Canine and Feline Pseudorabies: Understanding the Disea

Parvovirus, also known as canine distemper, is a herpesvirus. It boasts a remarkable resilience to external environments, yet it can be swiftly and reliably eliminated by common disinfectants such as chlorinated compounds and formaldehyde solutions. Solutions of 0.1% peracetic acid and 1% to 2% quaternary ammonium compounds are also effective as disinfectants. Dogs typically contract the virus through ingesting the internal organs of infected pigs or rats, either via the digestive tract or through skin wounds. Furthermore, the virus can spread through urine and blood that leaks from broken or bitten skin, contaminating food and water, and subsequently infecting healthy dogs.

The incubation period ranges from 3 to 6 days, with some cases extending up to 10 days. Initially, dogs may appear disinterested in the world, followed by restlessness, loss of appetite, and an increased thirst. They may sit in a curled position. Their body temperature may rise intermittently, and they often vomit. Lesions may become itchy, prompting dogs to stare, scratch, and lick at the itchy areas. Within a few hours, these can develop into large, ulcerative lesions with surrounding tissue swelling, potentially leading to deep wounds. In some cases, dogs may exhibit signs of pain without the typical symptoms, such as whining, suggesting discomfort in a specific body part.

Some cases may present symptoms resembling rabies, with dogs biting and tearing at various objects, but they never attack humans or other animals. They may fight with other dogs when itchy. Early on, dogs may exhibit signs of pharyngeal paralysis, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. The size of their pupils may be unequal. Most dogs will show intermittent twitching in the flexor muscles of the head and neck, as well as the lips. Difficulty breathing is common, and dogs often succumb to the disease within 24 to 36 hours.

Differential Diagnosis:

① Parvovirus affects dogs of all breeds, genders, and ages, and can occur yearround.

② Dogs with lesions may be excessively itchy and restless throughout the year, but they rarely attack humans or other animals.

③ The later paralysis symptoms are less pronounced than those of rabies, and there is generally no trismus (lockjaw).

Prevention and Treatment:

Primarily, efforts should be focused on rodent control, banning the feeding of pork from infected animals, and absolutely not feeding raw pork. Dog feces and urine should be cleaned and disinfected immediately, using 2% lye for disinfection. For valuable breeds, early treatment with antiparvovirus hyperimmune serum can be effective. To prevent secondary infections, sulfonamide drugs can be used.