Canine Distemper - Distemper in Dogs

Canine distemper is one of the most dreaded, often fatal viral diseases dogs can present. It is also known as Carre's disease. It occurs worldwide and not only among dogs. It was first detected in the 18th century. However, it was virtually eradicated then, but more cases and more cases occurred in the last ten years. There are several opinions on the cause of the return of the viral infection: Some say it came through the increased import of dogs from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, while others blamed it on fatigue and others believed it was actually a virus. The transmission is usually possible through direct contact. The distemper can only survive very little on its own virus in the environment. Since many forest inhabitants are carrying the virus, it can be transmitted even through normal walking. The incubation period is 3-6 days.

Symptoms and progression of the disease

We distinguish between four stages of the disease: the gastrointestinal form, the respiratory form, the nervous form and the hard pad form. Mixed forms are also possible. In the gastrointestinal form, it is a disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the infection leads to vomiting and slimy, watery diarrhea. There is a great danger of dehydration, therefore of water and nutrient loss. The respiratory form infects the respiratory tract. Purulent nasal discharge with crusting around the nose and ears are the initial symptoms. These are followed by a dry cough with purulent or bloody sputum. Breathing is difficult, the resistance against the disease is getting lower and it usually ends with pneumonia. The sensitivity of the eye increases and blindness can result. Ultimately, the circuit breaks down and the animal dies. In the nervous form - which usually does not occur until months later after one has presented the two previously mentioned forms - the virus tries to manifest itself in the brain. It consists of an inflammation of the brain and nerves. Epilepsy, paralysis, tics, dementia or even death would be some of the consequences. Euthanasia is a good idea since all results can be described as cruelty towards animals. The hard pad form sometimes follows the gastrointestinal form. In this case, the dog presents excessive keratinization, hyperkeratosis and changes at the level of the nose and toe pads. In addition to this, there are sometimes nervous symptoms, which is an indication of a high mortality risk.

Medicines and cure

The life of a dog sick from distemper is basically in the hands of an experienced veterinarian. He will treat the symptoms shown during an extensive study using intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other drugs. If the infection is detected early, the veterinary uses antibodies and interferons. There is no antiviral drug to combat canine distemper. The outcome of the disease depends on the way the disease progresses, on the early detection and the overall condition of the animal.
Prevention (Vaccination)

The only protection against the dreaded canine distemper is prevention through regular vaccination with live attenuated vaccine. Ideally, the puppy should get a combination vaccine against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis the age of 8 weeks and eventually the parainfluenza vaccine. In particular hazardous cases, a basic immunization is initiated in the 4th week. Rabies vaccination should follow in the 12th-16th week of life. The first booster is advised a year later. The triple vaccine is then repeated every three years to ensure an effective all-round protection.