CANINE DISTEMPER

Distemper is a HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS disease of dogs, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, mink, and ferrets.  It is caused by a virus that is easily spread by contact with mucous and watery secretions discharged from the eyes and noses of infected dogs.  Infection may also occur from exposure to urine, fecal material, and through the air—much like the cold virus spreads in people.

Though the disease occurs more often in young dogs, those of any age may contract distemper.  This is especially true of animals under stress or those that are relatively isolated from other dogs.  Distemper is 90%  FATAL  in dogs.   THERE IS NO CURE OR TREATMENT FOR DISTEMPER.  Of the dogs that do survive the disease, many will suffer PERMANENT DAMAGE to the nervous system (brain and spinal cord).  Partial or total paralysis may often result, or they may be left with uncontrollable muscle or limb jerking  and/or periodic convulsions.  SEIZURES often occur which become more frequent and severe as the disease progresses.  Most dogs that develop these signs must be euthanized.

Cats are NOT susceptible to Canine Distemper.  The so-called “Cat Distemper” is a different disease caused by a different virus.

Signs of Distemper include squinting, congestion of the eyes, runny eyes and nose, and animals may or may not be feverish.  Weight loss, vomiting, poor appetite, and diarrhea sometimes occur.  Bronchitis and pneumonia often occur.  In some cases, no signs are observed until seizures begin.  Occasionally the virus affects the foot pads resulting in “hard pads”.

THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE TEST FOR DISTEMPER.  Serology (testing a blood sample) can test for levels of antibody (IgM and IgG) titres.   If both types of antibodies come back with high titres, and the pet has not been vaccinated within the past couple of weeks, then a high suspicion for distemper exists.  High IgG levels indicate the magnitude of response.  Occasionally vaccines can cause high titres.  High IgM titres indicate active infection.  This test is NOT DEFINITIVE. 

Prevention is easily accomplished by proper vaccination beginning when the pup is 6-8 weeks of age.  A series of immunizations must be given to achieve proper immunity.  Yearly boosters are also required to keep proper immunity as an adult.

Treatment is aimed at supporting general health and preventing bacterial infections.  There are currently NO drugs available to kill the virus, just as there are no drugs to kill most of the viruses affecting people.  Medications are used to strengthen the pup’s body to help it fight the virus.  Recovery often takes 6-8 weeks before it can be assumed the dog will not be left with any  permanent damage affecting the brain.  Many dogs appear to respond well to the initial medications, but then later develop seizures or twitches.