What is Canine Distemper?
A serious, highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects unvaccinated dogs, attacking the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, and is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting dogs, especially puppies and animals that are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. The virus spreads through airborne droplets and contact with the secretions of infected animals, and can also affect other carnivores, such as foxes and raccoons.
Symptoms typically progress in stages and vary depending on the system affected: early signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and eye and nose discharge; vomiting and diarrhea can follow; and in more advanced cases the virus attacks the nervous system, causing tremors, involuntary muscle twitching (myoclonus), seizures, and gait abnormalities. Thickening of the skin on the paw pads and nose ("hard pad disease") is another characteristic sign in some cases.
There is no specific treatment that eliminates the virus — veterinary care is supportive (hydration, control of vomiting and secondary infections, anti-seizure medication), and the mortality rate is high, especially in puppies. Prevention through the core combination vaccine is the most effective measure. See a veterinarian immediately if an unvaccinated or under-vaccinated dog has persistent fever, eye or nasal discharge, tremors, or seizures.
Important notice
This calculator is for educational purposes and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.Related terms
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
A serious, highly contagious intestinal viral infection, most common in puppies, that causes bloody vomiting and diarrhea and can be fatal within days.
Core Combination Vaccine (DHPP/DHLPP)
A combination vaccine that protects dogs against several serious diseases at once, such as distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, given on a schedule of boosters.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A blood test that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, used to investigate anemia, infection, inflammation, and clotting problems.