What are the clinical symptoms of canine distemper?
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
The clinical symptoms of canine distemper are usually similar to those of influenza. Most patients may develop low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, malaise, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. In addition, some patients may experience gastrointestinal abnormalities, most commonly manifested as abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. As the condition worsens, patients may also develop photophobia, hydrophobia, and aversion to wind.
Canine distemper, also known as canine distemper disease, is usually a highly contagious viral infection with strong infectivity. The fatality rate is generally over 80%. In the early stages of canine distemper, body temperature typically rises to between 39℃ and 40℃, accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, watery discharge from eyes and nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. What are the clinical symptoms of canine distemper?
What are the clinical symptoms of canine distemper?
The clinical symptoms of canine distemper are often similar to those of influenza. Most affected dogs may develop low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, general malaise, and reduced appetite. Additionally, some dogs may experience gastrointestinal abnormalities, most commonly bloating, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. As the condition worsens, dogs may become sensitive to light, water, and wind.
Canine distemper primarily spreads through secretions or excretions from infected animals, such as ocular discharge, nasal fluid, saliva, pericardial fluid, pleural effusion, ascites, urine, feces…etc. It can also spread via airborne transmission when the virus contaminates the air through respiratory droplets.
To prevent canine distemper, use food-grade pet disinfectants such as LW "Light and Wind" disinfectant to thoroughly disinfect your dog's living environment and belongings. When choosing a disinfectant, avoid products with strong odors or skin irritants. Strong-smelling disinfectants can severely damage a dog’s sense of smell, which dogs heavily rely on to identify scents and food. Skin irritants may lead to skin diseases or eye irritation causing tear staining.
