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Canine distemper is often fatal

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  • Originally published July 5, 2008 at 1:09 a.m., updated July 5, 2008 at 1:09 a.m.

Q: What is canine distemper?

A: Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease, that is incurable and often fatal. Young non-vaccinated puppies between three and six months are most susceptible. Distemper is a virus that can be controlled through vaccinations.

Distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. The most common mode of transportation is from airborne viral particles that are inhaled.

Infected dogs shed the virus through bodily secretions especially respiratory discharge. Canine distemper is common in wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks and foxes.

The early symptoms are not as noticeable as later symptoms. Fever, loss of appetite, and eye inflammation may only last a day or two. The symptoms usually progress to discharge from the eyes and nose, diarrhea, vomiting and pneumonia.

As distemper falls into late stages inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can cause complications such as depression, muscle incoordination, muscle spasms, paralysis and seizures. One type of seizure that is unique to distemper is referred to as “chewing fits” because the dog appears to be chewing gum.

The prognosis of a distemper infected dog depends on the strain of distemper and the animals immune response. Consult with your veterinarian with any questions about canine distemper. The mortality rate is approximately 50 percent.

Supportive treatment and antibiotics to clear secondary infections that arise are the only treatments available at this time. Recovering dogs can continue to shed the virus for several weeks after their symptoms disappear. Prevention by vaccinating is the best approach.

Dr. John Beck has a veterinary practice at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Victoria. Submit questions to Dr. Beck at drjohnbeck@hotmail.com.



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