Canine Distemper in Dogs | Causes, Signs, and Treatment
Canine distemper in dogs is a highly infectious, systemic, viral disease with varying neurologic signs. Recognition of the specific clinical signs, followed by the precise detection of the virus, is necessary for diagnosis. This article is about canine distemper in dogs, its causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment.
Other names: Footpad Disease, Hardpad Disease
Cause of Canine Distemper in Dogs:
Table of Contents
The cause of canine distemper is CDV (canine distemper virus). This virus is a paramyxovirus that closely resembles measles and rinderpest virus.
Some characteristics of CDV
- Single-stranded RNA virus
- Negatively -ve sense
- Helical and enveloped virus
- Sensitive to lipid solvents such as ether, as well as most disinfectants, including phenols and quaternary ammonium compounds
Transmission of Canine Distemper Virus
The infected dog sheds the virus in bodily secretions and excretions so the healthy animal that is susceptible to this virus can get infection either through direct or indirect contact with the virus, but the major route of transmission is through aerosol droplets.
Pathogenesis of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper virus first replicates in the lymphatic tissues of the respiratory tract (respiratory signs occur), After that virus enters the blood (systemic signs begin to appear) which is then followed by infections of the CNS, optic nerves, GI, and urogenital epithelium.
Signs and Symptoms of Canine Distemper in Dogs
The clinical signs and symptoms of canine distemper in dogs are
- Transient fever
- Anorexia and depression
- Serous nasal discharge
- Mucopurulent ocular discharge
- Diarrhea and Vomiting
- Nervous signs like
- circling
- head tilt
- nystagmus
- paresis to paralysis
- chewing movements of the jaw
- localized involuntary muscle twitching
Postmortem Findings in Canine Distemper
A common postmortem finding in young puppies with canine distemper virus infection is thymic atrophy. In dogs with neurologic symptoms, hyperkeratosis of the muzzle and footpads is a common finding.
Diagnosis of Canine Distemper
- History
- Clinical Signs (GIT, Respiratory, Nervous signs)
- Laboratory virus isolation (RT-PCR and antibody detection tests (ELISA, immunofluorescence assay [IFA]) )
Note: Any febrile disease in dogs with multisystemic clinical symptoms affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and/or nervous systems should be diagnosed with canine distemper.
Differential Diagnosis of Canine Distemper
Treatment of Canine Distemper
There is no specific treatment for canine distemper in dogs, but supportive care is essential. Dogs require nutritional and hydration support, defense against secondary bacterial infections, and protection against the consequences of seizures.
How to Prevent Dogs from Canine Distemper Virus?
Canine distemper can be prevented by adopting the vaccination protocols properly. Puppies are given the MLV vaccine at 6 weeks of age and then every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
MLV vaccinations shouldn’t be given to females who are late in their pregnancies or who are nursing their babies. Some immunosuppressed dogs may develop post vaccinal sickness after receiving the MLV vaccine. The vaccine can provide immunity forโฅ 3 years.
As mentioned, CDV is sensitive to disinfectants, so proper disinfection of dog premises must be adopted to prevent the spread of infection.
Conclusion
Canine distemper in dogs is a highly infectious, systemic, viral disease caused by CDV (canine distemper virus). Dogs frequently display respiratory symptoms (nasal discharge, pneumonia), GI symptoms (diarrhea), and systemic clinical symptoms (fever, lethargy, appetite loss), which are occasionally followed by neurologic symptoms (muscle twitching, focal or generalized seizures). Diagnosis is made by recognition of the clinical signs, along with confirmation through antibody assays or reverse transcriptase PCR. Treatment is generally supportive. Vaccination is available and is generally effective.