What the GP Should Know About Canine Distemper

Canine distemper remains one of the more highly contagious diseases of domestic dogs. Vaccination has dramatically reduced the prevalence of this disease yet our canine companions remain the reservoir species. There is still no treatment. With advancing urbanization and encroachment into wildlife areas there is greater contact with wild carnivore species. The spillover of disease to “wild” hosts and the spillback to dogs may be increasing prevalence of this disease. Displacement and transport of dogs from other areas has also increased the exposure to CDV. Practioners need to be aware of ways distemper may present in the clinical population.

• Risk factors for canine distemper virus
• Clinical presentation of distemper
• Pitfalls in diagnosing canine distemper
• Treatment of canine distemper
• Vaccination and prevention strategies