What is Distemper?

Canine microcephaly is an acute infectious disease of dogs caused by infection with the micro-virus. There are two clinical manifestations, the haemorrhagic enteritis type and the myocarditis type. The haemorrhagic enteritis type is characterised by severe vomiting, haemorrhagic enteritis and a significant reduction in white blood cells, while the myocarditis type is characterised by sudden death. The clinical manifestations of either type are characterised by high morbidity, mortality and infectiousness, and all require systematic and standardised symptomatic treatment. Prevention and treatment requires immunisation of the dog, isolation of the dog and disinfection of the kennel and other supplies when there is an outbreak of the disease.