Diagnostic and therapeutic management of canine distemper
Author(s): VVV Amruth Kumar and K Sirisha
Abstract: Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease. It belongs to the genus Morbili virus within the family Paramyxoviridae. It is a highly contagious disease of domestic dogs and wild carnivores, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite vaccination and health management strategies, no specific antiviral therapy is currently available. This study reports clinical, hematological, and biochemical findings in six dogs naturally infected with CD compared with six healthy control dogs of similar age and breed. Affected animals presented with characteristic clinical signs, including fever, anorexia, nasal and ocular discharge, temporal twitching, froathy salivation during feeding, and prolapse of the third eyelid. Canine Distemper infection was confirmed using a rapid antigen detection test and further verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All affected dogs received supportive and symptomatic therapy, including intravenous fluids, antihistamines (Histanil), digestive enzyme supplements (Pregamyl Forte), atropine sulphate, anti-inflammatory medication (Melonex), neurotonic (Neurokind injection), and antibiotics (Intacef). Subsequently, a combination of Cicuta virosa 30C, Pregamyl Forte, and Neurokind was administered for one month. Gradual neurological improvement was observed, and follow-up PCR results were negative for Canine Distemper, with full recovery in all treated dogs. Hematological analysis of Canine Distemper-infected dogs revealed significant leukopenia, lymphopenia, and mild anemia compared with healthy controls. Biochemical evaluation demonstrated elevated liver enzymes, increased total bilirubin, and reduced total protein and albumin levels in affected animals. Supportive management combined with Cicuta virosa 30C and nutritional supplementation appeared to facilitate recovery and normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters.
