Canine Distemper Symptoms and Prevention

Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus and is extremely contagious between dogs. In the initial stage it is often mistaken for kennel cough and care should be taken in its diagnosis. It is most often seen in young stray dogs who have not been vaccinated against the disease.

The virus is airborne. Initially it affects the lymph glands in the throat and spreads to the lungs, and then infects the whole of the lymphatic system. The first sign, within a week of primary infection, is of pyrexia or a raised temperature. The dog will have a purulent discharge from its from its eyes and nose and will have a persistent cough.

Within two to four weeks he will have vomiting and diarrhoea and pneumonia as the virus spreads, weakening the dog's autoimmune system and making him vulnerable to further bacterial infection. The brain and central nervous system will then become involved, leading to possible blindness, brain irritability and muscle weakness. If the dog is very young he may develop enamel hypoplasia, or loss of the tooth enamel.

Treatment success depends upon the timing of veterinary intervention. If caught in the primary stage the prognosis is likely to be good, whereas further into the development of the disease, care will need to be more intensive and it will be down to the dog's own state of autoimmunity whether he manages to pull through.

The virus is killed by most disinfectants; careful cleaning of his immediate surroundings and bedding will be help to lessen the risk of cross infection. He needs to be fed good quality food together with multivitamins so as to build up his immune system to help him fight the virus. Careful cleaning of his nose and eyes will help to lessen his discomfort.

Severe disease will require intensive treatment, with fluid replacement to counteract dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea. A clean, well ventilated but warm environment is necessary and in the case of severe congestion a humidifier nearby will help his breathing. Antibiotics will be helpful in fighting secondary bacterial infections including the pneumonia, and frequent cleaning of his nose and eyes with a swab and warm saline (salt water) will make him more comfortable. Central nervous system involvement, such as blindness, may require steroid treatment. Enamel hypoplasia can be treated with re-enamelling.

Vaccination is crucial for all dogs from puppyhood at around twelve weeks. However as the mother will often have acquired or been given immunity through regular vaccination, the puppy's immune status should be checked following weaning. Vaccination given whilst he is still carrying the mother's immunity will make vaccination ineffective, but otherwise he should be started on regular annual vaccinations.

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