Canine Distemper On The Rise?

I have been practicing veterinary medicine for 19 years.  During this time, it has been rare that I see a case of Canine Distemper.  In fact, until the last 30 days, I have seen less than 6 cases of distemper.  I have become quite alarmed to have seen 4 cases of distemper in the last 30 days.  I have lots of theories of why there appears to be a sudden increase in distemper for this area, more important is pet owners need to be aware that this virus still exists and that vaccination the key to saving their dog's life against this horrible disease.

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease.


The virus, which is spread through the air and by direct or indirect (i.e. utensils, bedding) contact with an infected animal, initially attacks a dog’s tonsils and lymph nodes and replicates itself there for about one week. It then attacks the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

In the initial stages of Canine Distemper, the major symptoms include high fever (≥103.5 ° F, or 39.7° C), reddened eyes, and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. An infected dog will become lethargic and tired, and will usually become anorexic. Persistent coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. In the later stages of the disease, the virus starts attacking the other systems of the dog’s body, particularly the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are affected and the dog may start having fits, seizures, paralysis, and attacks of hysteria.

Canine distemper is sometimes also called “hard pad disease” because certain strains of the virus can cause an abnormal enlargement or thickening of the pads of an animal’s feet. In dogs or animals with weak immune systems, death may result two to five weeks after the initial infection.

The disease can be acquired from vaccines that have been improperly stored or given in a manner that denatured the vaccine. Bacterial infections of the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems may also increase an animal’s vulnerability to the disease. Non-immunized dogs that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal carry a particularly high risk of contracting the disease.


there is no cure for canine distemper. Treatment for the disease, therefore, is heavily focused on alleviating the symptoms. If the animal has become anorexic or has diarrhea, intravenous supportive fluids may be given. Discharge from the eyes and nose must be cleaned away regularly. Antibiotics may be prescribed to control the symptoms caused by a secondary bacterial infection, and phenobarbitals and potassium bromide may be needed to control convulsions and seizures. There are no antiviral drugs that are effective in treating the disease.

A dog's chances for surviving canine distemper will depend on the strain of the virus and the strength of the dog’s immune system. Recovery is entirely possible, although seizures and other fatal disturbances to the CNS may occur two to three months after recovery and sometimes for life. It has been my experience that dogs with CNS involvement rarely survive.  Fully recovered dogs do not spread or carry the virus.

Cost in treating distemper is in the hundreds.  Cost for vaccination is considerably less.  The best prevention for canine distemper is vaccination.  During our current economic difficulties, prevention is certainly less costly than treating.  Your dog's life will be lengthened by a proper preventative health program.  Talk with your veterinarian!