Canine Distemper

Question 1

What species are affected by canine distemper?

Answer 1

Dogs, ferrets (mostly)

Question 2

What clinical signs are seen and in what order?

Answer 2

Respiratory and ocular first
GI signs second
CNS signs third (1-3 weeks later, or months)

Question 3

What CNS signs are seen?

Answer 3

seizures

myoclonus (rhythmic twitching)

Question 4

What might canine survivors develop?

Answer 4

Hyperkeratosis, enamel hypoplasia, old-dog encephalitis

Question 5

What major signs are seen in ferrets?

Answer 5

Papular chin dermatitis

Cheilitis with swelling and crusting

Question 6

What CS in ferrets is pathognomonic when other symptoms are present?

Answer 6

dermatitis

Question 7

What are the tests of choice for distemper?

Answer 7

Fluorescent antibody (conjunctival)
PCR
RT-PCR

Question 8

What is the Rx of choice?

Answer 8

Supportive care
Abx for secondary infections
Anticonvulsants

Question 9

What is the prognosis?

Answer 9

Guarded to poor (worse with CNS signs)

Usually fatal in ferrets

Question 10

How is it prevented?

Answer 10

Dogs: MLV vaccine

Ferrets & Weimaraners: Recombinant canary-pox vector vaccine

Question 11

When does viral shedding begin/how long does it last?

Answer 11

Begins by 7th day, may persist up to 90 days