Canine Distemper

Overview and Facts

What is

• Canine Distemper: An Overview

Canine distemper is a type of highly contagious virus which affects dogs around the world. The virus is contracted by coming into contact with bodily fluids or through inhalation of aerial droplets that were in the air due to coughing and sneezing from an infected animal. Canine distemper can be fatal, especially to puppies, if it is not aggressively treated in a timely manner. A vaccine which prevents the disease is available and highly recommended for all dogs.




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Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Canine Distemper
Typical signs of canine distemper seen in the domestic dog include respiratory and intestinal problems such as coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, nasal and ocular discharge, anorexia, and hyperkeratosis of the nasal planum and foot pads.

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Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing Canine Distemper
Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs, the demonstration of inclusion bodies in neutrophils on blood smear and inclusion bodies in conjunctival smears.

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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is caused by an aggressive virus that attacks the central nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems of an infected dog. Canine distemper causes a multitude of symptoms including fever, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems, sensitivity to light, sound, and touch, muscle twitches, paralysis, confusion, and seizures.

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