Case Study of Canine Distemper in Dogs

This article is about a case study of canine distemper in dogs.

Case Presented in Veterinary Clinic

A 1.5-year-old Labrador bitch weighing roughly 19 kg was brought to the Clinical Medicine and Surgery department (CMS), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FVS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), with a history of diarrhea from the previous night, vomiting, anorexia, depressed behavior, ocular and scanty nasal discharge and involuntary jaw movement which had been noticed over the previous two days. Bitch gave birth to five pups, one month before. According to the owner, the animal was involved in a minor motorbike accident a week ago. There was no immunization or deworming.

Complete History of Dog

The on-duty veterinarian took a complete history from the owner of the dog. The details are

Medical History: Serous ocular discharge, mucopurulent discharge from eyes, diarrhea with no blood, vomiting, some nervous signs, and hyperkeratosis of pads.

Surgical History: No previous history of surgery

Medication: No previous or ongoing medication

Vaccination History: No vaccination or deworming history

Social History: The animal, sometimes goes outside with the owner, but is always closely monitored

Family History: No Family history known by the owner

Physical Examination of the Dog

The veterinary doctor performed a complete physical examination on the dog. The dog was first examined generally from the distance just to ensure how it behaves, it was noticed that apart from the above-mentioned signs, the dog was also exhibiting involuntary chewing of the jaw (chewing gum fits). After a general examination, routine protocols were adopted.

Vital Parameters:

Temperature: 104 °F (normal temp in dogs is on average 101.5  °F)

Pulse Rate: 140bpm with no irregularity in heart pattern (normal pulse rate in dogs is in the range of110-130 bpm)

Note: Pulse/heart rate varies vary with size, breed, etc. Large dogs have lower pulse rates than small dogs

Respiration Rate: 54/min (normal breathing rate is 15-30 breaths/min)

Weight: 19 kg (41 pounds)

HEENT (Head, eyes, ear, nose, and throat):

No anomaly in the head, ocular discharge was noted along with blepharitis, no ear problem, serous nasal discharge, throat was ok.

Examination of all Organ Systems:

Cardiovascular System: Tachycardia with no arrhythmias, CRT (capillary refill time)is < 3

Note: For the assessment of the cardiovascular system the best approach is to auscultate the heart and observe any abnormality in heart sounds and patterns, apart from that, check the blood vessels, for example, distensions in veins, pulses in arteries, and capillary refill time.

Pulmonary System: Tachypnea, but eupneic (normal lungs and bronchial sounds).

Note: For the evaluation of the pulmonary system, the protocol is to observe the lungs and air passageways. For this first see the breathing rate and pattern (tachypnea, or dyspnea) After that, auscultate the lungs and bronchial sounds.

Gastrointestinal System: Diarrhea, vomiting, and some gut sound observed.

Note: For GIT evaluation, look for diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, colic etc.

Musculoskeletal System: Some weakness observed.

Genitourinary System: No abnormalities

Nervous system: Neurological signs noted like jaw movements and nystagmus

Skin: Hair coat was normal

Confirmatory Laboratory Testing:

The veterinary doctor decided to take CBC and BCP tests. The result of the test was

• (PCV) 30%
• (TEC) 4.4×106/μL
• (Hb) 10.2 g/dL
• (MCV) 80.7f L,
• (MCH) 30.2 pg
• (MCHC) 39.3 g/dL

Comments: The complete blood count revealed lymphopenia, Some inclusions in the RBCs, and Neutrophils.

Tests Interpretation and Diagnosis:

On the basis of clinical signs and lab reports, the disease was diagnosed as canine distemper.

Treatment Options:

Since no specific anti-viral medication exists for this illness, symptomatic treatment was done

• For fever, antipyretic medicine was given (Inj. ketoprofen @ 3mg/kg)
• To prevent secondary bacterial infections (Inj. Ceftriaxone sodium @ 25mg/kg)
• For Vomiting and Diarrhea (Inj. Metronidazole @ 10mg/kg)
• For Dehydration ( Inf. Ringer lactate @ 15ml/kg)

About the Case:

This was the case study of canine distemper in dogs. A dog was presented in the clinic with GIT, respiratory and nervous signs, after the examination of clinical signs and further confirmation by lab tests, the dog was diagnosed with canine distemper.

Links Related to Case

Overview of Respiratory System in Dogs and Cats

Management of GIT diseases in Animals

Overview of Canine Distemper in Dogs

References:

Tariq A, Shahzad A, Tahira S(2013). Clinical aspects of canine distemper in 1.5 year old Labrador retriever
bitch. Res. j. vet. pract. 1 (2): 20 – 22.

Patronek, G. J., Glickman, L. T., Johnson, R., & Emerick, T. J. (1995). Canine distemper infection in pet dogs: II. A case-control study of risk factors during a suspected outbreak in Indiana. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 31(3), 230–235. https://doi.org/10.5326/15473317-31-3-230

Naveenkumar, Viswanathan & Bharathi, Vijaya & Nagarajan, Balasubramanian. (2019). Canine Distemper Carrier Status in a dog -A Case Report*. 96. 77.

PubMed

Research Gate, Canine Distemper Carrier Status in a dog -A Case Report