anine Distemper

Canine distemper is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs.

How is distemper spread?
puppy
Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne (by sneezing or coughing) exposure to the virus from infected dogs or wild animals. The virus can also spread through sharing food, water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for several months, and mother dogs can pass the virus to puppies through the placenta.

Because canine distemper also affects wildlife populations, contact between wild animals and domestic dogs can facilitate the spread of the virus.

Which dogs are at risk?
All dogs are at risk, but puppies under four months of age and dogs that have not been vaccinated against distemper are at higher risk for the disease.

What are the symptoms of canine distemper?
Initially, an infected dog will develop a watery to pus-like discharge from the eye. They then developed fever, runny nose, cough, lethargy, decreased appetite and vomiting. As the virus attacks the nervous system, infected dogs exhibit circling behavior, head tilt, muscle twitches, jaw chewing movements and salivation ("gum-chewing seizures") convulsions, seizures, and partial or complete paralysis. The virus can also cause the foot pads to thicken and harden, hence the name "hard pad disease."

In wild animals, distemper infection closely resembles rabies.

Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive often suffer permanent, irreparable neurological damage.

How is canine distemper diagnosed and treated?
Veterinarians can diagnose canine distemper through clinical manifestations and canine distemper virus test cards. There is no cure for distemper infection. Treatment usually includes supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections; controlling vomiting, diarrhea, and neurologic symptoms; and combating dehydration with fluid replacement. Dogs infected with distemper must be separated from other dogs to minimize the risk of further infection.

How to prevent canine distemper?
Vaccination is essential to prevent distemper.
When the immune system is not yet fully mature, puppies are given a series of vaccinations to increase the likelihood of building immunity.
Avoid gaps in your immunization schedule and make sure your distemper vaccine is up to date.
avoid contact with infected animals and wild animals
Be careful when socializing puppies or unvaccinated dogs in areas where dogs may congregate.