the distemper virus, acting as a reservoir for the virus. Dogs that roam in areas where these animals are present are at increased risk of exposure.
Dogs at Risk of Distemper
The number one risk factor is the lack of vaccination. Puppies and adult dogs that haven’t been vaccinated are highly vulnerable to the virus. Puppies rely on antibodies from their mother’s milk for protection during their first few weeks of life. As these antibodies wane, unvaccinated puppies become vulnerable to distemper.
Shelters, boarding facilities, and dog parks can become hotspots for the distemper virus to spread and infect other dogs. In these areas, the virus can easily cause trouble for dogs, especially for those dogs who are malnourished, sick, stressed, and incapable of fighting off the virus once exposed.
Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs
The effects of canine distemper will depend based on your dog’s condition. These symptoms often appear in stages, starting from the mildest ones.
Early Symptoms
The initial signs of canine distemper are often subtle and can be mistaken for less serious illnesses, such as kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection. Here are some of the earliest signs you’ll notice.
Fever
One of the earliest signs of distemper is fever, which often occurs in two phases. The first fever may be mild and transient, going unnoticed, followed by a more significant fever that coincides with the appearance of other symptoms.
Eye Discharge
Clear, watery discharge from the eyes is a hallmark early symptom. Over time, the discharge may become thick and yellowish due to secondary bacterial infections.
Nasal Discharge
Dogs may develop a runny nose with mucus that starts clear but can progress to thicker, yellow-green mucus as the condition worsens.
Lethargy
Affected dogs often appear tired, unwilling to play, or reluctant to engage in normal activities. This general lack of energy is a big indicator that your dogs are feeling unwell.
Loss of Appetite
Dogs may lose interest in their usual food, which can lead to rapid weight loss and less energy for physical activities and exercise.
Respiratory Symptoms
As the virus spreads, it begins to target the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation. Respiratory symptoms include:
Persistent Coughing
Dogs may develop a dry cough that is sometimes mistaken for kennel cough. As the condition progresses, the coughing may become more productive, with mucus or phlegm being involved and expelled.
Labored Breathing
Difficulty breathing or wheezing can occur, particularly if the infection progresses to pneumonia, a common complication of distemper.
Thick Nasal Discharge
By this stage, the nasal discharge will be more overwhelming, making it uncomfortable for the dog to breathe.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Distemper can also progress to affect other systems in a dog’s body, such as its gastrointestinal tract.
Vomiting
Sudden, persistent vomiting can result in loss of essential fluids and electrolytes. As a result, dehydration is to be expected.
Diarrhea
Loose stools and persistent diarrhea are common signs of gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, the presence of blood can be a possible outcome.
Dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhea combined can cause rapid dehydration. Once this happens, the dog’s entire body will take a massive hit.
Neurological Symptoms
The most severe and distressing symptoms of canine distemper arise when the virus reaches the nervous system.
Muscle Twitching
Involuntary jerking or twitching, usually in specific areas like the jaw or legs, is a common sign of neurological involvement.
Seizures
Seizures can range from mild tremors to full-body convulsions. In some cases, dogs may exhibit “chewing” fits, where their jaw appears to be chewing uncontrollably.
Ataxia
Affected dogs may stumble, fall, or display an unsteady gait due to a loss of coordination. You’ll also notice that they’ll become clumsier than ever.
Paralysis
Partial or complete paralysis of the limbs, or even the facial muscles, can occur in severe cases. This can drastically affect a dog’s quality of life.
Behavioral Changes
Dogs with advanced distemper may exhibit unusual aggression, confusion, increased sensitivity to light or sound, or other behavioral abnormalities.
Diagnosing Canine Distemper
Diagnosing canine distemper can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses, such as kennel cough, parvovirus, or respiratory infections. Here’s how we do it:
Clinical Evaluation
A physical examination is the first step we take when diagnosing a disease in dogs. For distemper, it’s also the most effective way to know the next steps to take. By taking note of the symptoms, we can determine the possible diseases your dog is experiencing.
We may also ask questions regarding your dog’s activity, especially if it has been hanging out in boarding facilities and daycares.
Laboratory Testing
Once distemper is suspected, the veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests to confirm the infection:
Blood Tests
A complete blood count can tell the number of white blood cells, which can indicate problems such as distemper in dogs. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers may also suggest the presence of an infection.
Antibody Testing
Antibody testing will help detect the presence of certain antibodies to diagnose distemper in dogs. A rising level of specific antibodies over time may indicate an active infection.
Biopsy
Another way to determine the presence of the virus is through biopsies. By obtaining samples from the dog’s paw pad, vets can examine this under a microscope and diagnose distemper.
Treating Distemper in Dogs
Treating canine distemper is a complex process, as there is no direct cure for the virus itself. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and supporting the dog’s immune system as it fights off the infection.
Medications
While there is no antiviral medication specifically for the canine distemper virus, our vets use a variety of drugs to manage symptoms and combat secondary infections.
Antibiotics
Secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, skin infections, or gastrointestinal infections, are common in dogs with weakened immune systems. While we cannot directly cure the virus, we can cure any secondary infections.
Anticonvulsants
Neurological symptoms like seizures are among the most serious complications of distemper. Medications such as phenobarbital or diazepam may be used to control seizures.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs
In cases where severe inflammation is causing discomfort or neurological symptoms, corticosteroids may be used cautiously to reduce swelling and inflammation. However, their use is balanced carefully, as they can suppress the immune system further.
Antiemetics and Antidiarrheals
To help fix the issue of persistent vomiting and diarrhea, antiemetics and antidiarrheals will be prescribed. By doing so, we can manage your dog’s hydration levels effectively.
Supportive Care
Neurological symptoms represent the most severe manifestations of distemper. Managing these problems requires a combination of different methods and procedures.
Seizure Control
Seizures may initially be managed with anti-seizure medications such as diazepam or phenobarbital. Your dog will be constantly monitored after the medicine’s administration.
Physical Therapy
For dogs with paralysis or mobility issues, physical therapy is a great way to maintain muscle strength and improve coordination. Hydrotherapy may also be used for low-impact rehabilitation.
Fluid Therapy
IV fluids help keep your dog’s hydration levels at a good level. By doing so, this can help your dog recover from the constant vomiting and diarrhea.
The Importance of Vaccination for Distemper in Dogs
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent canine distemper. The distemper vaccine is a core part of routine immunizations for dogs and is often combined with other vaccines in a single shot, such as the DHPP vaccine.
Puppies should receive their first-ever distemper vaccine at six to eight weeks old. This will be followed up in two to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
Adult dogs require regular booster shots, typically every one to three years, depending on your dog’s condition recommendation and the vaccine used.
Conclusion
Canine distemper is a devastating disease, but your dogs can be protected with awareness and proactive measures. The most effective way to protect your dog is through timely vaccination. With this simple preventive step, your dog can stay happy and healthy.