I just returned from California where I saw something in the news about distemper making a comeback. Naturally, as a dog owner, I became concerned and wonder what the risk is. We have two dogs, and they are properly vaccinated but, as COVID has taught us, vaccination is not a guarantee against a virus in providing full immunity. The cases out there have sprung up several times this year and seem to be in raccoons and coyotes. How do dogs catch distemper? My vet says that we have not seen a serious distemper outbreak in decades and properly vaccinated dogs are not at much risk at all. If a dog caught distemper, what are the signs, and does it affect their temperament? I’m just trying to be careful at this time of year when I am thankful for all that I have.
You are correct in reporting what has been, I believe, three local outbreaks in California in the two species you mentioned, as noticed by the public and animal health officials. Dogs catch distemper, like other viruses, from various means of contact. The most common form of spread is through respiratory droplets in the air from a positive animal that has sneezed or coughed but other means are also possible such as through saliva, urine and blood. Distemper is a highly contagious paramyxovirus and is manifested by various signs. These include, but are not limited to, ocular and nasal discharge, fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and various neurological signs such as twitching, salivating excessively, circling, head tilts and even seizures.
The name, despite the suggestion, does not imply a change in temperament but rather just a very sick dog. Your veterinarian is correct in that distemper is virtually non-existent in dogs nowadays. This is in large part to proper vaccination of puppies and then regular boosters, typically given every three years. There are other species that can also be affected, most notably ferrets. Should a dog develop distemper if not properly vaccinated and protected, diagnosis is made by clinical signs and various testing methods. Treatment consists of antibiotics to fight secondary bacterial infections and supportive care. I suggest that you enjoy this season of thanks and rest assured that your dogs are likely at no risk at all. Happy New Year!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He can be reached at 781-899-9994.
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