Canine distemper virus (CDV), aka canine morbillivirus, is a virus that infects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, immune, and central nervous systems of not only canines, but also a host of wild animals such as ferrets, foxes, raccoons, skunks, lions, and tigers. The virus is typically fatal, although there have been cases of survivors.

What is it and where does it come from?

Canine distemper is a contagious and lethal disease caused by the canine distemper virus. It is caused by the paramyxovirus, which is closely related to the measles and rinderpest viruses. All the previously mentioned animals are at risk of canine distemper. Especially those that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper virus.

Typical exposure to the virus is via airborne exposure (barking, coughing, or sneezing). It can also be spread through shared food or water.

What are the Symptoms?

As soon as the virus spreads to the animal’s respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, they usually develop the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Discharge from the eyes and nose
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting

As soon as the virus attacks the nervous system, animals also may show neurologic symptoms:

• Convulsions with jaw-chewing movements “chewing gum fits”
• Drooling
• Head tilt
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle twitches
• Partial or total paralysis
• Seizures
• Walking in circles, unable to follow a straight path

Is it Treatable?

There is unfortunately no cure, and no antiviral drugs have been approved to fight the infection. This is why vaccination is so critical.

Treatment of infected animals typically consists of supportive care like fluids to rectify dehydration and medications to prevent secondary infections and control diarrhea, vomiting, and neurologic symptoms. Animals with canine distemper need to be separated from other animals to prevent the disease from spreading.

The only prevention is in the canine distemper vaccine, also called DAPP or DA2PP, administered in phases before exposure takes place. Even after being vaccinated, the virus still has the potential of spreading.