| Distemper Race Foster, DVM Marty Smith, DVM Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. |
Canine distemper is a paramyxovirus, which appear very similar to the
paramyxovirus causing human measles. The virus in the canine can affect
a wide range of organs including the skin, brain, eyes, intestinal and
respiratory tracts. The virus is transmitted through the air in addition
to body secretions such as urine. Dogs of any age can be affected, however,
most are puppies less than 6 months of age.
What are the symptoms?
Distemper virus can affect many systems of the body. The most common signs
are nasal and eye discharge, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. Mildly
affected dogs may only cough and be misdiagnosed as "kennel cough." Others may
develop pneumonia. Puppies that recover may have severe enamel damage. The
nose and foot pads of the young dog may become thickened, hence the nickname
"hardpad disease."
What are the risks?
Distemper is serious and can spread rapidly through a kennel, especially if
unvaccinated individuals are present. Not all patients will die, however, a
significant number may. Dogs of every age are susceptible, however, the
very young and old have the highest death rate. Death rates may be as high
as 75%. It is erroneously believed by some that all older dogs have a natural
immunity. Although some may have immunity, many do not. Patients that recover
from distemper may suffer permanent damage to vision as well as the nervous
system. Puppies which recover can have severely mottled teeth due to abnormalities of the developing enamel.
How is canine distemper treated and prevented?
There is no specific treatment for canine distemper. Therapy is largely supportive. Intravenous fluids are
administered to prevent dehydration. Anti-seizure medications can be used if neurologic signs develop.
Excellent vaccines have been developed to prevent distemper. The vaccines have been widely used for many
years and have made significant strides in reducing the frequency of this disease. In the past, vaccines
comprised of the human measles virus were occasionally utilized as a preventive. Using measles vaccines is a
seldom practiced procedure today. Excellent vaccines with minimal side effects are available to give to puppies
and dogs of every age. It must be emphasized that many older dogs do not develop a life long immunity to
distemper. The vaccinations should be given yearly for life.
paramyxovirus causing human measles. The virus in the canine can affect
a wide range of organs including the skin, brain, eyes, intestinal and
respiratory tracts. The virus is transmitted through the air in addition
to body secretions such as urine. Dogs of any age can be affected, however,
most are puppies less than 6 months of age.
What are the symptoms?
Distemper virus can affect many systems of the body. The most common signs
are nasal and eye discharge, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. Mildly
affected dogs may only cough and be misdiagnosed as "kennel cough." Others may
develop pneumonia. Puppies that recover may have severe enamel damage. The
nose and foot pads of the young dog may become thickened, hence the nickname
"hardpad disease."
What are the risks?
Distemper is serious and can spread rapidly through a kennel, especially if
unvaccinated individuals are present. Not all patients will die, however, a
significant number may. Dogs of every age are susceptible, however, the
very young and old have the highest death rate. Death rates may be as high
as 75%. It is erroneously believed by some that all older dogs have a natural
immunity. Although some may have immunity, many do not. Patients that recover
from distemper may suffer permanent damage to vision as well as the nervous
system. Puppies which recover can have severely mottled teeth due to abnormalities of the developing enamel.
How is canine distemper treated and prevented?
There is no specific treatment for canine distemper. Therapy is largely supportive. Intravenous fluids are
administered to prevent dehydration. Anti-seizure medications can be used if neurologic signs develop.
Excellent vaccines have been developed to prevent distemper. The vaccines have been widely used for many
years and have made significant strides in reducing the frequency of this disease. In the past, vaccines
comprised of the human measles virus were occasionally utilized as a preventive. Using measles vaccines is a
seldom practiced procedure today. Excellent vaccines with minimal side effects are available to give to puppies
and dogs of every age. It must be emphasized that many older dogs do not develop a life long immunity to
distemper. The vaccinations should be given yearly for life.
| This site was created by and is maintained by Belinda Winters for BFH Bassets. If you have any questions or comments email belindawinters@bfhbassets.com |
