Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV) that attacks a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The lethality rate is extremely high!! Canine distemper
Phase 1:
The initial symptoms depend on the severity of the dog and the dog's response to the virus – fever; Runny nose; purulent discharge from the eyes; drowsiness; loss of appetite; Cough; Vomit; Diarrhoea; Pustule dermatitis (rare): inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Hyperkeratosis – Dogs who survive the acute phase of distemper disease may also experience hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and nose, which can cause the dog's foot pads to become stiff and enlarged, which can make it uncomfortable.
Secondary Illness – Viral infection may be accompanied by secondary bacterial infection, which may cause respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspnea, respiratory rate changes, and pneumonia.
Phase II:
As the disease progresses and the virus begins to attack the central nervous system, some dogs experience neurological symptoms such as: crooked head, partial or complete paralysis, seizures, nystagmus (repetitive eye movements), muscle twitching, drooling, sensitivity to light, etc.
Serious can lead to the death of the dog!
Note: Dogs infected with canine distemper can experience a variety of symptoms, often depending on how far the disease has progressed in their body. Some symptoms may take up to 14 days of infection, and neurological symptoms may be delayed and appear for months after infection.
1. Direct contact with the source of infection
Wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, wolves, coyotes, skunks, ferrets and martens can all get distemper.
Canine distemper can occur when a dog comes into contact with an infected animal or object, and if there is an outbreak of canine distemper in the local wildlife population, the dog is also at risk of infection.
2. It spreads through the air
Canine distemper can be caused by dogs exposed to infected urine, blood, saliva and respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, barking, etc., which can spread the virus into the environment).
Note:Canine distemper virus does not survive long in the environment and can be destroyed by most disinfectants.
When a dog is infected with canine distemper, it will spread the virus for several months, putting the surrounding dogs at risk of infection.
3. Through the placenta
Female dogs can also transmit the virus to their fetuses through the placenta.
Although there are dogs at risk of contracting canine distemper!! Dogs under 4 months of age; senior dogs; Dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper; stray dogs; Dogs in shelters.
Note: When the dog group is dense, it will be more conducive to the spread of the virus. Late autumn and winter are the seasons for distemper.
Clinical symptoms + biochemical tests
Samples of urine, blood, or bone marrow
Throat, nose or eye test strips
Foot pad biopsy
Canine distemper test card
Other incidental tests to rule out disease
Some dogs recover from distemper in 10 days.
Infection survival and support time depend on the specific type of virus and the strength of the dog's immunity.
1. Vaccinate against canine distemper
Puppies can be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks thereafter, until 16 weeks of age, immunity may last for 3 years or more, and it is necessary to confirm that the vaccinations are up to date and effective.
2. Avoid contact with infected animals or objects
Avoid contact with wild animals, stray dogs, and places where dogs gather, and clean items regularly.
3. Eat a healthy diet and exercise
Improve the dog's own resistance, although it cannot be directly prevented, but it can keep the dog healthy.
Dogs that survive will usually have permanent, unsatisfactory neurological damage, such as: epilepsy, muscle twitching, jaw spasm, brain damage, etc.
These diseases may not appear until after the dog is ** or when the dog is entering old age.