Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs, the demonstration of inclusion bodies in neutrophils on blood smear and inclusion bodies in conjunctival smears. Definitive diagnosis is based on laboratory analysis of affected tissues by fluorescent antibody techniques. In wild carnivores, the presenting signs are often neurological and the disease must be differentiated from rabies and other encephalitides.
Other diseases which may mimic distemper include:
- Tularemia
- Listeriosis
- Chastek's paralysis
- Histoplasmosis
- Poisonings
Preventing Canine Distemper
No treatment other than supportive care exists for canine distemper.
Control of canine distemper outbreaks includes:
- Removal of carcasses of animals which have died from the disease
- Vaccination of susceptible domestic species to decrease the number of susceptible hosts
- Reduction in wildlife populations which also reduces the number of potential hosts
The virus is inactivated by heat, formalin, and Roccal R.