“Dog plague” is the common name for Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a contagious viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus related to the one that causes measles in humans. This disease affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. It can also infect wildlife populations, including raccoons, foxes, and skunks, posing a risk to any unvaccinated dog.
Symptoms of Dog Plague
The initial signs of canine distemper often appear three to six days after infection. Owners might first notice a watery to pus-like discharge from the dog’s eyes, followed by a clear nasal discharge, fever, and coughing. During this stage, dogs become lethargic, lose their appetite, and may experience vomiting and diarrhea as the virus targets the immune system.
As the disease advances, it can attack the central nervous system, leading to more severe symptoms. Neurological signs include circling, a head tilt, and muscle twitches. A characteristic symptom is a “chewing gum fit,” where the dog’s jaw moves in a repetitive chewing motion. In severe cases, dogs can suffer from convulsions and partial or complete paralysis.
Another sign that can develop in dogs that survive the acute phase is hyperkeratosis, known as “hard pad disease.” This condition causes the pads of the dog’s paws and the surface of the nose to thicken and harden. The appearance of neurological symptoms or hard pad disease indicates an advanced stage of the infection, which affects the dog’s prognosis.
How the Virus is Transmitted
Canine distemper spreads through direct contact with an infected animal or via airborne exposure. When an infected animal coughs, sneezes, or barks, it releases aerosol droplets containing the virus, which can be inhaled by a healthy animal. The virus is also transmitted through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, or urine.
Shared items like food and water bowls, bedding, and toys can become contaminated with the virus. While the virus does not survive for long in the environment and is neutralized by most disinfectants, an infected dog can shed the virus for several months. This poses a prolonged risk to other animals.
Puppies younger than four months old and any unvaccinated dog are the most vulnerable to contracting the virus. Pregnant dogs can also pass the virus to their puppies through the placenta. Outbreaks in local wildlife populations increase the risk for domestic dogs, especially where pets may encounter infected animals.
Veterinary Treatment and Prognosis
There is no specific cure for the canine distemper virus, so veterinary care focuses on supportive treatments to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections. This care is administered to help the dog’s body fight the infection while it runs its course.
A veterinarian may administer intravenous fluids to combat dehydration, prescribe antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia, and use medications to control seizures. Hospitalization is often recommended for intensive care and to isolate the infected dog, preventing further spread of the disease.
The prognosis for a dog with canine distemper is guarded, particularly once neurological symptoms develop. The survival rate depends on the strain of the virus and the strength of the dog’s immune system. Even if a dog survives, it may be left with permanent neurological damage, such as persistent muscle twitches or recurrent seizures.
Prevention Through Vaccination
The most effective method for protecting a dog from canine distemper is vaccination. The distemper vaccine is a core vaccine, meaning it is recommended for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or location, due to the serious nature of the disease.
The vaccination series for puppies begins when they are between six and eight weeks of age. They then receive a series of booster shots every three to four weeks until they are approximately 16 weeks old. This schedule helps ensure they build strong immunity as the protection from their mother’s milk wanes.
To maintain protection, adult dogs require regular booster vaccinations. The frequency of these boosters depends on the specific vaccine and regional risk factors, with some providing immunity for three years or more. A veterinarian can help create a schedule that provides lasting protection against this virus.