VetMasterJi

Systemic · Dogs

Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper (CDV, Hardpad disease) is a systemic condition of dogs. Key signs are biphasic fever, mucopurulent ocular and nasal discharge and productive cough / pneumonia; diagnosis rests on PCR on conjunctival, nasal or urine swabs and CSF antibody / PCR for neurologic cases. Guarded; high mortality in unvaccinated pups.

At a glance

Species
Dogs
Body system
Systemic
Also known as
CDV, Hardpad disease

Key clinical signs

  • Biphasic fever
  • Mucopurulent ocular and nasal discharge
  • Productive cough / pneumonia
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Hyperkeratosis of footpads and nasal planum (hardpad)
  • Neurologic signs: seizures, myoclonus, ataxia, paresis

Other signs

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Anorexia, lethargy
  • Enamel hypoplasia in survivors
  • Optic neuritis, chorioretinitis

Differential diagnoses

  • Kennel cough (B. bronchiseptica, parainfluenza)
  • Canine adenovirus-2 respiratory disease
  • Toxoplasma / Neospora encephalitis
  • Rabies (for neurologic forms)
  • Cryptococcosis

Diagnosis

  • PCR on conjunctival, nasal or urine swabs (most sensitive in acute phase)
  • CSF antibody / PCR for neurologic cases
  • Serology (paired titres)
  • Cytology: distemper inclusion bodies in lymphocytes / RBCs

Treatment outline

No specific antiviral; treatment is supportive. IV fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary bacterial pneumonia, antiemetics, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, levetiracetam) for seizures, nutritional support. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention (MLV core vaccine).

An outline, not a prescription. Check each drug’s dose for the species, the patient and the product in the drug calculator before use.

Prognosis

Guarded; high mortality in unvaccinated pups. Neurologic signs often persist or progress in survivors.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of canine distemper in dogs?

Biphasic fever, mucopurulent ocular and nasal discharge, productive cough / pneumonia, vomiting and diarrhoea, hyperkeratosis of footpads and nasal planum (hardpad) and neurologic signs: seizures, myoclonus, ataxia, paresis. Less specific signs include conjunctivitis, anorexia, lethargy and enamel hypoplasia in survivors.

How is canine distemper diagnosed?

PCR on conjunctival, nasal or urine swabs (most sensitive in acute phase), CSF antibody / PCR for neurologic cases, Serology (paired titres) and Cytology: distemper inclusion bodies in lymphocytes / RBCs. Differentials to rule out include kennel cough (b. bronchiseptica, parainfluenza), canine adenovirus-2 respiratory disease, toxoplasma / neospora encephalitis and rabies (for neurologic forms).

How is canine distemper treated?

No specific antiviral; treatment is supportive. IV fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary bacterial pneumonia, antiemetics, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, levetiracetam) for seizures, nutritional support. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention (MLV core vaccine).

What is the prognosis for canine distemper?

Guarded; high mortality in unvaccinated pups. Neurologic signs often persist or progress in survivors.

Sources

  • Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th edition

Last reviewed · VetMasterJi