Distemper

Overview:

This virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems. It is quite contagious and sometimes is seen in skunks, raccoons, and foxes.  It is mainly a problem in young, unvaccinated dogs or older animals who have not been vaccinated for awhile.

Causes:

The canine distemper virus is caused by a Morbillivirus. It is airborne and inhaled to spread throughout the body.

Symptoms:

The first symptoms noticed are upper respiratory signs: coughing, nasal and eye discharge, anorexia. This stage mimics kennel cough. As the disease progresses, the patient will start to vomit, have diarrhea, and may even seizure. In patients that have recovered from acute distemper, their teeth may have lost the enamel and their footpads may be hardened and thickened.

Treatment:

Treatment is strictly symptomatic: fluids and anti-nausea medications for vomiting and diarrhea and anti-seizure medications for convulsions. Patients have a 50:50 chance of survival. Some patients that appear to have survived the acute phases will later develop fatal seizures.Vaccination is key to prevent this disease. Follow your veterinarian’s advice on when to vaccinate your pet.