Canine Distemper

What is canine distemper?

Canine distemper is a serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus. It spreads through droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, through discharge from the eyes and nose, and through shared bowls and close contact. Puppies and dogs that have not completed their vaccines are most at risk. Some wild animals can also carry the virus. Distemper does not infect people.

The virus can affect many parts of the body. It often starts in the eyes, nose and lungs, then moves to the gut and skin, and sometimes reaches the brain and nerves. Nerve signs can appear during the illness or weeks after a dog seems to recover, and some dogs that survive keep a twitch for life.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever, low energy and poor appetite
• Discharge from the eyes and nose, often thick and yellow-green
• Cough, sneezing or fast breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Thick, hard skin on the nose or foot pads
• Twitching, fits, a wobbly walk or a tilted head

Not every dog shows every sign, and early distemper can look like kennel cough.

Which lab tests help

The Canine Distemper Virus (Rapid Test) is a quick kit test and a useful first check. The Canine Distemper ELISA Test is a laboratory test on serum. If parvo is also possible, the Canine Distemper / Parvo ELISA Test (Combo) checks both viruses on one sample.

The Canine Distemper RT-PCR looks for the virus's genetic material and can help when the kit result does not match the signs. Your vet may send more than one type of sample, because the virus is not found in every body fluid at every stage.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) may show a low count of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. For a dog with a cough, your vet may choose the Canine Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel (Kennel Cough), which typically checks distemper with common kennel cough germs; the exact list is confirmed when you book.

Vaccination matters when reading results. A recent vaccine can affect some antibody and PCR results, so tell your vet when your dog was last vaccinated. A negative result does not always rule distemper out. Each result is read by a registered veterinarian alongside the dog's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a puppy or young dog has fever with eye or nose discharge, a cough, vomiting or diarrhoea. Twitching, fits, collapse or trouble breathing need a vet the same day. Keep a sick dog away from other dogs, especially puppies. Ask your vet about vaccination for every dog in the home.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab, at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. Dog owners in other districts can send samples through their local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to plan it. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports reach you on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.