Canine Distemper
CDV
(also known as "Hardpad disease")
Introduction:
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide. It is characterized by a diphasic fever, leukopenia, intestinal and respiratory inflammation, and frequently respiratory and neurologic complications.
The disease occurs in Canidae such as dogs, foxes, & wolves, but also the ferret, mink, skunk and raccoon
Etiology and Pathogenesis: Canine distemper is caused by a paramyxovirus closely related to the viruses of measles and rinderpest. The enveloped virus is sensitive to lipid solvents and most disinfectants and is relatively unstable outside the host. The main route of infection is via aerosol droplet secretions from infected animals. Some infected dogs may shed virus for several months.
Virus replication initially occurs in the lymphatic tissue of the respiratory tract. A cell- associated viremia results in infection of all lymphatic tissues, which is followed by infection of respiratory, GI, and urogenital epithelium, as well as the CNS. Disease follows virus replication in these tissues. The degree of viremia and extent of spread of virus to various tissues is moderated by the level of specific humoral immunity in the host during the viremic period.
Clinical Findings:
Fever
Eye discharge
Edema of the eye making it look blue
Lack of appetite
Diarrhea and other GI signs
Nasal discharge, and other respiratory signs
Crusty nose
Paw pads that are hard, cracked, or corny.crusted
Neural signs; twitching, mini seizures, parlysis, staggering or acting drunk, convulsions, excessive salivation
Notice: these are very similar symptoms to rabies: be careful
Laboratory Findings:
Reduced white blood cells, especially lymphcytes
Prevention: We still see an occasional distemper case in pet dogs in our practice, but vaccination has been so successful, that this is now a rare disease in the United States. When I was a boy, it was extremely common. In the old days, sometimes county workers on their rounds would carry a 22 rifle in their vehicles and shoot any stray dog that was staggering, acting drunk, or crazy in order to eliminate any dogs that might be carrying rabies or distemper.
Thankfully, now we can protect our dogs with a very effective and safe vaccine... a series of which should be given every 3-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks old til 14-16 weeks old, and then once a year for at least a few years.
Treatment: Treatments are directed at limiting secondary bacterial invasion, supporting the fluid balance and overall well-being of the dog, and controlling nervous manifestations. Antibiotics, electrolyte solutions, protein hydrolysates, dietary supplements, antipyretics, nasal preparations, analgesics, and anticonvulsants are used. No one treatment is specific or uniformly successful. Dogs may recover completely from systemic manifestations, but good nursing care is essential. Despite intensive care, some dogs do not make a satisfactory recovery. Unfortunately, treatment for neurologic manifestations of distemper are unsuccessful. If the neurologic signs are progressive or severe, the owner should be appropriately advised.
Click on the picture above to visit our Intestinal Pages
Also of interest to some of you might be our page of letters and comments about pet ownership and responsibility which are posted on our site about our no-kill shelter. Please visit. This site also has a page devoted to the Human-Animal Bond as well as Pet Training and Behavior.
