Canine Distemper

The canine distemper virus (CDV) is a morbillivirus, belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, and is the causative agent of canine distemper. Infection with CDV usually occurs through direct contact with animals that are already infected. The virus is shed through secretions and feces and can remain infectious for several days after shedding. The incubation period is 3–6 days. In the environment, the virus remains active for only a relatively short period of time due to UV radiation and soil pH levels.

Symptoms primarily affect the respiratory and digestive systems. Signs of CDV infection may include purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, skin lesions, as well as coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Weight loss, cramps, seizures, and motor and sensory disturbances are also frequently observed.

Canine distemper continues to be of great clinical significance among infectious diseases in dogs. Despite regular vaccinations, an increase in cases of canine distemper has nevertheless been observed throughout Europe. In cases of suspected canine distemper, the treating veterinarian has access to a reliable method for detecting the pathogen in eye and nasal swabs with Fassisi® CanDis.

The best protection against CDV is provided by early and consistent vaccination administered by a veterinarian.

What Is Distemper? The Pathogen and the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)

The canine distemper virus (CDV) is an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae (genus Morbillivirus) and is closely related to the measles virus. It is sensitive to lipid solvents and common disinfectants, including phenols and quaternary ammonium compounds, and is stable in the environment only for a short period of time.

Transmission and Incubation Period

Transmission occurs primarily via the air through virus-containing droplets from respiratory secretions. In addition, direct contact with eye and nasal secretions, urine, feces, and skin, as well as indirect transmission via contaminated objects, is possible. Animals with subclinical or mild infections can shed the virus and thus contribute to its persistence in the population; the broad host range, which includes various wild canids and other carnivores, complicates the epidemiology. Distemper is found worldwide.

Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs

Distemper is a highly contagious, multisystemic disease. Initial symptoms typically include general symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite, as well as respiratory signs (nasal discharge, pneumonia) and gastrointestinal signs (diarrhea). These are often followed by neurological disturbances such as muscle twitching and seizures, which may occur with a time lag. In some animals, keratinization disorders of the paw pads and nose (hard-pad disease) occur. While respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms usually resolve in surviving animals, the neurological prognosis is uncertain.

Diagnosis of Distemper

Since the clinical signs overlap with those of other infectious diseases, distemper cannot be reliably diagnosed based on the clinical picture alone. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinical presentation in susceptible dogs, combined with specific detection of the pathogen or evidence of an immune response; depending on the clinical question, antigen detection, RT-PCR, and antibody assays are used.

Rapid Tests for Distemper

The Fassisi® CanDis detects distemper virus antigen directly in the sample material—from conjunctival or tonsil swabs, and additionally from urine or serum—and is available as a point-of-care pathogen detection test in cases of suspected infection. A positive result must be interpreted in a clinical context.

References can be found here.