Comprehensive Guide to Canine Distemper: Symptoms, Prev

One: What is Canine Distemper?

Canine distemper, caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), is a highly contagious and often fatal infectious disease primarily affecting canids. It is characterized by its high rate of transmission and the severity of its symptoms.

Two: Epidemiology

Source of Infection: The disease is primarily transmitted from infected dogs and carriers (through secretions, excreta, and tears).

Mode of Transmission: The main route of transmission is via the respiratory system, followed by the gastrointestinal tract.

Susceptible Animals: Canids, mustelids, and procyonids are susceptible. Puppies with incomplete immunity (typically 36 months old) are more susceptible; the natural incidence rate decreases with age.

Three: Symptoms of Canine Distemper

Comprehensive symptoms include a decline in appetite and energy, along with upper respiratory symptoms such as watery or puslike discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, and coughing. In addition to these general symptoms, dogs may exhibit one or more of the following:

1. A characteristic biphasic fever pattern during the acute phase (initially, the body temperature rises to 39.541 degrees Celsius, then returns to normal within 13 days, only to rise again after another 13 days, with intermittent fever episodes).

2. Respiratory symptoms (secretions from the eyes and nose become sticky or purulent, nose dryness, and corneal opacity).

3. Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools).

4. Neurological symptoms (muscle spasms, which often lead to poor recovery in the later stages).

5. Dermatological symptoms (local skin rash, hardening of the nose tip, and thickening of the paw pads).

Four: Diagnosis of Canine Distemper

1. Medical History (unvaccinated puppies in contact with infected dogs).

2. Clinical Symptoms that Align with the Disease.

3. Rapid testing with canine distemper antigen test kits, combining the medical history and clinical symptoms.

4. PCR antigen detection.

Five: Treatment of Canine Distemper

Treatment Principles: Antibacterial + Antiviral + Symptomatic Treatment

1. Symptomatic Treatment:

a. Gastroenteritis: Antivomiting, antidiarrheal, fluid replacement, and gastrointestinal function improvement.

b. Respiratory: Cough suppression and asthma relief.

c. Neurological: Nutritional support for nerves and antispasmodic sedation.

2. Antibacterial: Prevent secondary infections using specific antibiotics and combined antibiotic regimens.

3. Antiviral: Interferon, canine distemper monoclonal antibody.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Some cases may also involve traditional Chinese medicine treatments.

Six: Prevention of Canine Distemper

1. Control the Source of Infection: Keep puppies isolated and away from other dogs until full vaccination is complete, and avoid contact with sick dogs.

2. Interrupt the Transmission Pathways: Do not use utensils, toys, or other items that have been used by infected dogs.

3. Strengthen Immunity: Maintain a balanced diet and vaccinate at the appropriate age.