Here is another disease against which we can vaccinate, thus offering our dogs meaningful protection. Distemper is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus similar to the germ that causes measles in people. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of infectious disease deaths in dogs. This, I think, would not be the case in Guyana, not because dog owners vaccinate their wards more than any place else; rather, our insanitary conditions which allow for the proliferation of rats (as well the abundance of stagnant water through which our animals wade) would more cause Leptospirosis to be our dogs’ number one disease, against which vaccinations can be administered as a prevention.

Canine Distemper is most common in unvaccinated puppies three to eight months of age. These pups have lost the protection of maternal antibodies. However, older dogs can acquire the disease, too.

Among infected dogs, about half show little in the way of illness. In others, the illness is mild. In some cases, the illness is severe or fatal. The overall condition of the dog has a lot to do with the seriousness of his illness. The disease is more acute in poorly-nourished and ill-kept dogs.

Typically, the signs of first stage Distemper appear three to 15 days after exposure.
First stage

The disease begins with a fever of 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (=40°C – 41°C), loss of appetite, listlessness and a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. This symptom complex may be mistaken for a ‘cold.’ But dogs do not catch ‘colds’ as people do. Therefore, the signs should not be taken lightly.

Within a few days, the discharge changes from watery to thick, yellow and sticky. This is an important indicator of the fact that your dog could be suffering from Distemper. The nose and eye discharge is accompanied by a pronounced dry cough. Pus blisters may appear on the abdomen. Diarrhoea is a frequent accompanying problem and can cause severe dehydration.

During the next one to two weeks, the dog continues to run a fever, but appears to get better for a day or two, then seems to get worse. The course of first stage Distemper is up and down. The outcome will depend upon whether there is a step-wise improvement or gradual worsening, and, of course, how quickly you get the ailing animal to your veterinarian.

Second stage

Two or three weeks after the onset of the disease, some dogs develop signs of brain involvement which begin as brief attacks of slobbering, head-shaking and chewing movements as if he has a bad taste in the mouth. Later, epileptic-like seizures can occur. The dog runs around in circles, falls over and kicks his feet wildly. Afterwards, he may appear confused, even shy away from his owner or wander about aimlessly. These are signs of encephalitis.

Another sign of brain involvement is twitching/jerking. Instead of having epileptic-like seizures, the dog starts to twitch or jerk. These movements can affect any part of the body, but are more common in the head. They are first seen when the dog is relaxed or sleeping. Later, they become continuous day and night. Pain accompanies the twitching and jerking and dogs whine and cry especially at night. Should the dog recover, the jerking continues for life, but tends to be less severe as time passes.
Treatment

Because of the complexity of the disease, treatment should be under veterinary supervision. There is no antibiotic effective against the virus of Distemper. Antibiotics are indicated, however, to avoid secondary bacterial complications. Intravenous fluids are employed to correct dehydration. Diarrhoea should be controlled with appropriate drugs. Anti-convulsants and sedatives help to manage seizures. The success of treatment depends upon how soon the owner realizes his dog is sick and seeks professional help.

Prevention – Distemper vaccinations. Adult bitches should be given a booster vaccination before they are bred.

NB A dog that is pregnant should not receive vaccinations.