General
Information
Also known as Hard
Pad Disease, this is a highly contagious, systemic, viral
disease of dogs and is the leading cause of infectious disease
deaths in dogs worldwide.
It is most common in unvaccinated puppies prior to 3-8 months
of age, because these puppies have lost the protection of
Maternal antibodies.
Etiology
& Symptoms:
Canine Distemper is
caused by Paramyxovirus, closely related to Measles virus
It has a special affinity for attacking epithelial cells.
1st Stage:
Begins with fever, loss of appetite, listlessness and a
watery discharge from eyes along with diarrhoea. Dog continues
to run a fever, gets better for a day or two and then seems
to get worse.
2nd Stage:
2-3 weeks after the onset of the diseases some dogs develop
signs of brain involvement - attacks of slobbering, head
shaking and chewing movements followed by epileptic seizures.
Hard Pad:
This is a form of distemper in which the virus attacks the
skin of feet and nose, causing a thick horny layer to form
on the nose, and callus like pads to form on the feet.
Treatment
& Prevention:
This is directed at
limiting secondary bacterial infection.. Antibiotics, Electrolyte
solutions, dietary supplements and anti-convulsants are
used. Prevention is the best approach by using Modified
Live Vaccines from 6-8 weeks of age.
