This is to inform the pet owners that there is an outbreak of Canine Distemper in Thimphu. The National Veterinary Hospital is seeing increasing number of dogs (especially stray) being brought in by the public suffering from Canine Distemper.
Please read through the following information to better understand about the disease and prevent from further spread.
What is Canine distemper disease?
Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of canine (dogs). The disease has also been reported in foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink, ferrets and in lions, tigers, leopards and other wild cats.
How is the disease spread?
The disease can spread through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing). The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.
Signs and symptoms of the disease?
Initially, infected dogs will develop watery to pus-like discharge from their eyes. They then develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting. As the virus attacks the nervous system, infected dogs develop circling behavior, head tilt, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation, seizures, and partial or complete paralysis. The virus may also cause the footpads to thicken and harden.
Is there a cure for the disease?
There is no cure for canine distemper infection. Treatment typically consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections. Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.
How to prevent getting infected with the disease?
– Vaccination is key – puppies as young as 6-8 weeks of age can be vaccinated. Vaccines are available at the pharmacy near the veterinary hospital, Motithang. For already vaccinated dogs, booster and annual vaccination also needs to be strictly followed. Skipping booster dose and annual re-vaccination increases the risk of infection.
– If you have a sick dog, it is always advisable to isolate from other healthy dogs inorder to prevent the risk of spreading the disease.
– Avoid mixing with stray dogs as much as possible, especially during disease outbreaks. Stray dogs are not vaccinated against Distemper disease and therefore, gets infected easily. During disease outbreaks, it is advisable to avoid taking your pets for outdoor walks to prevent coming in contact with the sick dogs/ virus contaminants.
