Updates On 9th Apr 2017

CANINE DISTEMPER IN DOGS

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. Canine distemper belongs to the Morbillivirus class of viruses, and is a relative of the measles virus, which affects humans, the Rinderpest virus that affects cattle, and the Phocine virus that causes seal distemper. All are members of the Paramyxoviridae family. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease.

SYMPTOMS

The virus, which is spread through the air and by direct or indirect (i.e. utensils, bedding) contact with an infected animal, initially attacks a dog�s tonsils and lymph nodes and replicates itself there for about one week. It then attacks the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Major symptoms of Canine Distemper:

- high fever (?39.7� C),

- reddened eyes,

- watery discharge from the nose and eyes,

- become lethargic and tired,

- anorexic.

Persistent coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. In the later stages of the disease, the virus starts attacking the other systems of the dog�s body, particularly the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are affected and the dog may start having fits, seizures, paralysis, and attacks of hysteria.

Canine distemper has certain strains of the virus can cause an abnormal enlargement or thickening of the pads of an animal�s feet. In dogs with weak immune systems, death may result two to five weeks after the initial infection.

CAUSES

- Improper attenuated vaccines,

- Bacterial infections of the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems,

- Non-immunized dogs that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal carry a particularly high risk of contracting the virus.

TREATMENT

No cure for canine distemper. Treatment for the disease, therefore, is heavily focused on alleviating the symptoms.

If the animal has become anorexic or has diarrhea, intravenous supportive fluids may be given.

Discharge from the eyes and nose must be cleaned away regularly.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to control the symptoms caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

Phenobarbitals and potassium bromide may be needed to control convulsions and seizures.

There are no antiviral drugs that are effective in treating the disease.

PREVENTION

The best prevention for canine distemper is routine vaccinations and immediate isolation of infected animals. Special care must be taken to protect new-born pups from exposure, since they are especially susceptible to the disease.

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SPCA Sarawak

The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that animals, as living creatures, have value beyond economic measurement, and are entitled to legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection. The Sarawak SPCA's mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of animals and as an enforcer of their rights; to provide for the well-being of the animals of the State of Sarawak who are abandoned, injured, subjected to unfair or cruel treatment, or otherwise in need; to cultivate in the people of our community an awareness of the animals whose world we share; to promote a bond of mutual assistance between people and animals; and to instill respect for and appreciation of all living things.

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