Canine Distemper in So. California - Page 1

http://www.promedmail.org
http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/distemper-outbreak-los-angeles-raccons-protect-pets-long-beach/

The Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control Program has identified an outbreak of distemper in wild raccoon populations across Los Angeles County. Although none of the cases have been identified in Long Beach, clusters of cases have been identified in several areas across the county, including San Gabriel mountain foothill communities, Rancho Palos Verdes communities and nearby Seal Beach.

The distemper outbreak has also spread to other species, including dogs, coyotes, foxes and skunks. Due to the close proximity of the cases, Long Beach residents are advised to be vigilant for signs of distemper in their pet dogs.

Long Beach residents are advised to report any suspected signs of distemper in family pets to their personal veterinarian.

Canine distemper is a viral disease that infects foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons and unvaccinated dogs and other carnivores.

Clinical signs of distemper include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of hair, often an emaciated appearance, and disorientation or wandering aimlessly. The clinical signs become progressively worse as the disease is usually fatal.

There is a neurological component to the disease. Animals may tremble, convulse or display what is referred to as "chewing gum fits." The animal appears to be smacking its lips and chewing gum. The animal may turn, circle or even bend its body so that this "chewing" appears to be directed at a flank. These neurological clinical signs can mimic rabies. Although distemper virus poses no threat to human beings, because the signs can appear similar to rabies, it is appropriate to contact a physician immediately. Distemper and rabies can only be distinguished by examining the animal's brain.

Transmission of the canine distemper virus (CDV) requires close contact, as the virus does not survive long outside of the body. A healthy animal (dog, raccoon, etc.) may contract canine distemper from direct contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids and waste. Once an animal is infected with CDV, it begins to shed the virus approximately 5 days later. CDV seems to always be present in the environment. An animal may continue to shed the virus until its death, which may take as long as 6 weeks; usually, the course of the disease is much shorter.

Young animals are most susceptible to the disease. Consequently, we see the disease manifest more in the spring and summer when young animals are more obvious. Not all raccoons get the disease. However, those that do are capable of passing it to other animals, including our domestic animals. It is strongly recommended that people vaccinate
their dogs against this disease. There is prevention (vaccination) but there is no good treatment.

CDV tends to move in 5-7 year cycles. This may be the beginning of a cycle, and residents are again reminded to vaccine their pets.

Thanks for the information.

I've always vaccinated my dogs without thinking about the diseases I was preventing, besides visions of Old Yeller.  This sounds like a truly horrible disease.  Thanks for the update.

Opal

It IS a horrible disease. I remember seeing dogs affected with it when I was a kid. Even if the dog survived, it was usually ruined.. most had permanent nervous ticks like a twitching, jerking leg.

One of the biggest problems we have in S. California.. especially Los Angeles County.. is a large illegal immigrant community which tend to have dogs to protect their property, but don't take a lot of care to things like vaccinations.

The other problem is the LA County Animal Control. Disease is rampant in their "shelters" and they serve as a reservoir for disease in the community. Stress is severe and there is a high volume of dogs of unknown immunological profiles coming in and out, on an ongoing basis... serving as sort of a viral / bacterial potpourri effect (reservoir effect).  Distemper is not as transmissable as parvovirus.. but any time two dogs sniff noses, or drink from the same water bowl.. there is an opportunity for contagion.

they had a big outbreak of Equine enchephlitis down here last year all the holistic people who did not believe in vaccines started having horses dropping like flies so then they suddenly believed i vaccinating abeit vacinating in the face of disease is less than ideal

Beautiful paint Lief. I have always prefered the Overo's over Tobiano.

thanks 4pack ! hes a reg Paint but pedigree wise hes half Quarter Horse since thats my real love is Quarters ,D'Artagnan the Paint is kind of a dum dum, Noble My pure Quarter horse is much smarter than him

beautiful horse ! I love the white faced blue eyed paints especially in blk/wht !

I would like to emphasize something here about canine distemper. Distemper is a serious problem.

Canine distemper is second in mortality world wide in dogs only to rabies, and this mortality is not uncommon in the US. It is HIGHLY contagious and it is a mistake to think it is not as contagious as parvovirus. The primary mode of transmission is through the respiratory tract, where sneezing, for example creates aerosolization. It can also be transmitted through bodily fluids, such a urine, if such fluids become aerosolized. The virus can be shed for 60-90 days after infection. The post above mentioning the potential results of infection, including serious and fatal neurological conditions is correct.

If I lived in CA,  especially in the area of the outbreak, I would make damn sure my dogs were properly protected. Especially in cases where a young dog may not have been properly vaccinated, or antibodies might have waned, it might be prudent to seek a vets advice on a booster.