Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 02 November 2022
Canine Distemper Virus infection- a life threatening canine viral disease has been noticed in dogs in and around Port Blair in the last couple of months. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) causes a major disease in domestic dogs that develops as a serious systemic infection in unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated dogs. Distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a Morbillivirus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. Symptoms of Canine Distemper in dogs include a high rise in temperature 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (Diphasic fever), dry nose, congested eyes, oculonasal discharge, pneumonia, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.
Nervous symptoms include restlessness, excitement, chumpy jaw, excessive salivation and convulsions, epilepsy, chorea (jerky movements of a group of muscles), muscle spasms in lips, cheeks, jaw, head, neck, and limb muscle. Cutaneous symptoms like hyperkeratinization of footpads making them hard, the dog experiences difficultly in walking on hard objects leading to lameness.
There is no cure for canine distemper infection. Treatment typically consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections; control vomiting, diarrhoea and neurologic symptoms; and combat dehydration through administration of fluids.
Pet owners are advised to take up the following measures to control the spread of infection:
- Maintain cleanliness in the premises by using mild disinfectant and antiseptic lotion and isolation of affected pet.
- Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated. Typically the first dose of vaccination is given from 6- 8 weeks of age, and then every 3 – 4 weeks until the pup reaches 16 – 20 weeks of age.
- Limit your unvaccinated dog’s exposure to other dogs.
- Keep food and water bowls clean, not just because of the risk of distemper infection, but as a measure of good hygiene. Most regular household disinfectants kill distemper virus, including a 1:20 dilution of household bleach with water.
- Feed a semi-solid soft or liquid diet to the dog suffering from Distemper. The balance of water, electrolytes, and probiotics in the body should be maintained by feeding curd. If the dog is suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, then infusion of fluids is a must with the consultation of the Veterinarian.