Vaccinations warning after dogs killed by distemper

An outbreak of distemper has killed some dogs in Dubai and left others fighting for their lives.

Owners have been warned to test their pets’ immunity to the virus, which is spread through airborne exposure and direct contact.

It has no cure and affects a dog’s respiratory, digestive and central nervous systems. The disease cannot be passed on to humans.

A vaccine that helps to prevent infection needs to be boosted annually, because immunity drops over time.

Cases of distemper were reported in the Dubai Hills area about two weeks ago. Some dogs died and others remain in a critical condition. About half of adult dogs that contract the virus die, with fatality rising to 80 per cent in puppies.

Amy le Roux, a British resident in Dubai Hills, said her dog Paddington caught the virus on May 8, despite being vaccinated against it.

“He had no prior health issues to this whatsoever,” Ms le Roux said.

“He spent four days in the intensive care unit and now we are tube-feeding him.

“We’re literally doing everything we can to boost his immune system so that he can fight the disease.”

She said she had spent about Dh14,000 ($3,810) so far and had been told by a vet that Paddington could take months to recover, even with round-the-clock care.

“He’s very weak,” Ms le Roux said. “It’s a horrible disease that I wouldn’t wish on any family at all.

“I really recommend people to get their dog’s immunity against the virus tested, so they know if a booster shot is required.”

Purvi, another resident in Dubai Hills, said her vaccinated puppy, Coco, died from the virus on May 6.

She said owners should get a blood test to measure their dog’s immunity during each visit to the vet.

“The question is why there is not much awareness,” she said. “Nobody told us that once they take the vaccination, they need to take an antibodies test.”

An American resident in Dubai Investment Parks said her two vaccinated golden retriever puppies were fighting the disease.

Kathy Guthrie said she was trying to spread awareness of the antibodies test to other owners, so they could receive a booster shot in time.

Sam Westhead, a vet at the Amity Veterinary Clinic in Dubai, said he saw a dog with the disease every couple of months.

“The virus generally affects puppies younger than four months,” he said.

“Poor immunity results from inappropriate or incomplete vaccination courses, as well as puppies being vaccinated too young.

“Regular annual booster shots are required to maintain immunity.”