In January, there was a positive case of canine distemper in a dog in Sudbury.
Canine distemper is a viral disease spread through respiratory droplets between dogs and wildlife species like foxes, raccoons, coyotes and skunks, for example.
It is highly contagious, affects multiple organ systems and can be fatal.
Parvovirus is talked about every spring, but we are fortunate not to see as many distemper cases in our area. While parvovirus is spread by fecal-oral contamination, distemper disperses by respiratory droplets, making it much more easily transmitted between pets, wildlife, and making it especially hard to control in a kennel or rescue setting.
Distemper affects multiple organ systems depending on the strain. Initially symptoms are non-spectific: lethargy, anorexia, fever, dehydration and respiratory symptoms such as coughing and eye discharge.
It can progress to vomiting and diarrhea. Skin lesions and neurological signs can also develop. Severity of the signs depend on the response of the immune system, so unvaccinated and young patients tend to be more severely affected.
There is no specific treatment for distemper. Your pet would need to be supported while showing symptoms by preventing dehydration, ensuring proper nutrition and possible covering for secondary infections.
Distemper can require lengthy hospital stays, a challenge for facilities as well since strict measures must be taken to prevent spread within the hospital. The mortality rate is about 50 per cent, with those showing neurological signs having the poorest prognosis.
Unlike parvovirus, where recovered dogs often are 100-per-cent normal, dogs that recover from distemper can have life long neurological disease that can affect their mobility and co-ordination.
Dogs can continue to shed the virus for at least one to two weeks following recovery so cleaning and isolation must continue at home after they are discharged.
Fortunately, it is highly preventable with a vaccine, usually given in conjunction with parvovirus and hepatitis. This three-way vaccination is given to puppies as at least two boosters, followed by a booster in the first year and then every three years after that. It is vitally important that we continue to keep our pets up to date on their vaccinations to prevent these devastating diseases.
Dr. Courtney Andrews is a veterinarian in Sudbury, a graduate of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies and dog mom to Argyll and Einstein. Animals & Pets is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
