Canine Distemper

Question 1

Biological systems affected

Answer 1

Central nervous system
Respiratory - tonsils + lymph nodes
Gastrointestinal tracts

Question 2

Path of transmission

Answer 2

Aerosol droplets or ingestion

Question 3

Key physical symptoms

Answer 3

Pyrexia (raised body temp)
Nasal discharge
Coughing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chorea (twitching)
Hyperkeratosis (thickening skin) on pads
Rheumatiod arthritis
Encephelitis (inflammation of brain)
Reddened eyes
Anorexia
Lethargic + tired

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

Blood test to exhibit a lymphopenia (low level of lymphocytes - white blood cells) and cells will have inclusions present
Urine analysis possible too

Question 5

Possible treatment options

Answer 5

Euthanasia
Supportive therapy: 
* antibiotics
* fluids
* antimetrics (vomiting and diarrhea)
*antitussives (prevent or relieve cough) 
* anticonvulsants

Question 6

Prevention

Answer 6

Vaccinations

Question 7

Pathogen

Answer 7

Single negative strand virus (RNA) in the genus Morbillovirus, of the family Paramiproviridae (related to measles)

Question 8

Other key facts

Answer 8

Virus is labile - quickly destroyed by sunlight, heat and dessication
Can remain in chronic form in infected animals for years
Virus replicates in lymphoid tissue (tonsils and lymph nodes) causing viraemia
If animal has compromised immune status, then the virus continues to replicate in respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelial cells, and causes keratinisation of the nose and pads
If good immune status, mild signs seen