Symptoms of Canine Distemper Virus: Key Indicators Expl

Contagious diseases in dogs can manifest through a variety of bodily discharges and excretions, as well as in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and spinal cord, where a high concentration of the virus can be found. These pathogens can be expelled from the body via respiratory secretions and urine. Direct contact with an infected dog or exposure to contaminated air or food in the environment can lead to respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Puppies are particularly susceptible to infection, but foxes and minks, among other furbearing animals, are also highly sensitive to canine distemper.

Section 1: Symptoms and Characteristics of Canine Distemper

1. Epidemiological Characteristics: This disease tends to occur more frequently during the colder months, especially in areas or units with a high density of dogs. If not properly isolated, it can be challenging to prevent infection in other puppies once the disease is present in a canine population. Nursing puppies are rarely affected because they receive antibodies from their mother's milk. Puppies between the ages of 3 months and 1 year are most prone to infection.

2. Clinical Characteristics: Dogs with distemper exhibit a biphasic fever pattern, with an initial temperature rise of about 4 degrees Celsius, which then falls back to normal within 1 to 2 days. After 2 to 3 days, the temperature rises again. Within 2 to 3 days of the onset of symptoms, the temperature spikes once more, and respiratory symptoms worsen. Dogs may cough, sneeze, and produce mucopurulent to purulent nasal discharge, with dry nose leather and swollen eyelids. They may also suffer from purulent conjunctivitis, and later, corneal ulcers. Large red spots with edema and pustular eruptions may appear on the skin of the lower abdomen and inner thighs. Dogs may also frequently vomit. Initially, they may have constipation, which quickly turns into diarrhea, with臭 (smelly) feces that sometimes contain blood and bubbles.

Hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and wings of the nose is less common. Approximately 10 to 30% of affected dogs may exhibit neurological symptoms. The mortality rate for this disease ranges from 30% to 80%, and it can be higher if the dog is coinfected with canine infectious hepatitis or other diseases. Given that distemper often occurs in conjunction with canine infectious hepatitis and is accompanied by secondary bacterial infections, making the symptoms more complex, a preliminary diagnosis can only be made based on the symptoms. For a definitive diagnosis, samples must be sent to a testing facility for virus isolation and neutralization tests.

Section 2: Prevention and Treatment of Canine Distemper

1. Regular Vaccination: The canine distemper vaccine currently produced in China is a cell culturebased attenuated vaccine. To enhance the immune response, the following vaccination schedule can be adopted: the first vaccination at 6 weeks of age, the second at 8 weeks, and the third at 10 weeks. Subsequent vaccinations should be administered annually.

2. To strengthen the health and hygiene protocols in veterinary hospitals and shelters, farms should strive to maintain high standards of cleanliness. It is also advisable to ban the bringing of private dogs to gatherings during the season when canine diseases are prevalent.

3. Immediate Isolation and Treatment: Upon discovering an infected dog, it is crucial to isolate and treat the animal immediately to prevent secondary infections, which are key to improving the dog's chances of recovery. During the early stages, the administration of anticanine distemper hyperimmune serum or the dog's own serum through intramuscular or subcutaneous injection can be effective. Combining Antitoxin Liquid with hyperimmune serum can enhance efficacy. The dosage and method of use are as follows: dissolve Antitoxin Liquid in physiological saline or a 20milliliter injection, and for mediumsized dogs, intravenous infusion of 2 to 4 bottles is recommended. For puppies, the dosage can be adjusted accordingly. Antitoxins can also be administered intramuscularly. Additionally, the use of antibiotics and symptomatic treatment in the early stages is crucial for preventing secondary bacterial infections and aiding in recovery.

4. Disinfection should be carried out using a 3% sodium hydroxide solution or a 10% formaldehyde solution.

Tip: For more information about canine distemper, click on "Canine Distemper Virus Origin" to learn more.