01/13/2025
As we begin 2025 we have unfortunate news to share that a dog in Sudbury has tested positive for the Canine Distemper Virus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease. There is some reason to believe this dog may have been exposed to other dogs while still shedding the virus, however at this time, no other confirmed cases have been identified.
Please be sure your animals are protected and if you are concerned give us a call and we can check for you. 519-688-2932
Here is a brief list of clinical signs that may be associated with Distemper infection:
Mild cases may present with lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, and respiratory signs.
In young dogs or in dogs with inadequate immunity, signs can be much worse and are listed by body system:
Respiratory signs (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, ocular or nasal discharge, conjunctivitis)
Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea (often with blood) and straining)
Neurological signs (skin sensitivity, neck stiffness, balance issues, abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), circling, behavior changes, seizures, limb weakness, muscle twitching)
Ocular signs (dry eye, red eye, ocular discharge (thick yellow or green), light sensitivity)
Dermatologic signs (pustular dermatitis in puppies, hyperkeratosis (thickening/hardening) of the nasal or digital pads)
Because respiratory signs are often the first signs of illness, Distemper can sometimes be mistaken for Kennel Cough. The difference is that in dogs with Kennel Cough, the dog is typically acting normally, eating well, and feeling generally the same as usual; with Distemper, the dog is often tired, weak, uninterested in food, and feeling unwell.
If you have questions about Canine Distemper Virus, www.veterinarypartner.com is an excellent resource for medical information.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex or CIRDC is an endemic disease (always present in populations), with various known bacterial and viral causes.