What is Distemper? 7 Signs to Watch Out For

Distemper is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting domestic pets and wildlife worldwide. This highly contagious condition, caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), continues to threaten unvaccinated animal populations despite the availability of effective vaccines.

Understanding distemper is crucial for pet owners, as early detection and prevention can make the difference between life and death for vulnerable animals. While primarily associated with dogs, this devastating disease affects multiple species and can cause lasting damage to those who survive the initial infection.

Understanding Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus attacks multiple body systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eventually the central nervous system, making it particularly dangerous. CDV spreads rapidly through airborne exposure, direct contact with infected animals, or contamination of food and water sources. Once established, distemper weakens the immune system and creates opportunities for secondary bacterial infections that further complicate treatment and recovery.

5 Animals Most at Risk

• Domestic Dogs – Puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs face the highest risk of contracting distemper, with young animals between 3-6 months old experiencing more severe symptoms and higher mortality rates.
• Wild Canids – Wolves, foxes, and coyotes are highly susceptible to distemper, which can devastate local populations and serve as reservoirs for the virus in areas with domestic dog populations.
• Ferrets – These popular pets are extremely vulnerable to distemper, with infection often proving fatal despite treatment efforts.
• Raccoons and Related Species – Raccoons frequently contract distemper in urban and suburban areas, often exhibiting neurological symptoms that can be mistaken for rabies.
• Big Cats – Lions, tigers, and other wild felines can contract adapted strains of distemper, particularly those in captivity or with weakened immune systems.

7 Signs of Distemper to Watch Out For

• Initial Fever and Lethargy – The first sign of distemper is typically a high fever (103-105°F) accompanied by unusual tiredness and loss of appetite that may come and go before other symptoms appear.
• Eye and Nasal Discharge – Infected animals develop watery discharge from the eyes and nose that gradually becomes thick and yellowish as the disease progresses.
• Respiratory Problems – Coughing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia-like symptoms develop as the virus attacks the respiratory system, often worsening with secondary bacterial infections.
• Gastrointestinal Issues – Vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes containing blood, indicate the virus has spread to the digestive tract and can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration.
• Hardened Footpads and Nose – A unique symptom of advanced distemper is the thickening and hardening of the footpads and nose, commonly called “hard pad disease.”
• Neurological Symptoms – The most serious stage involves seizures, head tilting, circling, muscle twitches, partial or complete paralysis, and other signs of brain involvement that may appear weeks after initial symptoms.
• Dental Abnormalities – In young animals whose teeth are still developing, distemper can cause enamel hypoplasia, resulting in permanently damaged adult teeth with pitted surfaces and increased vulnerability to decay.

Can Distemper be treated?

Distemper cannot be directly treated with a cure or specific antiviral medication, but supportive care can help infected animals survive the disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing secondary infections, and supporting the animal’s immune system while it fights the virus.

Survival depends largely on the animal’s age, immune status, and the strain of the virus, with many severe cases resulting in lasting neurological damage or death despite intensive veterinary care. Early intervention significantly improves prognosis, but some animals with advanced neurological symptoms may not recover fully.

8 Treatment Protocols for Infected Animals

• Isolation and Supportive Care – Infected animals must be immediately isolated from other pets to prevent disease spread. Veterinarians provide supportive care including IV fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
• Antibiotics for Secondary Infections – While antibiotics don’t affect the virus itself, they’re crucial for treating the bacterial pneumonia and other secondary infections that commonly accompany distemper.
• Nutritional Support – Force-feeding or appetite stimulants may be necessary as infected animals often refuse food. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining strength and supporting immune function.
• Airway Management – Nebulization, coupage, and sometimes oxygen therapy helps manage respiratory symptoms and keep airways clear of mucus buildup.
• Anti-seizure Medication – For animals with neurological symptoms, anticonvulsants may be prescribed to control seizures and reduce brain inflammation.
• Anti-nausea Medication – Medications to control vomiting help prevent dehydration and make the animal more comfortable during recovery.
• Vitamin Supplementation – Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and other supplements may be administered to support immune function and nerve health during recovery.
• Long-term Neurological Management – Animals that survive but develop chronic neurological issues may require ongoing medication and physical therapy to manage symptoms like muscle tremors or partial paralysis.

3 Major Benefits of Vaccinations Against Distemper

8 Tips for Protecting Your Pets From Distemper

• Follow the Recommended Vaccination Schedule – Puppies should receive their first distemper vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Adult dogs need regular boosters according to your veterinarian’s recommendation, typically every 1-3 years.
• Limit Exposure of Young Puppies – Keep puppies away from dog parks, pet stores, and other public areas frequented by unknown dogs until they’ve completed their full vaccination series. Young puppies are especially vulnerable to distemper before their immune systems are fully developed.
• Practice Proper Quarantine – If you have multiple pets and one becomes sick, immediately isolate the affected animal to prevent disease spread. Use separate feeding bowls, bedding, and toys, and wash your hands thoroughly between handling different pets.
• Be Cautious with Wildlife – Discourage your pets from interacting with wildlife, especially raccoons, foxes, and skunks, which can carry distemper. Keep garbage secure and don’t leave pet food outside that might attract wild animals.
• Disinfect Properly – If distemper has been present in your home, thoroughly disinfect all surfaces with a solution of one part bleach to thirty parts water. The virus can survive for hours in the environment but is easily killed by most household disinfectants.
• Verify Vaccination Status When Adopting – When adopting or purchasing a new pet, always request vaccination records and continue the appropriate vaccination schedule. Consider having your veterinarian examine any new pet before introducing it to your existing animals.
• Create a Pet Health Record – Maintain detailed records of your pet’s vaccinations, including dates and vaccine types. This helps ensure you never miss a booster and provides critical information if your pet needs emergency care.
• Avoid Boarding Facilities Without Vaccination Requirements – Only use kennels, doggy daycares, and boarding facilities that strictly require proof of vaccination for all animals. Facilities with lax health protocols increase your pet’s risk of exposure to distemper and other contagious diseases.

Conclusion

Distemper remains one of the most serious threats to canine health worldwide, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Through consistent vaccination, careful management of animal interactions, and prompt veterinary care at the first sign of illness, pet owners can protect their beloved companions from this devastating disease. Understanding the risks and symptoms of distemper empowers you to make informed decisions about your pet’s healthcare.

Don’t wait until symptoms appear to think about distemper prevention. Schedule an appointment with us at Potranco Veterinary Hospital today to ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. For more helpful pet health information and updates from our clinic, follow us on Facebook, and we appreciate your support through your positive reviews on Yelp.