Canine distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects a wide variety of mammal species, including dogs, coyotes, foxes, pandas, and several species of wildlife. It is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae (genus: Morbillivirus).

Symptoms and Transmission

The primary means of transmission is through viral particles in the air. The virus can also be found in all body secretions and excretions of affected animals. The disease manifests itself in the lymphoid, epithelial, and nervous systems, often resulting in a diverse range of symptoms. These can include fever, anorexia, catarrhal discharge, pneumonia, and neurological disorders.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is often confirmed by clinical presentation and laboratory testing. This can include serology, pathologic examination, and virus isolation. Treatment is largely supportive, as there is no specific antiviral drug for CDV. This can include fluid therapy, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, and medications to control seizures and neurologic symptoms.

Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective method of prevention. Canine distemper vaccines are often combined with other vaccines to protect against multiple diseases. Despite this, outbreaks can still occur, particularly in densely populated dog communities.

See Also

• Canine parvovirus
• Canine adenovirus
• Canine influenza