Canine Flash Notes - Distemper Flashcards
what is the general course of distemper in a young unvaccinated dog?
respiratory/ocular signs first -> gastrointestinal signs next -> CNS signs third usually 1-3 weeks or months later (chewing gum seizures to generalized, myoclonus)
what is a classic initial symptom seen in ferrets with canine distemper?
papular chin dermatitis - cheilitis with swelling/crusting
what measures can be taken to prevent distemper in dogs & ferrets?
dogs - MLV
prevent spread from infected animals, disinfect surfaces/fomites, & isolate infected dogs for 2 weeks following resolution of clinical signs
ferrets - purevax ferret distemper vaccine (recombinant canary pox vector vaccine)
what are 3 possible complications that can occur if a distemper MLV is given to a young weimaraner under 1 year old?
- hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- juvenile cellulitis within 10 days of getting the vaccine
- corticosteroid-responsive neutrophilic meningitis/arteritis
what animals are at risk of getting distemper?
dogs, ferrets, coyotes, dingos, wolves, foxes, mink, skunks, raccoon, panda, lion, cheetah, jaguar, margay, & ocelots
in what order do clinical signs occur in dogs with distemper?
respiratory -> gi -> CNS
what disease may occur in older dogs with adequate vaccine history against distemper & no signs of systemic illness?
distemper encephalomyelitis
what clinical sign is pathognomonic for distemper in ferrets when present?
papular chin dermatitis - pathognomic when other symptoms are present
other signs include anorexia, depression, dyspnea, pyrexia, pruritus, & mucopurulent oculonasal discharge
what diagnostic tests are used to diagnose canine distemper?
if generalized, can make presumptive diagnosis
fluorescent antibody - cytologic smears (conjunctival, tonsils, CSF, bone marrow, & urine sediment)
PCR for CDV - whole blood, serum, or CSF
RT-PCR of buffy coat, conjunctival, preputial, or vaginal swabs
how is distemper treated?
supportive care, antibiotics for secondary infections, & anticonvulsants
what is the prognosis of distemper infections?
guarded to poor - worse prognosis with CNS signs & usually fatal in ferrets
what special distemper vaccine do ferrets & weimaraners get?
ferrets - purevax ferret distemper vaccine (recombinant canary pox vector vaccine)
weimaraners - recombinant canary pox vector vaccine
when does viral shedding begin with distemper virus? how long may it persist?
viral shedding begins by 7th day
may persist up to 90 days
