Canine distemper is one of the most significant and highly contagious viral disease of dogs. The virus targets various organ systems all at the same time in an animal’s body adding to its severity.
The canine distemper virus is spread in many ways. An infected animal can easily shed the virus through exhalation implying that the virus is transmitted via air. The virus is also shed through other bodily secretions and excretions such as urine and feces.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper
What canine distemper is in terms of symptoms maybe confused with other diseases due to its universal and wide range clinical manifestations. Common symptoms are either gastrointestinal (such as vomiting, decrease in appetite, and diarrhea) or respiratory in nature (difficulty in breathing). Behavioral changes include lethargy, weakness, and depression. Neurological signs may also be seen such as muscle twitching especially near the mouth and legs. Seizures and paralysis may occur in severe cases. A more or less unique skin sign in dogs with canine distemper is the hardening of footpads and nose pad most evident in older dogs. Sudden death is not uncommon with this disease.
Prevention of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is rampant in unvaccinated dog population. Vaccination of young dogs begins as early as 5 weeks of age. Booster shots are administered yearly to ensure and maintain the antibodies against the virus. Infected animals should also be quarantined from other animals.
Treatment of Canine Distemper
Similar with other viral diseases there is no direct treatment for canine distemper. Early detection of the disease is also important to increase the chances of recovery. Once a dog has been infected, a dog owner can only offer supportive treatment and hope for the best. Antibiotic therapy may also be prescribed to lessen any detrimental effects of opportunistic secondary bacterial infections. Recovery may be absolute. However, in most cases, despite being provided with the utmost care, debilitating signs do persist throughout the animal’s life such as involuntary muscle twitching.
What canine distemper is in terms of symptoms maybe confused with other diseases due to its universal and wide range clinical manifestations. Common symptoms are either gastrointestinal (such as vomiting, decrease in appetite, and diarrhea) or respiratory in nature (difficulty in breathing). Behavioral changes include lethargy, weakness, and depression. Neurological signs may also be seen such as muscle twitching especially near the mouth and legs. Seizures and paralysis may occur in severe cases. A more or less unique skin sign in dogs with canine distemper is the hardening of footpads and nose pad most evident in older dogs. Sudden death is not uncommon with this disease.
Prevention of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is rampant in unvaccinated dog population. Vaccination of young dogs begins as early as 5 weeks of age. Booster shots are administered yearly to ensure and maintain the antibodies against the virus. Infected animals should also be quarantined from other animals.
Treatment of Canine Distemper
Similar with other viral diseases there is no direct treatment for canine distemper. Early detection of the disease is also important to increase the chances of recovery. Once a dog has been infected, a dog owner can only offer supportive treatment and hope for the best. Antibiotic therapy may also be prescribed to lessen any detrimental effects of opportunistic secondary bacterial infections. Recovery may be absolute. However, in most cases, despite being provided with the utmost care, debilitating signs do persist throughout the animal’s life such as involuntary muscle twitching.
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