Distemper strikes dogs, not cats

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: I understand that the state of Missouri is experiencing an outbreak of distemper in some of its wild animals and there is concern that the disease may spill over into our domestic dog population. What exactly is distemper?

Answer: Distemper is a viral infection. First symptoms of the illness resemble a bad cold. Typically a thick mucous discharge is noticed in both the nose and the eyes. Coughing and sneezing are common along with high fever, listlessness and loss of appetite, depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs with distemper are often so weak that they can barely stand.

After a period of days, many dogs demonstrate additional symptoms associated with damage to the brain or nervous system. These animals may seizure or have a nervous tick or tremor. Dogs that develop nervous symptoms during the acute phase of the disease rarely recover. Even if there isn't neurological damage, death may result from complications such as pneumonia.

There is no effective treatment for distemper. Veterinarians give supportive treatment in hope that by preventing bacterial complications the patient may survive. Dogs that do survive may be left with brain damage that does not show up for several years. Canine distemper is highly contagious to other dogs. It is not contagious to cats.

The best way to deal with distemper is to prevent it. Puppies should begin vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age and be vaccinated at three-week intervals until they are four or five months of age. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau area veterinarian.