As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health risks that our beloved dogs can face. One of the most concerning and deadly conditions that can affect canines is distemper.
This highly contagious viral disease can be devastating if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
In this comprehensive blog article, we will delve into the world of distemper in dogs, exploring its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and preventive measures.
Arm yourself with knowledge and learn how to safeguard your furry companion from this silent threat.”
Contents
What Causes Distemper in Dogs?
Distemper is caused by a paramyxovirus[1], which is closely related to the measles and rinderpest viruses. The virus is transmitted mainly through respiratory secretions, such as coughing, sneezing, or barking, from infected animals, including dogs, ferrets, and wildlife.
The virus can also be found in other bodily fluids, such as urine, vomit, blood, saliva, mucus, and eye discharge. Your dog can pick up the virus from direct contact with an infected animal or object, such as toys, food bowls, or water bowls.
According to Tiffany Tupler, DVM, from PetMD, “dogs can survive distemper, but they may develop lifelong debilitating nervous system issues.”
The virus can also be spread through the air or through the placenta from an infected mother to her puppies.
Once your dog is infected, the virus initially replicates in the lymphatic tissue of the respiratory tract before moving on to infect the rest of the dog’s lymphatic tissue, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, the urogenital epithelium, the central nervous system, and optic nerves.
This results in a widespread infection that is difficult to treat and can cause serious complications or death.
Distemper is highly contagious and can spread quickly among dogs that are not vaccinated or have incomplete immunity.
Puppies and young dogs are at highest risk because they have weaker immune systems and may not have received their full vaccination series yet.
However, any dog of any age or breed can get distemper if they are not fully protected.
Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs
Distemper in dogs can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on how advanced the disease is in their bodies and how they react to it. Some dogs may show no symptoms at all or only mild signs of a cold, while others may develop life-threatening complications or die from distemper.
The symptoms of distemper can be divided into two stages:
Stage One
The first stage of distemper usually occurs within 3 to 6 days after infection and lasts for about 10 days. The symptoms include:
- Watery to pus-like discharge from the eyes
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Clear nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms may vary in severity and duration depending on the individual dog and the strain of the virus. Some dogs may recover from this stage without any further complications, while others may progress to the second stage.
Stage Two
The second stage of distemper usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks after infection and lasts for several weeks or months. The symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Chewing motions of the jaw
- Seizures
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Pneumonia
- Crusting of the nose and foot pads
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea
These symptoms are caused by the damage that the virus does to the nervous system and other organs of the dog. They may appear suddenly or gradually and may be intermittent or persistent.
Some dogs may recover from this stage with proper treatment and care, while others may die from distemper or be euthanized due to poor quality of life.
How Is Distemper in Dogs Diagnosed and Treated?
Distemper in dogs is diagnosed based on clinical signs, history of exposure, and laboratory tests. The most common tests used to confirm distemper are:
- Blood tests: These tests can detect antibodies against the virus or changes in blood cells that indicate infection.
- Urine tests: These tests can detect viral particles or proteins in urine samples.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: This test can detect inflammation or infection in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This test can identify specific genetic material of the virus in samples from various body tissues.
Distemper in dogs is treated with supportive care that aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. The most common treatments are:
- Intravenous fluids: These fluids help to treat and prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Anti-vomiting medications: These medications help to control nausea and vomiting and prevent further loss of fluids and nutrients.
- Antibiotics: These medications help to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections that may occur due to the weakened immune system of the dog.
- Anticonvulsants: These medications help to control seizures and prevent further damage to the nervous system.
- Painkillers: These medications help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by inflammation or nerve damage.
- Nutritional supplements: These supplements help to boost the immune system and provide essential vitamins and minerals for the dog.
There is no specific cure for distemper and the prognosis depends on the dog’s immune system response and the extent of organ damage.
Some dogs may recover fully from distemper with proper treatment and care, while others may have permanent neurological problems or die from the disease.
How Can Distemper in Dogs Be Prevented?
Distemper in dogs can be prevented with vaccination and proper care. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog from distemper and other serious diseases. Distemper is one of the core vaccines for dogs recommended by veterinarians, along with parvovirus, canine adenovirus, and rabies.
According to Ryan Llera, DVM, from VCA Hospitals, “The treatment for distemper is aimed at reducing the intensity of signs and symptoms.”
The vaccination schedule for puppies and adult dogs is as follows:
- Puppies: Puppies should receive their first distemper vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by two or three booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age.
They should also receive a booster shot at one year of age and then every 1 to 3 years thereafter, depending on the type of vaccine and the risk of exposure.
- Adult dogs: Adult dogs should receive a booster shot every 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of vaccine and the risk of exposure.
If your dog has never been vaccinated or has an unknown vaccination history, he should receive two doses of vaccine 3 to 4 weeks apart, followed by a booster shot at one year of age and then every 1 to 3 years thereafter.
The distemper vaccine is generally safe and effective, but it may cause some side effects or risks, such as:
- Mild reactions: These reactions include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or mild diarrhea. They usually resolve within a few days without any treatment.
- Severe reactions: These reactions include allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or collapse. They are rare but can be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary attention.
- Vaccine failure: This occurs when the vaccine does not protect the dog from distemper due to various factors, such as improper storage or administration of the vaccine, interference from maternal antibodies in puppies, or genetic variations of the virus. It is uncommon but can be fatal.
In addition to vaccination, you can also prevent distemper in your dog by following these tips:
- Keep your dog away from sick or unvaccinated animals, especially dogs, ferrets, and wildlife that may carry the virus.
- Disinfect your dog’s environment and supplies regularly with bleach or other disinfectants that can kill the virus.
- Seek veterinary attention if you notice any signs of distemper in your dog or if you suspect that he has been exposed to an infected animal.
FAQs
Can distemper be treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, supporting the dog’s immune system, and preventing secondary infections. Veterinary care is crucial, but the survival rate varies, and some dogs may not recover fully.
Can my dog get distemper more than once?
It is uncommon, but dogs can get distemper more than once if they have an inadequate immune response to the initial infection.
Is distemper contagious to humans or other pets?
Distemper is not contagious to humans, but it can infect other animals of the Canidae family, such as foxes and ferrets. Keeping your dog away from potential carriers is essential for preventing transmission.
Can older dogs get distemper?
While puppies are more susceptible, unvaccinated adult dogs can still contract distemper. Age does not provide immunity, so all dogs should receive proper vaccinations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, distemper in dogs is a serious and highly contagious disease that demands our attention as responsible pet owners. Early recognition of symptoms, timely veterinary care, and proper vaccination are key factors in protecting our furry companions from this devastating illness.
By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure a healthier and happier life for our beloved dogs. Let’s continue to prioritize their well-being and take the necessary steps to safeguard them from the risks of distemper.
Together, we can create a safer environment for our four-legged friends and strengthen the bond we share with them.
Reference:
- Samal, S. (2008, January 1). Paramyxoviruses of Animals. Elsevier eBooks. Retrieved August 1, 2023. NCBI
A retired veterinary technician and full-time dog parent. James knows to serve the community with the best of his knowledge of animal healthcare. He has been working in a known veterinary clinic for quite a few years. He loves reading blogs on pet nutrition and writes unbiased reviews of dog products.
