What is canine distemper virus

In the world of pet owners, the words "canine distemper virus" are like a heavy haze that can instantly overshadow the originally relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. When seeing that the dog starts coughing frequently, looks listless, or shows strange convulsive symptoms, the tense string in the heart always vibrates involuntarily — there is a fear that this terrifying virus has quietly invaded the beloved dog's body. The canine distemper virus, this "invisible killer" that makes people turn pale with fear, has caused countless dogs to suffer from illness over the years and has made numerous owners endure in worry and despair. Understanding it deeply is not only a compulsory course for scientific pet keeping but also the key to safeguarding the dog's health and accompanying it for a long time.

The canine distemper virus belongs to the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae and is a single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus. Although its structure is tiny, with a diameter of only 150 - 300 nanometers, it has tenacious vitality and extensive transmission ability. This virus has relatively strong resistance to the environment and can survive for a long time in a low-temperature environment. It can even survive for several weeks in an environment of 4°C. However, it also has its weaknesses and is sensitive to high temperatures, ultraviolet rays, and common disinfectants. Heating at 56°C for 30 minutes, or using chlorine-containing disinfectants, peracetic acid, etc., can effectively kill the canine distemper virus. But even so, in real life, it can still quietly approach dogs through various transmission routes.

Healthy dogs are mainly infected with the canine distemper virus through the respiratory and digestive tracts. When an infected dog coughs or sneezes, it will release droplets containing the virus into the air. After a healthy dog inhales these droplets, the virus will enter the body along the respiratory tract. In addition, contaminated food, water, toys, and even the owner's clothes and shoes can all become transmission media. If the owner, after coming into contact with a dog infected with the canine distemper virus, touches their own dog without doing a good job of cleaning and disinfection, they may also bring the virus home. It can be said that the canine distemper virus is like a "cunning" invader, constantly looking for opportunities to invade the dog's body. And dogs, especially puppies and those that have not been vaccinated, are particularly vulnerable in front of it.

Once the canine distemper virus successfully invades the dog's body, it will start a crazy "destruction journey". The virus will first multiply in large numbers in the dog's tonsils, lymph nodes, and other parts. After an incubation period of 3 - 6 days, it begins to spread throughout the body. It will attack multiple systems of the dog, including the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and skin. In the early stage of the disease, the dog will show symptoms similar to a cold, such as fever, coughing, runny nose, and tearing. These symptoms are easily overlooked by the owner, who may mistakenly think it is just a common cold. However, as the disease progresses, the dog's body temperature will continue to rise, its spirit will become extremely listless, its appetite will decrease, and it may even completely refuse to eat.

When the canine distemper virus invades the dog's respiratory system, it will cause severe respiratory tract inflammation. The dog's cough will become more severe, phlegm will increase, and it will have difficulty breathing, and may even develop pneumonia. They will gasp for breath and make a heavy breathing sound, and every breath seems very difficult. The digestive system is also not spared from the virus's damage. The dog will experience vomiting and diarrhea, and there may be blood in the excrement. Severe diarrhea will lead to dehydration and electrolyte disorders in the dog, further weakening its body's resistance.

What worries and scares the owner the most is the damage of the canine distemper virus to the dog's nervous system. In the later stage of the disease, many dogs will show neurological symptoms, such as muscle convulsions, foaming at the mouth, ataxia, etc. They may convulse uncontrollably, with stiff limbs and a dull look in their eyes, as if they have completely lost control of their bodies. Some dogs will also experience spasms of the chewing muscles, and their mouths cannot be closed normally, with saliva constantly flowing out. These neurological symptoms not only make the dog endure great pain but also plunge the owner into deep despair. Looking at the once intimate partner now tortured beyond recognition by the disease, the owner wishes to bear all this for it and only hopes that a miracle will occur and the dog can get rid of the illness as soon as possible.

Currently, there is no specific drug for the treatment of the canine distemper virus. Comprehensive treatment measures are mainly adopted, including antiviral, antibacterial, symptomatic treatment, and supportive therapy. Doctors will use drugs such as interferon and immunoglobulin to enhance the dog's immunity and help it fight against the virus; use antibiotics to treat possible secondary infections; and give corresponding drugs to relieve specific symptoms of the dog, such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Prevention is always better than cure, and vaccination is the most effective means of preventing the canine distemper virus. Puppies should start to be vaccinated at the age of 6 - 8 weeks, and then receive booster immunizations according to the specified procedure. At the same time, keep the dog away from possible sources of infection and avoid taking them to places where there are a large number of dogs and the hygiene conditions are poor. Regularly clean and disinfect the dog's living environment and keep the indoor ventilation good. Every time we are nervous and expectant when vaccinating the dog, and every time we are serious and meticulous when cleaning its living environment, it is our protection of its health and our sincere wish that it can be free from the harm of the canine distemper virus.

The canine distemper virus, this terrifying enemy, has made countless dogs and owners experience pain and suffering. But as long as we master professional knowledge and build a protective wall for the dog with love and responsibility, it is possible to keep them from being harmed. May every dog be free from the threat of the canine distemper virus, and under the company of the owner, spend every day healthily and happily, and warm our lives with their bright smiles.