Is Canine Distemper Lethal?

The disease distemper is caused by a virus, the canine distemper virus (CDV). It is spread very easily among dogs, as well as other mammals like skunks and raccoons, and is very contagious. Once an animal has distemper, it is likely to die because the virus is not curable. There is a vaccine available, but if an animal isn't vaccinated, it is susceptible to the disease. For this reason, vaccinations are part of the regular prophylactic shots that puppies receive at the vets office. The vaccine was developed in the 1960s and is responsible to keeping distemper under control for the most part. There are occasional outbreaks, though, which is the reason vaccination is still very important.

The virus is spread when infected dogs cough or sneeze and pass the airborne virus to one another. When dogs are in close contact with each other, as in a kennel, dog show or household, the disease can be spread quickly. Even if a dog is receiving treatment, it can still transmit the virus. Even humans are able to contract distemper, but if they have been vaccinated against measles, they will be protected. The reason is that the measles virus and CDV are very similar, so the immunization reacts to the CDV as well as measles.

Once the virus is inhaled by the victim, it begins to reproduce or replicate. It gets into the lymph system where it is rapidly carried throughout the body within a few days. After about a week or so, the virus moves into the blood which then carries it to the cells lining the lungs, stomach, intestines and nervous system. As it begins to destroy the cells, symptoms appear. These include anorexia, fever and sometimes swollen eyes or runny nose. The symptoms get worse as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the dog's brain can become infected and swell. When it gets to this stage, the dog will usually die.

There is an odd symptom that makes a dog look like it's chewing, but this is actually a sort of seizure caused by the virus in the brain. In pregnant dogs, the disease can cause the puppies to be miscarried or born with the disease. Puppies that are born infected will generally die within a few weeks. There is also a distemper that affects cats, but it isn't the same virus and doesn't infect dogs, but other mammals are able to contract both types. Raccoons, skunks, badgers and even ferrets are able to catch canine and feline distemper. This is the reason cats and dogs should be vaccinated, especially if they are allowed to roam outside where they might come in contact with wild animals.