Pop quiz, what do ferrets, foxes, dingos and dogs have in common? They can all contract canine distemper, a serious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
While this is a potentially fatal virus, it’s preventative with vaccinations. Here’s how to keep your dog safe.
What is canine distemper and how is it spread?
Despite the name, canine distemper isn’t a dog in a bad mood. It’s a highly contagious viral disease related to measles in humans. It spreads easily and can be spread via different species, says Vetpartners Vet Manager Dr Deepa Gopinath. Luckily, humans can’t contract it from infected dogs.
“This virus can spread in the air via respiratory secretions [coughing, sneezing, sharing water bowls] from infected dogs and also from wildlife,” she says.
This can include, she adds, sharing bedding and toys with infected animals. While the virus doesn’t survive long in the environment, it can spread quickly in unvaccinated dogs.
Puppies, and unvaccinated dogs, especially from shelters or pounds are most at risk. In Australia, most cases of canine distemper have been reported in the coastal regions of New South Wales and Victoria.
What are the signs of canine distemper?
Early signs of canine distemper may include:
- Fever and tiredness
- Eye and nose discharge
- Coughing or sneezing
- Vomitting and diarrhoea
- Lack of appetite
As the disease progresses dogs can also develop thickened paw pads or noses, breathing difficulties and even some neurological signs such as twitching, tremors, head tilts or balance issues.
“These neurological signs can develop weeks after the initial illness,” says Dr Gopinath. “Even dogs that appear to recover can sometimes have ongoing tremors or behavioural changes.”
How is canine distemper diagnosed?
If you notice any of these signs in your doggo, your vet may use a combination of physical exams, vaccination history, blood tests or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the virus in the body, and in some cases an X-ray to check for pneumonia or chest issues.
Canine distemper can have similar signs to other diseases like kennel cough, so lab testing can confirm the diagnosis, says Dr Gopinath.
What is the treatment for canine distemper?
Once diagnosed, there is no specific anti-viral treatment for distemper, explains Dr Gopinath.
“Most cases are treated with supportive care such as hospitalisation, fluids and anti-seizure medications,” she says.
This may also include anti-nausea medications, a course of antibiotics for any secondary infection, management of seizures and isolation for your pooch to prevent spreading of the virus. Even after recovery, some dogs may experience long-term neurological changes.
Unfortunately, in some severe cases, especially in puppies, this disease can be fatal.
How to protect your dog from canine distemper
Dr Gopinath’s advice for protecting your pup from canine distemper is simple. Vaccinate!
“Vaccination against distemper is very effective and takes effect within 7 to14 days,” she explains. “It is important to plan ahead, especially with puppies, to ensure that the entire course of vaccinations can be given before they travel.”
The canine distemper vaccine is part of the standard core C3 vaccines given to puppies, she adds. Puppies require two to three doses to ensure that their immature immune systems respond to the vaccine. After this, repeat doses are needed every one to three years depending on the vaccine used.
“These are modified live vaccines which prime the immune system to recognise and fight the virus if ever the dog is exposed to it,” she says.
It’s also important to avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs and wildlife, and to keep up a high level of hygiene in your pooch after travel or boarding.
When to see your vet
If you notice your dog sneezing, coughing, lacking in appetite or energy, book an appointment with your vet for a check-up. If you notice any neurological signs such as twitching, tremors, head tilts or balance issues, see an emergency vet as soon as you can.
If you think your dog’s vaccinations may be overdue, chat to your vet.
