Canine distemper is a highly contagious,
systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worlwide. Clinically, it is characterized
by a diphasic fever, leukophenia, GI and respiratory inflammation, and frequently,
pneumonic and neurological complications. It is caused by a Paramyxovirus
closely related to the viruses of measles and rinderpest. The main route of
infection is via aerosol droplets from infected animals. Some infected dogs
may shed virus for several months. Distemper should be considered in the diagnosis
of any febrile condition in puppies with multisystemic conditions. Diagnosis
may be made by serologic demonstration of virus-specific IgM or an increased ratio
of (CSF) to serum virus-specific IgG.
