Canine Distemper

About Canine Distemper

• Canine Distemper is a contagious and serious viral disease caused by theCanine Distemper Virus (CDV) that affects dogs and several mammals, but it does not affect humans.
• Virus Type: It is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae.
• Affected Species: CDV affects dogs, foxes, wolves, ferrets, raccoons, felines, and several wildlife species.
• Transmission: The disease spreads through droplets, direct contact, and infected bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, and feces.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever, cough, lethargy, diarrhoea, runny eyes, seizures, paralysis, and thickened nose.
• Diagnosis:
  • PCR Test (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This test helps detect the genetic material of the virus in the dog’s body.
  • Serology Test: This test checks antibody levels in the blood to understand whether the dog may be protected against infection.
  • Immunity Indicator: High antibody levels with a negative PCR test indicate that the dog is likely immune to infection.
  • Blood Tests: Veterinarians may recommend blood tests to examine the dog’s overall health and identify secondary infections.
  • Chest X-rays: Chest X-rays help doctors check the lungs and detect other health problems linked to the infection
• Treatment: There is no cure or antiviral treatment, and care mainly focuses on symptom management and secondary infections.
• Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective protection, and proper hygiene and isolation measures should also be maintained.
• Key aspects:
  • High Mortality: It has a very high mortality rate, especially in unvaccinated animals.
  • Immune Weakening: The virus weakens the immune system and increases secondary infections.
  • Body Systems Affected: The virus can damage the respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, spinal cord, and central nervous systems.