Symptoms & Treatment: Canine Distemper in Shih Tzu Dogs

Canine Distemper Pathogen

The canine distemper virus is a singlestranded DNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family and the Morbillivirus genus. This disease is sensitive to alkaline disinfectants, and solutions like 3% caustic soda, 3% formaldehyde, and 5% carbolic acid can be used as disinfectants.

Canine Distemper Epidemiology

Viruses are present in the nasal and ocular discharges, saliva, and feces of infected dogs. Transmission occurs via the upper respiratory tract mucosa, and certain conditions, such as poor nutrition or parasitic diseases, can exacerbate the disease. Once the virus enters the body and replicates, secondary infections with bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica can occur, leading to recurrence and worsening of the condition.

Canine distemper can occur yearround, but it is more prevalent in winter and spring. The disease has a cyclical pattern, with major outbreaks occurring every three years. All ages, genders, and breeds of dogs can be infected, but young puppies are most susceptible. Purebred dogs are more susceptible than mixed breeds, and the disease is more severe with a higher mortality rate. The most important sources of transmission are nasal and ocular discharges and urine. It has been reported that the canine distemper virus can still be found in urine 60 to 90 days after infection, emphasizing the importance of urine as a potential source of transmission. The primary mode of transmission is direct contact between infected and healthy dogs, as well as through the air and droplets via the respiratory tract.

Canine Distemper Symptoms

The incubation period for canine distemper is typically 7 to 8 days. Initially, the body temperature may reach 39.5 to 41°C, then drop to normal levels after 3 to 4 days, and rise again on the 11th to 12th day. Affected dogs may show loss of appetite, lack of energy, and mucous or puslike secretions from the eyes and nose, along with inflamed tonsils and a reddened pharyngeal mucosa.

cats:

Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, pale conjunctiva, mucous or serous conjunctivitis, photophobia, loss of appetite, and sometimes mild diarrhea. The disease progresses to respiratory symptoms, with increased inflammation. In addition to pharyngitis, laryngitis may develop, along with infection of the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to bronchitis. Auscultation may reveal rales, and percussion may show consolidation. Nasal secretions become purulent and pale yellowgreen. Dogs may experience difficulty breathing and openmouth panting.

dogs:

The body temperature may be normal or slightly elevated (39.4°C). Pustular eruptions appear on the skin of lesshaired areas such as the chest, abdomen, inner thighs, and armpits. Initially, the skin shows redness, followed by pale yellowgreen blisters, which then become pustules. When the pustules rupture, white spots are left behind. The eyelids may close, and there may be purulent secretions. Conjunctivitis can also spread to the cornea and eye interior, causing opacity, ulcers, and perforation.

digestive tract:

Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea (watery, jellylike, or even bloody, with or without foam), dehydration, weight loss, weakness, and oral and tongue ulcers.

neurological:

Symptoms generally appear 14 days after onset and include rhythmic, continuous spasms in the muscles of the lips, temporalis, masseter, and certain muscle groups in the limbs and trunk. Paralysis may occur later, with initial instability in the hind limbs, followed by weakness in the legs and inability to stand. Death may occur due to respiratory paralysis. Another form of neurological manifestation is seizures, with spasms and the dog barking. In severe cases, hearing, smell, and vision may all be lost. Affected dogs may excessively bite at pustules, leading to bone exposure.

Canine Distemper Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made initially based on clinical symptoms and rapid immunochromatographic tests. To confirm the diagnosis, inclusions must be found in infected tissues, or the virus must be detected using molecular biological methods in a laboratory.

Canine Distemper Prevention and Treatment

Prevention primarily involves vaccination. The first vaccination is given after weaning, with a total of three doses administered at intervals recommended by the vaccine. Subsequently, a booster shot is given annually. Regular disinfection, strong nutrition, and enhancing the dog's immune response are also important.

Treatment involves injecting large doses of hyperimmune serum or monoclonal antibodies after clinical symptoms appear, which can help control the progression of the disease. However, it is challenging to cure dogs with advanced symptoms, especially those showing neurological signs.