Distemper in dogs: symptoms to detect and how to cure it
Dog distemper virus (CDV) is a morbillivirus-containing RNA that is clinically significant in dogs and other canids, although many other carnivorous species (eg, ferrets, bears, and some large breeds of wild cats, among others) may also be affected. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at higher risk. In naturally occurring infections, the most common route of transmission is through the respiratory system .
The severity and pattern of clinical signs vary with the efficacy of the host's immune response , the age of the host, and the virulence of the virus . Dogs with a good immune response may remain subclinical (> 50% of dogs are subclinically infected) while mildly affected pets may show transient pyrexia, oculonasal discharge, and upper respiratory tract signs such as sneezing.
Dogs with a more serious illness can develop bothersome respiratory damage, vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hyperkeratosis or parakeratosis of the nose and foot pad, and formation of vesicles and pustules in these areas.
Dogs with systemic clinical signs are at increased risk for neurological complications. The neurological symptoms occur more frequently from 1 to 6 weeks after that general symptoms are gone, but can occur at the same time or weeks or months later.
It is not possible to predict which dogs will improve and overcome neurological complications. Neurologic symptoms are usually progressive and include seizures, cerebellar or vestibular symptoms, paraparesis, tetraparesis, and myoclonus . Neurologic abnormalities can also be seen in transplacentally infected puppies , along with immunodeficiency and weakness. In addition, abortions and stillbirths can occur.
The neurological symptoms of distemper in dogs are associated with a poor prognosis . In puppies that are infected with CDV before their teeth have erupted, enamel hypoplasia, tooth root damage, dentin and enamel irregularities, and other dental abnormalities may appear.
Neurological symptoms that can affect dogs with distemper include:
Spin around on themselves.
Involuntary tilt of the head.
Involuntary eye movement
Partial or total paralysis.
Generalized seizures.
Tremors or muscle spasms
Seizures in the jaw characterized by salivation.
Dogs with distemper may experience some, all, or none of these symptoms during the course of the infection. As we have discussed previously, neurological symptoms can occur together with others or at any time after other symptoms have disappeared. This is largely due to the way the disease affects the brain and central nervous system.
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