Canine distemper is a disease that frightens many dog owners, and with good reason as it is contagious, incurable, and often fatal. This multi-systemic viral disease affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. It is caused by the canine distemper virus, a paramyxovirus similar to the virus that causes measles in humans.

The canine distemper virus (or CDV) is either transmitted through the air, or through a dog coming into contact with infected bodily fluids. At the first sign of distemper symptoms the dog should be taken to a vet and, if the initial examination confirms the presence of CDV, quarantined right away.

CDV can affect dogs of any age with puppies in the 3-6 month age range particularly vulnerable. It’s therefore vitally important for your dog to get his puppy shots, as a vaccine against CDV is usually included. If you’re in any way uncertain, ask your vet.

One of the reasons that canine distemper is so dangerous is that it is multi-systemic, meaning it attacks many of the body’s vital systems simultaneously. A dog that has been infected with the virus will display a number of symptoms, including, discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, diarrhea, and/or vomiting, fever, seizures and convulsions. If the disease is left untreated it will go on to cause heart and respiratory system failure.

In many cases, not all of these symptoms will be present. Often the dog will only cough and this can lead to distemper sometimes being misdiagnosed as kennel cough.

In other instances, the dog may also contract pneumonia. And even dogs that recover from distemper will be left with severe tooth enamel damage, thickening of the footpads and nose, vision problems and damage to the central nervous system.

A veterinarian faced with a suspected case of CDV will run several tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include analysis of urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood samples. In addition, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of the canine distemper virus.

If the tests confirm that the virus is present, intravenous fluids will immediately be administered to offset dehydration. Anti-seizure medication may also be given if neurological signs are present.

Distemper is a deadly serious disease, made more so by the rapid rate at which it spreads. An infection can quickly decimate a kennel, especially if there are unvaccinated dogs present. Although not all infected dogs will die, a significant number will, with puppies and older dogs particularly at risk.

There is currently no known cure for distemper in dogs, but the good news is that a number of excellent vaccines, with minimal side effects, are in development. These should make a significant contribution to reducing the incidence of CDV.

To find out more about distemper in dogs, dog care, dog health and other useful dog information drop in at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

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