Distemper is a contagious disease of dogs and other animals. In dogs, it is caused by a virus called paramyxovirus. This virus affects chiefly young dogs and is often fatal. It also infects such animals as foxes, minks, skunks, raccoons, and wolves. The word distemper also refers to different diseases in horses and cats.
A dog with distemper suffers from fever, reddened eyes, loss of appetite, a dry mouth, and discharges containing pus from the nose and eyes. As the disease progresses, pneumonia may occur and bring on coughing and heavy breathing. The virus frequently spreads to the brain and results in jerking motions of the head, jaw, and other parts of the body. This motion is called chorea. Brain infection usually leads to death.
Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing distemper. Dogs suffering from this disease require the care of a veterinarian. Drugs can control secondary bacterial infections. Dogs that recover from distemper are immune to the disease for several years or for their entire lifetime.
Distemper in horses is caused by Streptococcus equii bacteria. In young horses, this disease is called strangles. The horse suffers from a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph glands. Horses treated with penicillin or other drugs frequently recover.
Distemper in cats is called panleukopenia, also known as feline enteritis, cat distemper, or feline distemper. The disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus and infects the bone marrow, intestine, and lymphoid tissue. The cat suffers from diarrhea, a runny nose, and reddened and runny eyes. Many cats with panleukopenia die. Vaccination can protect cats from it. Treatment requires the care of a veterinarian.
