Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease
of carnivores caused by a paramyxovirus.
The virus is widespread and mortality in juveniles is higher
than in adults. The canine distemper virus is very resistant to cold and the
majority of distemper cases in domestic dogs are seen in the fall and winter.
In wild animals, since the juveniles are more susceptible to infection, the
majority of cases are seen in the spring and summer, but cases are observed
year round.
Transmission occurs via : - An aerosol-droplet route
- Direct contact ( the virus is shed in the feces and urine of infected individuals ).
- Possibly by contact with contaminated objects.
- Transplacental transmission.
The route of infection :
- Through the upper respiratory tract, following inhalation of infective virus.
- Occasionally infection occurs from ingestion of infective material and following entry into the upper respiratory tract.
- The virus is spread to the tonsils and lymph nodes, where viral replication occurs.
- The virus then enters the blood stream where it is transported to epithelial cells throughout the body, including the intestinal and respiratory tract.
Typical clinical signs of canine distemper :
In the domestic dog
respiratory and intestinal problems :
In the domestic dog
respiratory and intestinal problems :
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nasal and ocular discharge
- Anorexia
- Hyperkeratosis of the nasal planum and foot pads.
Central nervous system signs may follow the above clinical
signs.
In wild carnivores
Abnormal behavior and apparent lack of fear, suggestive of rabies, may be the only signs grossly visible.
Often the animals are presented with a purulent conjunctivitis and nasal discharge and the eyelids may be adhered together with crusty exudate.
Neurological disturbances :
In wild carnivores
Abnormal behavior and apparent lack of fear, suggestive of rabies, may be the only signs grossly visible.
Often the animals are presented with a purulent conjunctivitis and nasal discharge and the eyelids may be adhered together with crusty exudate.
Neurological disturbances :
- Aggressiveness
- Disorientation
- Lack of alertness
- Convulsive movements of the head and paws
- Aimless wandering
There may be evidence of diarrhea, labored breathing and an
unkempt appearance to the fur.
Due to the diarrhea and vomiting, the animal may be dehydrated and exhibit excessive thirst. Weakness and emaciation have been associated with canine distemper, but often animals will be acutely affected and be presented in good nutritional condition.
The pathology lesions of canine distemper :
Due to the diarrhea and vomiting, the animal may be dehydrated and exhibit excessive thirst. Weakness and emaciation have been associated with canine distemper, but often animals will be acutely affected and be presented in good nutritional condition.
The pathology lesions of canine distemper :
- pulmonary congestion and consolidation leading to focal pneumonitis.
- Eosinophilic rounded or ovoid bodies with refractile particles are found in the epithelial cells of skin, bronchi, intestinal tract, urinary tract, bile duct, salivary glands, adrenal glands, central nervous system, lymph nodes and spleen.
- At the time of necropsy, an enlarged spleen is usually seen.
Diagnosis
Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs, the demonstration of inclusion bodies in neutrophils on blood smear and inclusion bodies in conjunctival smears. Definitive diagnosis is based on laboratory analysis of affected tissues by fluorescent antibody techniques.
In wild carnivores, the presenting signs are often neurological and the disease must be differentiated from rabies and other encephalitides.
Treatment and Control
No treatment other than supportive care exists for canine distemper. Control of canine distemper outbreaks includes the removal of carcasses of animals which have died from the disease, vaccination of susceptible domestic species to decrease the number of susceptible hosts, and a reduction in wildlife populations which also reduces the number of potential hosts. The virus is inactivated by heat, formalin, and Roccal R.
Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs, the demonstration of inclusion bodies in neutrophils on blood smear and inclusion bodies in conjunctival smears. Definitive diagnosis is based on laboratory analysis of affected tissues by fluorescent antibody techniques.
In wild carnivores, the presenting signs are often neurological and the disease must be differentiated from rabies and other encephalitides.
Treatment and Control
No treatment other than supportive care exists for canine distemper. Control of canine distemper outbreaks includes the removal of carcasses of animals which have died from the disease, vaccination of susceptible domestic species to decrease the number of susceptible hosts, and a reduction in wildlife populations which also reduces the number of potential hosts. The virus is inactivated by heat, formalin, and Roccal R.
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