CANINE DISTEMPER AN OVERVIEW

Canine Distemper is one of the most serious diseases your dog can get. It is caused by Canine Distemper Virus of the Paramyxoviridae . Veterinarians consider the distemper vaccine to be a main vaccine along with the Parvovirus canine adenovirus and Rabies .The disease is highly contagious and potential lethal. A paramyxovirus causes distemper in dogs, and it’s closely related to the measles and rinderpest viruses. It causes severe illness in the host by attacking multiple body systems, resulting in a widespread infection that is diff treat.

How Is Canine Distemper Spread?

The Virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected animal and is airborne through respiratory secretions , It can also b transmitted through contaminated objects and surfaces.

Dogs aren’t the only animals that can get distemper. Wild animals like raccoons, foxes, wolves, coyotes, skunks, ferrets, and mink can also get distemper. This means that an outbreak of distemper in the local wildlife population can put dogs at risk for catching the disease, even if they don’ come into contact with other dogs.Bitches can also spread the virus through the placenta to their puppies, which is one of the reasons why it’s important to fully vaccinate any dog you plan to breed.

There are three ways dogs can get canine distemper:

1. Direct contact with an infected animal or object

2. Airborne exposure

3. Through the placenta

Symptoms

• Fever & Clear nasal discharge

• Purulent eye discharge

• Coughing & Sneezing

• Vomiting & Diarrhoe

• Conjunctivs

• Pustular Dermatitis

• Seizures

• Inflammation of the brain spinal cord

• Twitching

DIAGNOSIS

It is made on clinical signs , Rapid Test Kits are the best way for early Diagnosis

TREATMENT

There is no cure for canine distemper. We diagnose distemper through a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests, or through a post-mortem necropsy. Once diagnosed, care is purely supportive. Veterinarians treat the diarrhoea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms and try to prevent secondary infections. We recommend that dogs be hospitalised and separated from other dogs to prevent the spread of infection.

The survival rate and length of infection depend on the strain of the virus an on the strength of the dog’s immune system. Some cases resolve as quickly as 10 days. Other cases may exhibit neurological symptoms for weeks or even months afterward.

• Fluids to prevent dehydration

• Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection

• Anti Seizure Medications.

PREVENTION

Preventing Canine Distemper Canine distemper is entirely preventable. There are several things you can d to prevent distemper in dogs

• Make sure your puppy gets the full series of distemper vaccinatio

• Keep distemper vaccinations up-to-date throughout your dog’s life an avoid any gaps in vaccinations

• Keep your dog away from infected animals and wildlife

• Vaccinate pet ferrets for distemper

• Be careful socialising your unvaccinated puppy or dog, especially in areas where dogs congregate, like dog parks, classes, and doggy daycare.

• Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing CD , Puppies receive the Vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age with booster shots in subsequent months.

• It is crucial for pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and to avoid contact with unvaccinated to potentially infected animal

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis for Dogs with CD varies ranging from mild to severe and recovery is possible especially with Rapid Diagnostic Kits usage which detects the virus quickly and allows the vet to provide the prompt treatment however severe cases where neurological involvement is their , It is highly fatal.

If you suspect your pet for CD , Consult a vet immediately for Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment.