Welcome to Warholprints Dog Blog’s comprehensive guide to canine distemper, one of the most prevalent and dangerous diseases affecting dogs. This airborne virus primarily targets unvaccinated puppies under 6 months old and young adult dogs. While vaccination can protect against it, distemper remains a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs of all ages. This article explores the origins of distemper, how it spreads, its symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.
What is Canine Distemper? Canine distemper is a highly contagious and incurable disease affecting both puppies and adult dogs. It is caused by a paramyxovirus and belongs to the same family as rinderpest (cattle plague) and measles.
The canine distemper virus poses the greatest risk to unvaccinated puppies under 6 months old and young adult dogs. Data from Cornell Wildlife Health Lab indicates that distemper claims the lives of 80% of unvaccinated puppies and 50% of unvaccinated adult dogs.
This disease can spread through interactions with wild animals and even household pets like ferrets. Locations like pet shops, animal shelters, and boarding kennels are also common breeding grounds for canine distemper. Notably, there are seven distinct strains of canine distemper:
America-1
America-2
European Wildlife
Europe
Asia-1
Asia-2
Arctic-like
Effects of Canine Distemper on a Dog’s Body: Canine distemper typically initiates its attack on a dog’s tonsils and lymph nodes and progressively affects the stomach, liver, spleen, and small intestine within six days. By the 15th day, the virus reaches the cells lining the dog’s brain and attacks the protective cells guarding the skin, organs, blood vessels, and urinary tract. Dogs succumbing to distemper usually do so within three months of infection.
As the virus spreads, the dog’s immune system becomes more active, and symptoms may fluctuate. The unique composition of white blood cells and blood proteins in each dog’s immune system leads to varying outcomes. Therefore, some dogs with distemper remain asymptomatic, while others experience severe neurological problems.
After the virus clears from the dog’s internal organs, it can hide in the skin and nervous system. It may cause hardening of paw pads and recurring seizures, even long after the virus is no longer active.
Transmission of Canine Distemper: Canine distemper spreads primarily through airborne transmission via respiratory secretions. When infected dogs cough or sneeze, the virus can travel up to 25 feet. The virus is also present in their vomit, urine, and feces. Surviving dogs can continue to spread the virus through their bodily fluids for 2-3 months.
Pregnant dogs can transmit the virus to their unborn puppies through the placenta. Additionally, dogs can contract distemper by coming into contact with infected wild animals such as skunks, ferrets, or red foxes. Contaminated objects like dog harnesses and toys may also carry the virus.
Prevalence of Canine Distemper: While canine distemper has become less common in the United States due to widespread pet vaccinations, it remains a global issue. Unvaccinated animals and stray dogs are particularly vulnerable to this highly contagious and deadly disease.
Dog Populations Most Vulnerable to Canine Distemper: While all dogs can potentially be affected by canine distemper, puppies aged 3 to 6 months and unvaccinated adult dogs face the highest risk. Approximately 20% of puppies and 50% of adult dogs survive this disease.
Dogs in animal shelters, boarding kennels, and pet stores are more susceptible to contracting distemper. Some shelters may resort to euthanizing all dogs in response to a single case of distemper to prevent the spread of the disease within the community, as explained by Dr. Jill Kirk from Maddie Shelter’s Medicine Program at the University of Florida.
Dogs are most vulnerable to canine distemper during the spring and summer seasons. Stray dogs and hunting breeds that encounter infected wildlife are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. Sick and obese dogs also have twice the likelihood of getting infected.
Canine Distemper in Humans: A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Medicine suggests that humans can contract the canine distemper virus from dogs. Although the virus can multiply in the human body, it generally remains asymptomatic. This means that humans can serve as carriers and transmit the virus to dogs. Canine distemper is believed to have evolved from the measles virus due to similarities between these two paramyxoviruses.
If you have received the measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) vaccine, you are likely immune to canine distemper. However, if you are unvaccinated and have been in contact with dogs with canine distemper, it is advisable to vaccinate any puppies, adult dogs, or ferrets you bring into your home to prevent potential infections.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper: Approximately 50% of dogs with canine distemper do not exhibit any symptoms. The other half may develop clinical signs within 7-28 days of infection, which can range from mild to severe. These symptoms include:
Mild Distemper Symptoms (Stage 1):
Thick, yellowish-green eye and nose discharge (Conjunctivitis)
Fever (Higher than 104°F or 40°C)
Pain
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Sneezing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Low energy
Skin sores (Pustular dermatitis)
Miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant dogs
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Severe Distemper Symptoms (Stage 2):
Thick and hard nose and foot pads (Hyperkeratosis)
Circling
Head tilt
Muscle twitching
Repetitive eye movements (Nystagmus)
Blindness resulting from inflammation of the retina and optic nerve
Convulsions with excessive drooling and chewing motions (Chewing gum fits)
Partial or full paralysis
Bacterial pneumonia
Seizures
Cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disease in newborn puppies
Heart failure in newborn puppies
Kidney disease (rare)
Skin lesions (rare)
Death
Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Distemper: Diagnosing canine distemper can be challenging, as it can mimic various other canine diseases. A veterinarian will consider your dog’s vaccination history, source of adoption, and may conduct tests, including bone and urine samples, paw pad biopsy, swabs of the eyes, nose, or throat, or blood and spinal fluid analysis.
There is no cure for canine distemper, so treatment primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms. Severe cases may require anti-seizure medications and steroids like dexamethasone. Since dogs with distemper often lose their appetite and may suffer from diarrhea, they may need fluid therapy and nutritional support.
Long-Term Effects of Canine Distemper: Surviving puppies may develop enamel hypoplasia, a dental condition that affects the outer layer of their adult teeth, causing rough, pitted, and stained brown or yellow surfaces. Enamel hypoplasia increases the risk of abnormal root development, tartar buildup, and gum disease.
Canine distemper can also lead to inflammation of the dog’s retina and damage to the optic nerve, resulting in severe eye pain and vision loss in both puppies and adult dogs with persistent distemper.
Dogs recovering from canine distemper may develop hardening of the nose and paw pads, along with jaw spasms characterized by excessive drooling and chewing motions.
In rare cases, canine distemper survivors may experience old dog encephalitis, a variant of the disease that causes the gray matter in the dog’s brain to degenerate. This leads to compulsive movements, including pacing, head pressing, and involuntary winking of the eyes, torso shrugging, or hopping on front or back legs.
Preventing Canine Distemper: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent canine distemper. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, with subsequent shots every 2-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks. A booster shot should be administered 12 months after completing the initial series, followed by boosters every 3 years.
Keep the following in mind to prevent the spread of canine distemper:
Ask for proof of vaccination from dog breeders before bringing a puppy home.
Maintain cleanliness by using a bleach solution to disinfect your dog’s bedding, bowls, and toys.
Exercise caution when socializing unvaccinated puppies and adult dogs in public places like dog-friendly venues, parks, and daycare centers. Wait until your veterinarian confirms it’s safe for socialization.
Ensure vaccination of your dogs and ferrets with a USDA-approved vaccine like Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv.
In summary, understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of canine distemper is essential for protecting your furry companions from this dangerous disease. Regular vaccination, responsible breeding, and proper hygiene practices play a crucial role in safeguarding your dogs from the threat of distemper.
