Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral
disease of dogs commonly by observed in Ethiopia. It is
characterized by a diphasic fever, leukopenia, GI and
respiratory catarrh, and frequently pneumonic and neurologic
complications. The disease occurs in Canidae (dogs, foxes,
wolves). Infection occurs via aerosol. Some infected dogs
may shed virus for several months.
Clinical Symptoms
Transient fever, 3-6 days after infection and leukopenia
(especially lymphopenia). The fever subsides several days
and second fever accompanied by serous nasal discharge,
mucopurulent ocular discharge, and anorexia. GI and
respiratory signs may follow, an acute encephalomyelitis
with or without systemic disease and hyperkeratosis of the
footpads (“hardpad” disease) and epithelium.
Neurologic signs include: localized involuntary twitching of
a muscle or group of muscles, such as in the leg or facial
muscles; paresis or paralysis, often beginning in the
hindlimbs evident as ataxia, followed by ascending paresis
and paralysis; and convulsions characterized by salivation
and chewing movements of the jaw (petit mal, “chewinggum fits”).
In severe cases the dog may then fall on its side and paddle
its legs, involuntary urination and defecation (grand mal
seizure, epileptiform convulsion) often occurs.
In Chronic distemper encephalitis (old dog encephalitis)
ataxia, compulsive movements such as head pressing or
continual pacing, and incoordinated hypermetria may occur.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs (febrile catarrhal illness with neurologic
sequelae) plus serologic demonstration of virus-specific IgM
or an increased ratio of CSF to serum virus-specific IgG.
Treatment and Prevention
Management
Non drug treatment

Good nursing and dietary supplements are
essential.
Drug treatment

No specific treatment is available but for
secondary bacterial complications.
Supportive first line
 Procaine Penicillin + Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate
2000,000IU:200mg/ml, 1-2ml/20kg, IM, q 24 h for 35days

S/E: allergic reactions

C/I: hypersensitivity and should not be
administered by intrathecal injection

D/F: injection, 200,000 IU and 200mg/ml
respectively.

D/I: chloramphenicol, tetracycline,
phenylbutazone, calcium gluconate, heparin sodium,
sodium bicarbonate and tylosin.
or
 Sulfadiazine-Trimethoprim, 25:5 mg/ml, 1ml/10-20mg/kg,
IM, q 24 h, for 3-5 days
 S/E: crystallization in urinary tract, hypersensitivity and
anaphylaxis in cats and dogs; in dogs: hemolytic
anemia, anorexia, cutaneous drug eruption, diarrhea,
facial
swelling,
hepatitis,
hypothyroidism,
keratoconjuctivitis, neurologic disorder, polyarthritis,
and polydipsia. Cats: salivation, thyroid function
changes transient vomiting
 D/F: tablet , 100+ 20, 400+80 in mg; Injection, 200+40
and 400 + 80 in mg/ml;
 D/I: Detomidine and halothane
or
 Oxytetracycline 2-10 mg/kg, IM, PO, q 24 h for 3-5 days;
oral treatment is prefered; S/E, C/I, D/I, D/F, similar to
tetracycline see tetracycline page 297.
plus
 Lactated ringer solution 40-50 ml/kg q 24 h SC, IV, IP.
 Antipyretics e.g. acepromazine maleate 0.05-0.2 mg/kg,
PO, SC, IM or IV q 12 h for three days. S/E, C/I, D/F, and
D/I see page 289.
or
 Metoclopramide, 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, q 6 h., PO or SC or 1-2
mg/kg/day, slow IV
 S/E: increases seizure effects and extra pyramidal
effect
 C/I: don’t use with GI obstructions, phenothiazines or
narcotic analgesics.
 D/F, D/I, see above.
or analgesics
 Phenylbutazone 10-22 mg/kg PO, q 8 h for dogs and 6-8
mg/kg PO, IM q 1 2 h for cats every other week.
 S/E: Cardiac, hepatic, or renal impairment, anemia
 C/I: Prolonged use may cause gastrointestinal lesions
 D/F: Injection, 200 mg/ml; Bolus, 25, 100 and 200 mg
 D/I: Methotrexate, phenytoin, suphonylureas, thyroxine
and warfarin
Prophylaxis
 Vaccinate pups 6 wk old and at 2- to 4-wk intervals until
16 wk old, IM; repeat vaccinations annually.