Canine distemper is a very dangerous viral disease that is transmitted by air over long distances. It is especially dangerous for puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems.
More than half of sick animals cannot cope with this disease. Many remain disabled, as the central nervous system and other organs often suffer.
If you decide to get a dog, take care of its health in advance and take all the necessary preventive measures that will help save the life of your pet.
General information about the causative agent of distemper in dogs
Distemper of carnivores occupies one of the leading places among infectious diseases of domestic pets. In dogs, viral distemper can affect all body systems. Carré's disease, an alternative name for plague, has a sharply negative effect on the entire body, affecting the skin, mucous membranes of organs, and the nervous system. An unvaccinated dog affected by the infection suffers from a fever, often dying during the course of the disease.
A pet can become infected through close contact with a sick dog. Timely vaccination reduces the risk of infection, but does not provide an absolute guarantee against infection.
The danger of the disease lies in the risk of complications developing in the body, against the background of which the death of the animal occurs. Therefore, it is very important to closely monitor the health of the animal and, if specific signs of disease appear, seek help from a veterinary clinic.
The causative agent of distemper in dogs is an RNA virus that is not particularly resistant to environmental factors. In the nasal sinuses, or more precisely in the mucous secretion, the virus is active for 1-2 weeks. It is noted that freezing the virus allows you to maintain its infectivity for a period of 3-4 months.
The causative agent of canine plague dies in water heated to 60 degrees after 30 minutes. In this case, heating to 100 degrees or higher inactivates the pathogen immediately. The RNA-containing Carré disease virus is not resistant to various disinfectant solutions, as well as ultraviolet radiation. When exposed to direct sunlight, the virus dies within half an hour.
How and where can a dog become infected with distemper?
The culprit of the disease has a number of negative aspects on the dog’s entire body. Not only the respiratory tract is affected, but also the skin, organs of the gastrointestinal tract, brain and nervous system. Infection of an animal occurs in a variety of ways, but the most common are:
- direct contact with household items of a sick animal;
- contact with infected biological fluids - feces, salivary and sexual secretions, as well as urine;
- contact of the pet with the owner’s outdoor shoes, which took place in places contaminated with the virus;
Types of distemper in dogs
It is important to understand the type of Carré disease affecting your dog, which will allow you to accurately develop treatment taking into account possible complications. In veterinary practice, there are 5 types of distemper and 4 forms of the pathological process.
According to the course of the disease
According to the current, carnivore plague occurs:
- Lightning fast. The most dangerous of all possible forms, as it ends in death with an almost 100% guarantee. Symptoms of the pathological process develop quickly, appearing 4-6 hours after penetration of the virus and lead to death. Even if the owner immediately seeks help from a veterinary clinic.
- Spicy. It does not appear so sharply, but the first signs, as with the fulminant form of the disease, appear 7-9 hours after the penetration of the viral agent. The body of a small puppy is not able to fight the disease, but with timely assistance there is a chance of a cure.
- Chronic. It affects the vast majority of older dogs over the age of 10 years. Of course, the chances of young individuals becoming infected also exist. In the chronic form of Carré's disease, the animal becomes apathetic and lethargic, refuses food, and dyspeptic disorders are observed. The animal constantly rubs its eyes, which become watery.
- Typical. Carnivore plague in its most classic manifestation. In the typical form of the disease, the first signs begin to appear 3 weeks after infection. There are chances for a successful full recovery of the dog if you promptly seek help from a veterinarian.
- Atypical. A dangerous and unpredictable form of pathology that occurs without a pronounced clinical picture. During this asymptomatic period, the infection spreads throughout the body, causing serious complications. The fatal outcome in the atypical form is quite predictable, since the central nervous system is affected.
According to the form of the disease
Canine plague rarely occurs in isolation. The pathogen can damage tissues throughout the body. The most commonly diagnosed are:
- Pulmonary form - characterized by damage to the respiratory tract. A sick pet's body temperature increases and a cough appears. A purulent type of secretion is released from the nasal passages and nostrils. The pet refuses to eat, but at the same time begins to drink more. Later, as the pathology progresses, diarrhea and eruption of gastric contents develop.
- Nervous form - characterized by increased thirst, muscle spasms and trembling. The animal becomes irritable and overly aggressive. Lack of timely assistance provokes paralysis of the pelvic limbs, and epileptic seizures occur. Paralysis of the respiratory muscles and myocardium leads to rapid death.
- The intestinal form of distemper in a dog is manifested by severe weakness of the animal and refusal to feed. A specific whitish coating appears on the surface of the tongue. The pet suffers from constant nausea and subsequent vomiting, and stool upset occurs. The stool is liquid and yellow in color.
- The skin is manifested by specific rashes throughout the dog’s body. As the pathology progresses, pustules and ulcerative lesions form. When an infection occurs, bacterial inflammation develops, complicating the course. The cutaneous form of distemper is considered in veterinary medicine to be one of the mildest and most treatable. But in the absence of timely treatment, the animal may die from exhaustion.
What kind of disease is this
Acute viral disease caused by paramyxovirus. It is structurally similar to the virus that causes measles. Plague can be dangerous not only for dogs; there is a subtype of the infection that affects cats and cattle. Carriers can be both domestic and wild animals (foxes, squirrels, hedgehogs, ferrets, even lions).
The disease was first discovered in Russia in Crimea in 1762, when it was called Crimean fever. Research into the virus began only in the 20th century. The French scientist Carré described a disease that causes damage to the central nervous system, rash and pneumonia.
A dog of any age can become infected; the most dangerous period is considered to be 2-5 months of age. Immunity is given by the mother for 2-3 weeks . The body's resistance is high while the puppy drinks milk, and after weaning it declines, lasting about 14 days. Then a vaccine is required.
There is a theory that the risk of infection depends on the breed. For example, the lowest frequency of infections is among terriers and boxers. Domesticated and decorative species reflect the virus quite well.
The main problem is the incredible resistance of the virus. It only dies when boiled. Even after recovery, the concentration of the pathogen in the animal’s blood is high enough to infect others. The most dangerous waste products of a pet are urine and feces.
Ways and methods of infection with the virus
Often, the virus is picked up in winter or autumn. The pathogen is resistant to low temperatures, but dies at high temperatures. The appearance and development of the disease is positively influenced by poor nutrition, untreated immune diseases, poor quality care and maintenance of the pet. Puppies born from a mother who has been ill or vaccinated are considered resistant to distemper.
A dog can become infected with distemper in 2 main ways:
- Through consumption of contaminated food;
- Through the respiratory tract.
An animal can contract the virus both through contact with other dogs and indirectly. Therefore, there is a high chance of infection, even if the dog sniffs or licks something that contains harmful bacteria. The virus can remain in the external environment for a long time. Due to this, infection occurs even in the area where an infected dog defecated or dropped saliva a few days ago.
Symptoms of distemper in dogs
From the moment the causative agent of Carré disease enters the body until the onset of the first clinical manifestations, an average of 3 days to 3 weeks passes. In all forms of the disease, except atypical and fulminant, symptoms appear after an incubation period. A dog without symptoms is a carrier of the disease and infects other animals.
In the initial stages of distemper in dogs, the following symptoms appear:
- mild degree of depression;
- loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat;
- the appearance of areas of hyperemia on the visible mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth;
- attacks of nausea and subsequent vomiting.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the dog’s body, signs may vary. Some pets suffer from pronounced manifestations of distemper, while in others the symptoms are blurred or completely absent.
The first signs of Carre's disease are an increase in body temperature, and then its return to normal levels. Small puppies and older pets are at risk. This is due to a decrease in the body's defenses.
Prevention of plague, vaccination
Vaccination is considered the only way to prevent the disease .
Puppies are given their first vaccination at the age of three months , followed by revaccination. The vaccination is usually well tolerated; minor symptoms of intestinal distress may occur.
Preventive measures also include keeping dogs clean, wiping their paws after walks, and periodically changing and washing bedding. Good, nutritious nutrition is also the key to a lower risk of contracting viral diseases.
Diagnostics
When the first signs of ill health appear, you should seek help from a veterinary clinic. The specialist will conduct a detailed examination, study clinical manifestations, and prescribe a number of necessary laboratory tests.
To make an accurate diagnosis of the presence of a viral infection, it is necessary to take samples of swabs from the nasal passages, the mucous membrane of the tongue and take a blood test. To identify distemper in a dog, the following are prescribed:
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay);
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
- specific susceptibility test and tests for determining antigen in the blood.
There are a huge number of laboratory tests that can identify pathogenic agents in the body. The need for a particular laboratory test is determined by an exclusively competent veterinarian.
Consequences
If you contact a veterinarian in a timely manner and provide assistance to a sick animal, the cat quickly recovers from distemper: the number of leukocytes in the blood is restored, it quickly gains weight, signs of rhinitis and conjunctivitis disappear, and body temperature drops to normal. After some time, the pet returns to its normal life.
It often happens that panleukopenia in cats does not go away without a trace. In this case, the furry pet will have unpleasant consequences for life. These include chronic disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and nervous phenomena. After successful treatment, some animals are given special care and dietary ration for the rest of their lives.
Treatment of distemper in dogs
Therapy for canine distemper in domestic dogs involves an integrated approach. Treatment includes the use of specific, highly targeted medications and other agents that serve as additional factors. Depending on the clinical manifestation of the pathology and the general condition of the pet, therapy may have different directions.
Self-prescribing medications or using folk remedies can lead to serious complications.
Among the specific methods of treating canine distemper is the procedure of blood transfusion. Blood is transfused to a healthy animal from a dog that has had the plague. The injection of serum from a recovered animal to a healthy one is also used. More often used in a specific treatment method is the transfusion of serum from treated blood that is immune to the viral agent. The administration of serum depends on the condition of the animal, but as a rule, the procedure is carried out three times, several times a day.
Globcan, Gixan and Avirokan serums have an excellent therapeutic effect. It is noted that it is advisable to use serum only in the first stages of development of the pathological process and the chances of recovery are higher.
In the complex treatment of distemper in dogs, symptomatic therapy plays an important role. Its goal is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of complications. The sick animal must be placed in a separate box, well insulated with constantly maintained air humidity. The dog needs to rest more. To treat distemper in dogs, use:
- Mydocalm - to eliminate convulsive phenomena in the muscles;
- Aminazine – for disorders of the central nervous system;
- Prozerin - for stopping cuts;
- Novocaine blockades - to eliminate pain;
- Finlipsin – for epileptic seizures;
- Gentamicin is an antibiotic that helps prevent and eliminate pathogenic bacterial microflora;
- Sulfocamphocaine is a cardiac drug necessary to prevent the development of cardiac complications;
- Immunofan – maintaining the immune system.
All medications are prescribed only by a veterinarian. Independently determining the dosage is fraught with complications, including death.
An important place in treatment is given to a special diet. A viral infection always leads to digestive problems. In this regard, to unload the digestive system, a fasting diet is prescribed for 12 to 24 hours. The dog should not eat, but should definitely drink a lot of water.
At home, after consultation with a veterinarian, you can add decoctions of medicinal plants (for example, oak bark, string or marshmallow root) to the water. After the dog’s condition has stabilized, they begin to give it liquid food - not fatty broths, oatmeal and rice porridge with water. You can also give jelly and decoctions mixed with a small portion of minced meat.
Prognosis for diagnosed distemper in a dog
The prognosis for a dog diagnosed with distemper is always cautious. Even though modern veterinary practice has learned to cope with this viral infection, the disease provokes the development of complications in every fifth dog.
Depending on the form of the pathological process, a number of complications may occur. For example, if the form of plague was intestinal, colitis and enterocolitis often develop after recovery. In the pulmonary form, the structures of the lungs, heart muscle and even the stomach can be affected. As a complication after suffering from plague, paralysis of the pelvic limbs occurs.
How to keep a dog with distemper if there are other animals in the house
If the course of the pathological process is not critical, the animal can be treated at home, following the clear recommendations of a specialist. The canine distemper virus is not dangerous for humans, but it is for other dogs. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to a number of preventive measures. First of all, disinfection.
A sick animal should be isolated in a clean, well-ventilated and dry area. Water and drinking bowls should always be thoroughly washed and disinfected. It is very important that animals have all the necessary vaccinations, especially against canine distemper. This will reduce the risk of developing the disease in other dogs.
Apartment processing
During treatment, it is necessary not only to create optimal living conditions for the pet, but also to thoroughly clean and disinfect the house, apartment, or enclosure. Treatment of an apartment or house is carried out with means to which the causative agent of canine distemper is sensitive.
For disinfection, use a 2% solution of sodium hydroxide, bleach in combination with 2% active chlorine, Lysol, chloramine, and other chemicals that deactivate the causative agent of this infection.
Replace bowls, bedding, hygiene products, and ammunition with new ones. Dangerous viruses and bacteria may remain on them. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect the enclosure and doghouse.
Rehabilitation after suffering from plague
After suffering a viral infection, the consequences can last a lifetime. It is very important to completely cure your pet without relying on chance. It is important to follow all the veterinarian’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period - strengthen the immune system, establish a proper diet, avoid contact with other animals (quarantine keeping, which will not only prevent infection of other pets, but will also prevent complications from developing).
The body is very weakened after suffering from plague, so the owner’s task is to prevent the development of serious consequences. After an animal has recovered from the distemper virus, tumors may appear in the oral cavity, and tooth enamel may darken.
If you do not follow all the specialist’s recommendations, after the first infection, the dog may get sick again, but in this case, with a severe nervous form of the pathology.
This occurs as a result of incomplete cure and prolonged existence of the virus in cells. During the rehabilitation process, it is possible to develop serious diseases, such as meningitis or encephalitis, against the background of incomplete recovery.
Can I switch to a cat?
The causative agents of canine distemper are absolutely safe for cats. This point greatly facilitates the diagnosis of the disease; if both animals live in the same area and suddenly feel unwell, then distemper is immediately ruled out.
Attention! Don't forget about infections that may occur during illness. Be sure to separate dishes, bedding, etc. until the animal is completely restored.
What about the other way around?
The feline distemper virus is safe for dogs. They cannot become infected from each other, since the causative agents of the disease are different. A dog also cannot get sick directly from a person unless for an indirect reason, for example, the virus was brought on outer clothing or shoes.
