Canine distemper, just the mention of the name sends dog owners into a panic. And with good reason too, because this disease is incurable, highly contagious, and quite ofter deadly. Caused by the canine distemper virus, a paramyxovirus quite similar to that which causes human measles, this disease attacks the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems.

The canine distemper virus (CDV) can be transmitted through the air or through contact with infected bodily fluids. The minute a dog displays any symptoms he needs to be taken to a vet and, if the diagnosis confirms distemper, the dog will have to be quarantined immediately.

CDV affects dogs of all ages but is particularly dangerous to puppies aged 3-6 months. A preventative vaccine may lessen the risk, so it is important that your puppy gets this. It is usually included in the core puppy shots, but ask your vet, to be sure.

The reason distemper is such a dangerous disease is that it targets many of the body’s systems at the same time. An infected dog will show many symptoms, including discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures and convulsions. As the disease progresses it will also causes respiratory and heart failure.

In many cases, not all of these symptoms will be present. Often the dog will only cough and this can lead to distemper sometimes being misdiagnosed as kennel cough.

In other instances, the dog may also contract pneumonia. And even dogs that recover from distemper will be left with severe tooth enamel damage, thickening of the footpads and nose, vision problems and damage to the central nervous system.

If your vet suspects that your dog may have canine distemper he will run a number of test including an analysis of urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. A skin biospy may also be necessary to confirm the presence of CDV.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed the dog will immediately be given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Where neurological signs are present the vet will also administer anti-seizure medication.

Distemper is one of the most deadly canine diseases and can spread rapidly, taking a heavy toll on unvaccinated dogs. Not all dogs will die from it, but many will and it is particularly deadly to puppies and older dogs.

Currently, the disease is considered to be incurable but fortunately great advances have been made in veterinary medicine. An effective CDV cure, with minimal side effects, may be available sooner rather than later.

There’s lots more about distemper in dogs, dog care, facts about dogs and other useful dog information at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com