Canine distemper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canine distemper virus |
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| Virus classification | |
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Group V ((−)ssRNA)
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| Order: |
Mononegavirales
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| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Morbillivirus
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Canine Distemper Virus
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Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects many different animals. It's often called "distemper" for short. This illness is a big problem for pets like dogs and ferrets, but it can also infect wild animals such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, and skunks. Even some big cats like lions and tigers can get it, but thankfully, domestic cats cannot. The virus that causes canine distemper is related to the measles virus that affects humans.
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What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). This virus attacks different parts of an animal's body, including their breathing system, stomach and intestines, and even their brain and spinal cord. It can make animals very sick and, sadly, can even be deadly.
Which Animals Can Get Canine Distemper?
The virus mainly affects animals in certain families. These include:
- Canids: This family includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and coyotes.
- Mustelidae: This family includes ferrets, weasels, badgers, and otters.
- Mephitidae: This family includes skunks.
- Procyonidae: This family includes raccoons and red pandas.
- Some Felidae: While domestic cats are safe, some larger wild cats can get distemper.
It's important to remember that "feline distemper" (also called panleukopenia) is a different virus that only affects cats.
How Does Canine Distemper Spread?
The canine distemper virus spreads easily from one animal to another. It's often passed through:
- Air: When an infected animal coughs or sneezes, tiny virus particles can float in the air. Other animals can breathe these in.
- Direct contact: Animals can get the virus by touching an infected animal's body fluids, like snot, pee, or poop.
- Shared items: Bowls, toys, or bedding used by a sick animal can also spread the virus.
Puppies and young animals are especially at risk because their immune systems are not yet fully strong.
What Are the Signs of Canine Distemper?
The signs of canine distemper can vary, but they often appear in stages.
Early Signs
In the beginning, an infected animal might show signs like:
- Fever (feeling hot)
- Runny nose and eyes
- Coughing and sneezing
- Not wanting to eat
- Feeling tired and sleepy
Later Signs
As the disease gets worse, other serious signs can appear:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Hardening of the nose and paw pads (this is called hyperkeratosis)
- Muscle twitching or spasms
- Seizures or fits
- Paralysis (not being able to move parts of the body)
These later signs show that the virus has started to affect the brain and nervous system.
How Can We Prevent Canine Distemper?
The best way to protect animals from canine distemper is through vaccination.
- Vaccines: Puppies usually get a series of shots to build up their protection. Adult dogs need booster shots regularly to stay safe.
- Avoid sick animals: Keep your pets away from animals that look sick.
- Cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect areas where pets spend time, especially if a sick animal has been there.
Thanks to widespread vaccination, canine distemper is less common in many areas than it used to be. However, it still remains a serious threat, especially to unvaccinated animals and wildlife.
Images for kids
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An infected dog with purulent nasal discharge and a hyperkeratotic nose.
See also
In Spanish: Moquillo para niños
