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Did you know how canine distemper affects multiple systems in dogs?
Canine distemper virus (CDV), often called "footpad disease," is a highly contagious viral disease that affects many mammals, including domestic dogs, foxes, wolves, pandas, Minks and other wild animals. The virus does not infect humans, but in dogs, canine distemper can have severe effects on multiple body systems, particularly the respiratory and nervous systems.
Common symptoms of canine distemper include high fever, eye inflammation and watering, difficulty breathing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weakness, and even hardening of the nose and footpads.
Canine distemper, caused by a single-stranded RNA virus, originates from the family Paramyxoviridae, which also causes diseases such as measles and mumps in humans. The virus is spread by inhalation of droplets or contact with body fluids of infected animals, so the morbidity and mortality of the disease in unvaccinated dogs is very high, especially in puppies.
Symptoms and effects
The symptoms of canine distemper vary from asymptomatic to wind-chill symptoms, and may even be complicated by severe pneumonia, vomiting, diarrhea and death. Commonly observed symptoms include runny nose, vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, excessive salivation, coughing and loss of appetite. If neurological symptoms occur, incontinence may result. Symptoms of the central nervous system include muscle twitching, epilepsy, and photosensitivity. As the disease progresses, epilepsy will worsen and may lead to the death of the animal.
Dogs who survive may face subsequent complications, such as hard pad disease, a condition that often causes thickening of the skin on the paw pads and nose.
Virus transmission and vaccine prevention
Canine distemper is transmitted through aerosol droplets and contact with infected body fluids. The incubation period after infection is about 14 to 18 days. Although vaccines are available to prevent this disease, unvaccinated dogs remain a source of risk. The incidence of canine distemper has declined significantly in some areas due to widespread vaccination, but the risk of outbreaks remains in many animal shelters and among uncared for stray dogs.
Vaccination usually starts 6-8 weeks after the puppies are born, and a full series of vaccinations needs to be completed at 16 weeks to effectively prevent infection.
Management and Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for canine distemper. All treatments focus on symptoms and supportive care to address fluid and electrolyte imbalances, neurological symptoms and prevent any bacterial infections. Specific treatment may include fluid replacement, electrolyte solution replacement, and antispasmodic medications.
The mortality rate of CDV depends on the immune status of the dog, with the highest mortality rate in puppies. In adult dogs, although complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can occur after canine distemper infection, survivors often experience ongoing neurological effects, including problems with seizures, motor coordination, and vision loss.
Summary and reflection
With the popularization of canine distemper vaccine, the health of many dogs has improved, but the stray dog population is still a potential virus carrier. It is crucial for all pet owners to ensure that their dogs are vaccinated on time. In protecting our pets, we are also protecting society as a whole from the threat of this deadly disease. Have you ever considered your pet’s vaccination status?
