Distemper is a highly contagious contact disease caused by the canine distemper virus. It is highly contagious, with a mortality rate of up to 80% or more, and mostly presents with respiratory symptoms and neurological signs. Clinically, it is characterised by depression, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever, i.e. a persistent fever resembling flu-like symptoms at the beginning of the illness, followed by a return to normal, followed by a high fever after a few days. This is repeated with the appearance of pusy tears and pusy nasal discharge, and dry or cracked nosepieces. Treatment involves anti-distemper antibodies, canine interferon and, depending on the case, symptomatic treatment such as anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic.
