Distemper in Dogs
Distemper in dogs is caused by a virus called paramyxovirus and is most prevalent in the spring and fall months. Human measles virus is also associated with this group. This virus is killed by disinfectants, sunlight and heat.
It is spread primarily through the air from respiratory discharges but can also be transmitted through other bodily secretions. It then invades the lymphatic tissue. Within two to five days lymphatic tissue throughout the body is infected. Within 6 to 9 days, distemper virus is present in the blood. It then spreads to the surfaces of the lungs, intestine and bladder and, on occasion, to the nervous system. Distemper is a highly contagious disease of dogs as well as other animals such as cats, horses, skunks, foxes, wolves and raccoons. In canines, this disease chiefly affects young dogs between the ages of 3 months to 4 years old and is often fatal.
Symptoms of distemper include discharges that contain pus from the eyes and nose, dry mouth, loss of appetite, red irritated eyes and fever. These symptoms will become worse over time. Labored breathing and cough can result from pneumonia as the disease progresses. Jerking and twitching movements called chorea begin to occur affecting the body, jaw and head as a result of the disease spreading to the brain. Infection of the brain is usually lethal. Even if a dog does not succumb to the disease, it's health can be permanently affected. The assault on the central nervous system can leave the dog permanently or partially paralyzed.
Vaccination against distemper in dogs is the best defense and occurs in three stages during the first year of a dog's life. Vaccination is also mandatory in most states. The first distemper shot for a dog is usually administered between 6 to 8 weeks of age, the second series of shots at 10 to 12 weeks and the third at 14 to 16 weeks.
Any young dog with any signs of illness should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.