Distemper
Dr W J Grobler BVSc
INTRODUCTION
During the course of 2001 to 2003 there had been a major increase in the number of cases of distemper seen in our area. Although very few cases were seen in the previous twenty years, we have come across distemper dogs on a much more regular basis during those 24 months or so. The causative organism is a virus similar to the measles virus in humans. Sick animals have a good chance of dying and although the virus is very susceptible to disinfectants, sunlight and dessication, sick dogs excrete large numbers of the virus in their saliva, urine, faeces and nasal excretions.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms vary considerably and includes the following:
- High fever
- Inappetance
- Yellowish green eye and nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Very red eye mucous membranes and gums
- Muscle spasms, especially of the muscles on the head
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Thickening of the foot pads and nose
- Weak and swaying hindquarters
- Convulsions
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of distemper is often difficult, but any of the above signs in an unvaccinated animal is strongly suspicious. Other diseases that may give similar symptoms are inter alia Tick bite fever (Ehrlichiosis), Kennel cough, Parvovirus, poisoning and pneumonia. In some instances inclusion bodies (remnants of viral replication) can be seen in red blood cells or other body cells (see photo). Blood tests may be done to indicate the presence of the virus or antibodies in the patient. One of the newest tests can detect inclusion bodies in a small piece of skin with hair.
TREATMENT
At present no cheap anti-viral drugs are available to combat this disease in dogs. Treatment is therefore aimed at increasing the dog's appetite, fighting secondary bacterial infections and managing convulsions. Nearly 80% of young dogs and 50% of adults do not recover and either die or have to be put to sleep due to severe symptoms. The course of the disease is often protracted and it could take up to eight weeks before full recovery or the onset of severe convulsions. A high level of nutrition is very important during the course of the disease.
PREVENTION
The good news is that it is extremely easy to prevent this disease by vaccination of healthy pups. A bitch with good immunity will provide her newly born pups with lots of antibodies that will protect them for a period of eight to sixteen weeks. During this period it is very important to have pups vaccinated, usually from six to eight weeks and every three to four weeks thereafter until they are sixteen weeks old. A yearly booster will ensure that the animal's immunity remains complete. Sick or worm infested pups should never be vaccinated, since they will not respond to the vaccine as they ought to.
SUMMARY
This deadly, contagious disease can easily be prevented just by vaccinating pups at least three times before they are four months old. Fewer susceptible animals will lead to a decrease in the number of cases — what better reason to have your dogs vaccinated? Speak to your vet today to make an appointment or to find out more about this killer disease.
Acknowledgement for photo: www.purdue.edu