Canine Distemper (CD) is a highly contagious and deadly viral infection in dogs caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), also known as Canine morbillivirus. It affects multiple organs and organ systems in dogs and can infect various animals, but dogs are most at risk.
What Causes Canine Distemper?
The disease is caused by a unique RNA virus, Canine morbillivirus, which can infect multiple cell types within the same individual, leading to systemic illness with a high mortality rate.
How Does Canine Distemper Spread Among Dogs?
CD spreads mainly via aerosol droplets, much like the common cold in humans, through secretions such as eye or nasal discharges. Indirect transmission can occur via contaminated clothing or objects that infected dogs have come in contact with. Key transmission routes include sneezing, coughing, sharing bowls or toys, and direct contact.
Which Dogs are Most At-Risk for Canine Distemper?
Puppies aged 2 to 6 months who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are at the highest risk. Young orphaned puppies lacking maternal immunity, unvaccinated older dogs, and immunocompromised dogs are also vulnerable.
What are the Canine Distemper Symptoms in Dogs?
Early Signs and Initial Canine Distemper Symptoms
Initial symptoms usually develop 3 to 6 days after exposure and include:
- Watery to pus-like eye discharge
- Clear nasal discharge
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rare cases show pustular dermatitis and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Severe and Advanced Canine Distemper Symptoms in Dogs
In late-stage infection, neurological symptoms of distemper can occur in dogs:
- Loss of coordination
- Head tilting
- Circling behavior
- Chewing gum seizures
- Grand mal seizures
- Muscle twitching
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Thickening of the nose and footpads
Why is Canine Distemper called the Hard Pad Disease?
The virus causes hyperkeratosis, thickening the nose and footpads, making them sensitive and painful. This feature earned the nickname “hard pad disease”.
What are the Different Stages of Canine Distemper?
Stage One: Early Infection Stage
- Watery to pus-like ocular discharge
- Fever (3-6 days post-infection)
- Loss of appetite
- Clear nasal discharge
- Lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea
- Rare pustular dermatitis and brain/spinal cord inflammation
Complications: hyperkeratosis and secondary bacterial infections affecting respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
Stage Two: Neurological Effects of CD
- Head tilt, circling
- Partial or full paralysis
- Seizures, nystagmus (rapid eye movements)
- Muscle twitching and convulsions often with excessive salivation and chewing motions
Survivors often suffer permanent nervous system damage.
How is Canine Distemper Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is commonly performed using antigen testing kits at veterinary clinics. More sensitive real-time PCR (rtPCR) tests on blood, serum, urine, or eye and nasal discharge samples provide accurate confirmation.
What is the Treatment for Canine Distemper?
Home Care Tips for Dogs Recovering from Distemper
- Complete isolation from other dogs and other animals
- Supportive care including fluid therapy to prevent dehydration
- Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic medicines for pain and swelling
- Anti-nausea medications and vitamins to restore nerve health
- Careful management of seizures and secondary infections.
Professional Veterinary Treatment for Canine Distemper
- Immunity boosters like granulocyte-stimulating factors to enhance white blood cell production
- Antiviral medications and specific canine distemper antibodies may be used under veterinary guidance
- Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, diarrhea)
- Steroids should be avoided as they suppress the immune system, worsening disease progression.
Can Canine Distemper be Cured?
There is no cure for canine distemper. Fewer than 50% of infected dogs recover from canine distemper.
Early diagnosis and intensive supportive treatment improve survival chances. However, recovered dogs may shed the virus for months and often have lifelong neurological deficits like seizures and muscle spasms.
Can You Protect Your Dog Against Canine Distemper?
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect dogs. Puppies require multiple doses of the DHPPiL (9-in-1) vaccine in their first 120 days.
Adult dogs need annual boosters. Additional precautions include avoiding contact with unvaccinated or sick dogs and limiting exposure in public places before vaccination completion.
Can Vaccinated Dogs Get Canine Distemper Virus?
Yes, although the risk is low, vaccinated dogs can still contract distemper due to evolving virus strains that may evade immunity. It is essential to maintain regular veterinary check-ups and watch for symptoms.
Do Canine Distemper Symptoms Go Away?
Symptoms may improve with treatment, but severe and neurological signs often persist. Many survivors suffer chronic neurological damage impairing quality of life.
FAQs About Canine Distemper in Dogs
Can Canine Distemper Spread to Other Animals?
Yes, CDV can infect animals such as foxes, wolves, and lions, but domestic dogs are the most susceptible.
Is Canine Distemper Fatal in Dogs?
Yes, especially if not caught early, due to severe immune system damage.
How Can I Recognize Canine Distemper Symptoms?
Look for fever, coughing, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs like seizures and muscle twitching.
How Do Dogs Catch Canine Distemper?
Through direct contact with saliva or mucus of infected dogs or inhaling virus particles.
Is There a Cure for Canine Distemper?
No cure exists; treatment focuses on supportive care to improve survival.
Can a Vaccinated Dog Still Get Distemper?
Yes, rarely, due to new virus strains; regular vaccination and monitoring remain critical.
What Does ‘Hard Pad Disease’ Mean?
It refers to the thickening and hardening of the nose and footpads caused by distemper virus, leading to sensitivity and pain.
