Distemper. Flashcards
What is canine distemper?
A highly contagious, viral disease that affects dogs.
Dog in which areas of the world are affected by distemper?
In all areas of the world.
What are the 4 main characteristics of canine distemper?
Biphasic fever.
Leukopenia.
Pneumonia.
Neurologic complications.
What is usually responsible for transmitting distemper between dogs?
Aerosol droplets.
How do the aerosol droplets infect dogs with distemper?
They lodge in the upper respiratory tract and then multiply.
What are the 1st signs of canine distemper?
A fever that usually occurs 3–6 days after infection.
What symptoms of canine distemper occur after the original fever has subsided?
A second fever occur and this may be accompanied by a nasal discharge, lethargy, and anorexia.
Dogs that survive the acute phase of distemper (the 2 sets of fever) will display what symptoms?
They may have hyperkeratosis of the footpads and enamel hypoplasia in incompletely erupted teeth.
A long course of canine distemper is associated with what signs?
Neurologic signs.
What are the classic neurologic signs of canine distemper?
Involuntary muscle twitching.
Convulsions which include frequent salivation and chewing movements of the jaw.
What are 5 less common neurological signs that are associated with distemper?
Circling.
Head tilt.
Nystagmus.
Paresis to paralysis.
Focal to generalized seizures.
A diagnosis of canine distemper should be considered in what kind of dogs?
In dogs with multisystemic manifestations.
What diseases can canine distemper often be confused for?
Leptospirosis.
Infectious cabins hepatitis.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
What will confirm canine distemper at a necropsy?
Histologic lesions.
What kind of treatments are used to treat distemper?
Treatments that are supportive and aimed at limiting secondary bacterial infection and supporting fluid balance.
