What is it?
Canine Distemper Virus is a highly contagious, systemic viral disease caused by a paramyxovirus. It affects multiple organ systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Distemper is most severe in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
How is it spread?
Distemper is transmitted through:
- Aerosolized respiratory secretions
- Direct contact with infected dogs
- Contaminated objects (bowls, bedding, hands, clothing)
The virus is efficiently spread in community settings and does not require prolonged contact.
Clinical signs may include:
- Fever
- Nasal and ocular discharge
- Coughing or pneumonia
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Neurologic signs (seizures, tremors, ataxia, paralysis)
- Enamel hypoplasia in developing puppies
Neurologic signs may develop weeks after apparent recovery and are often permanent.
Why vaccination is important:
There is no antiviral cure for distemper. Treatment is supportive and prognosis is guarded to poor once neurologic signs develop. Vaccination provides strong, reliable protection and remains the cornerstone of disease prevention.