Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease that is often fatal.  It can affect the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, optic nerves and central nervous systems.  It is closely related to measles in humans.

Early symptoms:

• fever - temperature rising to above 103 degree Fahrenheit
• loss of appetite (anorexia)
• depression
• nasal discharge
• mild eye inflammation / discharge from eye (conjunctivitis)

Once CDV affects the intestinal tract the following symptoms will appear:

• vomiting and diarrhoea
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• suddenly weak

Once a dog has been infected, antibiotic therapy may be used however the outcome is not always positive.  Even if the dog does recover, lingering debilitating effects may persist for the remainder of the dog’s life such as involuntary twitching.

For more information see: International Veterinary Information Service

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