Canine Distemper is known to be a very infectious and deadly viral disease caused by Canine Morbillivirus, also commonly called the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). It has symptoms like nose and eye discharge, along with symptoms that mimic other conditions like tiredness, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If left unaddressed, it can lead to multiple organ failure and eventually death in many senior or unvaccinated dogs that are not treated in time.
What Is Canine Distemper in Dogs?
Let’s dive deeper into what this virus is, how it affects dogs, and what to look out for when it comes to symptoms and early signs in dogs. Canine Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV) that attacks multiple systems at the same time in the dog, from the respiratory organs and gastrointestinal tract to the central nervous system, leaving the dog weak and unable to fight the virus due to a depleted immune system. Puppies, senior dogs, and unvaccinated dogs are the most vulnerable to this infectious disease. Hence, it is crucial to be aware of this disease and vaccinate your pets fully to keep them safe, as there is no cure for this deadly disease.
What Causes Canine Distemper?
A unique RNA virus called the Canine morbillivirus is what causes Canine Distemper, which infects multiple cell types in the dog’s body, leading to systemic illness with a high mortality rate.
How Does Canine Distemper Spread Among Dogs?
Just like a common cold for humans, CD spreads through droplets discharged from the nose or eyes and spreads across surfaces and other objects, spreading contamination. If your dog accidentally comes in contact with contaminated clothing or objects that have been compromised by an infected dog, CD can be indirectly transmitted. CD can be transmitted through direct contact, sneezing, coughing and sharing bowls or toys, and direct contact.
Early Symptoms of Canine Distemper in Dogs
Initial signs to watch out for
Symptoms usually develop within 3 to 6 days of exposure. Keep a lookout for these initial signs to take quick action and consult your vet. Look out for:
- Watery or pus-like discharge from the eyes
- Clear nasal discharge
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Coughing
Digestive Symptoms
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Rare cases show pustular dermatitis and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Advanced Canine Distemper Symptoms in Dogs
If undetected for over a week, the infection becomes more severe and neurological symptoms of distemper develop, such as:
Neurological Symptoms
- Loss of coordination
- Head tilting
- Circling behavior
- Chewing gum seizures
- Seizures, nystagmus (rapid eye movements)
- Grand mal seizures
- Partial or full paralysis
Skin and Paw Symptoms
The virus causes hyperkeratosis, where the skin on the nose and footpads becomes thick, making these parts sore, sensitive, and very painful. Hence, it has been termed “hard pad disease”.
Dogs that survive Canine Distemper often have a permanently weakened or damaged nervous system.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Stray dogs are mostly at risk if they haven’t been vaccinated. Puppies between the ages of 2 and 6 months are potentially at high risk, as they may be partially or not vaccinated at all. Unvaccinated older dogs and dogs with a weak immune system are also vulnerable.
How is Canine Distemper Diagnosed?
At many veterinary clinics, the disease is diagnosed using antigen testing kits. To get an accurate confirmation of the condition, they also run real-time PCR (rtPCR) tests on blood, serum, urine, and eye and nasal discharge samples.
Can Canine Distemper Be Treated?
Unfortunately, although there is no cure for Canine Distemper, your local veterinarian would administer IV fluids and antibiotics to help control existing symptoms and prevent complications, as well as calm neurological symptoms from escalating. Vet care is mostly recommended as dogs need to be isolated from other dogs, kept under close observation, and monitored in intensive care for 1 – 2 weeks during their medical treatment.
Canine Distemper Vaccine for Dogs
For all dogs to be safe from this dreaded disease, it is crucial to get them vaccinated as early as 6 weeks of age. Within the first 120 days, puppies need multiple DHPPil (9-in-1) vaccine shots. The canine distemper vaccine protects your dog against this deadly virus and builds their immunity, keeping them safe for longer.
The distemper vaccine (DHPP combo) is the best protection and is known to be 99% effective. By following the schedule below, you can keep your dog healthy and safe all year round.
| Age group | Type of Shot |
| Puppy (6 – 8 weeks old) | First dose |
| 10 – 12 weeks old | Booster 1 |
| 14 – 16 weeks old | Booster 2 |
| Adult (1 year old) | Adult dose |
| Every year (Annually) | Adult booster |
How to Prevent Canine Distemper
If your dog hasn’t been fully vaccinated, it is advised to keep them away from public places and exposure to unvaccinated, unknown dogs to keep the virus at bay. Complete the vaccination protocol, as that is key to providing all-around protection. Ensure you follow hygienic practices at home and when travelling, keeping your pet’s bowls and toys clean. In case the virus is prevalent in your area, disinfect your pet’s leash, toys, bowls, and other personal belongings with bleach to increase safety.
If your dog is sick, isolate them for a minimum of four weeks as their immunity is low, and they are susceptible to contracting the virus. Avoid taking your pet to unknown parks or crowds where there is a potential for the virus to spread.
Is Canine Distemper Fatal?
If Canine Distemper (CD) is not detected in time, and if you have a pup that is not fully vaccinated, yes, CD can cause death. Early detection and care increase the chances of survival by 50%. However, once the disease is contracted, due to the neurological damage, dogs may have symptoms that may affect them for their life.
When to See a Vet
Early warnings like discharge from the eyes and nose should be your first indication that it’s time to take action and consult a veterinarian. Do not delay. Waiting 2 -3 days for symptoms to subside on their own would lead to severe neurological symptoms, which would be difficult to cure. Dogs in recovery continue to shed the virus months after treatment, posing a threat to other pets or surroundings. Although their symptoms may improve, severe neurological signs persist, affecting their overall quality of life.
FAQs on Canine Distemper in Dogs
Can humans get CD?
No, humans cannot get Canine Distemper (CD). The virus is species-specific and does not infect people, even through close contact with infected animals.
Is it curable?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CD; treatment involves supportive care to improve and extend the dog’s lifespan.
How long does it last?
Your dog can get a mild or severe case and may have symptoms that only last 10 days. However, neurological symptoms may be delayed and show up months after infection.
Can vaccinated dogs get CD?
Yes, in rare situations where there are new virus strains, regular vaccination and monitoring are crucial to protect your pet from contracting this virus.
Is Canine Distemper Fatal in Dogs?
Yes, especially if not caught early. The virus causes severe damage to the immune system, leading to multi-organ failure and eventual death.
Conclusion
At BCS Pune, we’ve had several heartbreaking cases of Canine Distemper. We cannot emphasise how deadly this virus can be and how much discomfort it brings to young pups and adult unvaccinated dogs, too. Even when treated, there are neurological symptoms like spasms, seizures, and head tilting that continue for the rest of the dog’s life. Schedule your pet’s vaccination on time to avoid this life-threatening virus. Keep an eye out for early signs of eye discharge or fever, and take action by contacting your vet immediately.