Canine distemper

Authors: Lifton JM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 32, Issue 1-2, pp 20, Jan 1984
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Viral, Nervous system/neurology, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Immune system/immunology, Vaccination
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: As Public Relations Officer for the Small Animal Society I have been carrying out surveys each week in Auckland on the current N.Z. distemper epidemic. It appears from reports received that probably every province in the North Island will become infected in due course. It will only be a matter of time before an infected dog crosses to the South Island. The cold dry environment of the Auckland winter favoured the survival of the virus away from the dog and it was hoped that the onset of warm moist weather would reduce the spread. This has not happened. In fact there has been a marked aczleration of spread throughout the country, especially in urban areas, probably due to a large susceptible unvaccinated dog population. Polynesian dog owners, especially in the Auckland Metropolitan area, have not responded to the intensive vaccination campaign. Special broadcasts were made on Radio New Zealand and commercial stations in the Cook Island, Maori, Samoan and Tongan languages, with little effect. The presenting symptom has been reported to be a classic greenish oculo-masal discharge with nasal keratitis, with or without a dry husky cough. Concomitant vomiting and diarrhoea are seen in a proportion of cases. Pyrexia of 40°C with anorexia and depression occurs 69 days after exposure to infection and lasts for approximately 48 hours. This phase is often not noticed by the owner. During the next two days the temperature is normal and the dog may appear…

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