Dear followers of this column Pet caregivers and those persons interested in companion animals and all animals. As you would have noticed, we had taken a detour over the last two weeks from our discussion on ailments experienced by puppies and kittens, young and adult dogs, and cats. Because of the immediacy of Diwali and the impending Festive Season, there was the request to deal with the terrible effects of loud noises – manmade and natural – on our wards. We documented the extreme forms of anxiety expressions displayed by our pets when subjected to explosive devices and natural (e.g. thunder and lightning) and unnatural (gunshots) high decibel noises.
So, we now return to those maladies which assail our companion animals.
CANINE DISTEMPER
Today, we have chosen to discuss a disease which seems to be raising its ugly head – at least on Coastal Guyana (perhaps also along our riverain and hinterland areas, including the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs).
The ailment, to which reference is being made, is Canine Distemper (CD). Let me, in passing, mention that one hears about “Feline (Cat) Distemper”, but that is an incorrect terminology. Canine Distemper, as the name suggests, hits mostly dogs globally; but foxes, wolves, ferrets, minks, raccoons and our own South American Coati Mundi have been known to succumb to this highly contagious viral disease, which (allow me to mention quickly in passing) is related to Measles.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that today’s choice of topic was also influenced by one of the newer and vibrant Pet Protection groups, ARAPS, members of which were noticing signs of CD in abandoned (“stray”) dogs which populate the highways and byways of Coastal Guyana. The symptoms, which were being observed were reminiscent of Canine Distemper. ARAPS initiated a discussion and have aired the discourse on their Facebook Page. Some Small Animal Practitioners have also been encountering patients (unvaccinated dogs) with CD symptoms.
Let us now give answers to those specific and salient questions usually asked about CANINE DISTEMPER
Q: HOW IS THE DISEASE ACQUIRED AND SPREAD?
A: CD is spread via direct contact (dog touching dog) or by airborne exposure when an infected dog coughs/sneezes (even through barking). The aerosol droplets can infect even the food and water bowls.
Q: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
A: 1) Fever (during the first few days to a week; then there is a pause; then the fever returns with great power and aggression).
2) Vomiting and Diarrhoea (gastrointestinal distress).
3) Coughing.
4) Listlessness and depression.
5) Inflammation of the lung tissue (respiratory distress).
6) Passing a yellow, slimly discharge from the nostrils and the eyes.
7) Central Nervous System (brain) involvement. This is characterized by uncontrollable
twitching of the muscles of the forehead and the legs. Clients relate that their pets are having “seizures”; especially when the animals walk around in circles and have no coordination in their movement. Later, these afflicted animal exhibit signs of paralysis. Many patients may show signs of convulsions, increased production of saliva and involuntary chewing movement of the jaws. As the ailment becomes worse, the animal falls on its side and begins to paddle motion of its legs.
8) Urine and faeces incontinence (no control over the bladder and intestinal movement).
N.B. (i) Accompanying all of the symptoms mentioned above would be a severe loss of appetite.
(ii) Not all of the symptoms emerge at the same time or at all.
(iii) Some dogs recover – especially if the vet is involved right at the beginning. At least the animal
has a better chance of surviving.
(iv) Even if the dog survives, the twitching of the muscles might continue for many years after the infection.
(v) A dog that has survived/recovered can still shed/spread the virus.
(vi) The death rate is high – up to 70%, and even more.
Q: CAN THE CD – INFECTED (SICK) DOG GET EFFECTIVE TREATMENT?
A: Actually, as your veterinarian will explain to you, all the therapeutic interventions will focus on containing the secondary bacterial invasion and the alleviating the symptoms mentioned above. For example, antibiotics can be introduced to support the dog’s own defense mechanisms. Dehydration due to diarrhoea and vomiting can be countered by rehydration medication and infusions with electrolytes, Appropriate nutritional regimes, including supplements, are supportive to the treatment protocol. Anti-seizure drugs can be introduced appropriately and definitely under veterinary supervision.
Q: CAN DOG WITH DISTEMPER INFECT ITS CAREGIVER(S)?
A: NO!
Q: WHAT CAN ONE DO TO ENSURE PREVENTION AGAINST THIS DISEASE?
A: VACCINATION is the way to go. Your vet will advise you relative to the vaccination programme. Do not vaccinate your puppy before it has reached 6 weeks of age; then 3 weeks thereafter and a third “shot” when the animal is 12 weeks old. If there is a wave of Distemper going through the land, many vets implement a 4th vaccination at 16 weeks of age. It is also advised to let your vet administer an animal (“Booster”) vaccination – at least up to 8 years of age, as long as the caregiver has been giving the dog repeated annual shots.
Q: CAN MY DOG GET DISTEMPER EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN VACCINATED?
A: If the puppy has been vaccinated at too early an age (less than 6 weeks of age), then the immunity level may have been compromised. Also, if the vaccine has not been stored well (refrigerated at all times), then the efficacy of the vaccine may be well-nigh zero.
Q: SHOULD THE CAREGIVER EUTHANIZE THE PET WITH DISTEMPER?
A: Well, that is a hard one to ask a vet who has taken a solemn oath not only to ensure life, but also to make life of his/her patient as pain/stress free as possible. Then there is the financial aspect relative to the continuous treatment, especially if the prognosis is not good. At least, however, I vote to give your pet a fighting chance. After all, look how much happiness it has given you.
