Dog owners warned over deadly virus
EARLY SYMPTOMS INCLUDE EYE AND NOSE DISCHARGE
A GATESHEAD vet has issued a warning to dog owners following the outbreak of a deadly virus.
Premier Vets has confirmed cases of the canine distemper virus – a potentially fatal virus which is closely related to human measles.
And owners of dogs and ferrets are being urged to remain vigilant with both animals being susceptible to infection.
Early symptoms of canine distemper include eye and nose discharge, a lack of appetite and coughing with pets that have not had their essential vaccinations particularly at risk of contracting the virus.
Tyrina Gibson, a veterinary nurse at the Low Fell practice with more than 20 years’ experience, said two foxes have died of the virus while two ferrets had also passed away after testing positive in Durham.
The 37-year-old said: “We deal with a lot of wildlife which is our main concern. We have had foxes, an adult and a cub, a few days apart. They were wobbly, unable to see and not focusing and had respiratory issues. We took a blood sample first but we were only able to provide them with palliative care.
“The results from the tests came back positive for the canine distemper virus. We did have another fox in one month before but we were unable to get the sample before it passed away.
“Two ferrets have been diagnosed in the Durham area and we’ve not heard of any dogs in the region yet.
“But dogs are vulnerable, especially puppies that may not have had their vaccinations. We understand this is a worrying time but if your dog or ferret is currently up to date with boosters there is no reason to do them any sooner than the due date. We will be focusing on dogs that have lapsed and ferrets as a first priority.”
With no cure for the virus, prevention is key and Tyrina has issued advice to owners who may be concerned about their pet.
She said: “If your pet has not been vaccinated and is showing symptoms I would urge you to go to your local vet. A test will be sent to the lab and we can get results within 24 to 48 hours.
“Unfortunately there is no cure for it. It depends on how bad the virus impacts the animal to know how much time it has left. I know the ferrets in Durham died just 24 hours after being diagnosed.
“This is why prevention is so important. We don’t want to panic anyone. We just want people to be aware that their pet needs to be vaccinated. If you’re concerned, take your dog out late at night when others are not around and if you have toys in the garden, wash them and take them inside so they have less chance of coming into contact with other animals.”
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Initial symptoms of the virus can begin with:
■ Mucousy eye and nose discharge
■ Lack of appetite
■ Coughing
■ Fever
This stage can often go unnoticed, especially when animals have some form of protection from the virus via vaccinations.
As the infection spreads, animals can go on to experience:
■ Vomiting
■ Diarrhoea
■ Thickened paw pads
At this stage, some dogs’ immune systems can fight the virus. But in others, one to three weeks after initial symptoms appear – and often after they have cleared – the central nervous system can be affected, causing symptoms including:
■ Seizures
■ Twitching
■ Limb weakness
■ Muscle stiffness
■ Imbalance
HOW DO DOGS GET CANINE DISTEMPER?
The virus is passed on through direct contact with urine, blood or saliva. Sneezing, coughing or sharing food and water bowls are other ways that the virus could be passed on.
Tyrina said: “It is airborne so if an infected dog coughs and then another dog sniffs that area then it could be transmitted. Infected dogs could show symptoms for a couple of days and then look fine, but still be a carrier and continue to shed the virus.”
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT THE VET?
If you think your dog has been infected, visit your vet immediately.
CAN CANINE DISTEMPER BE TREATED?
There is no medication that can cure an infected animal.
Veterinarians can offer treatment through fluids and antibiotics to ward off secondary infections while the animal builds up its immune response.
Some animals can survive the infection but it can be fatal for others.
HOW DO I AVOID MY DOG FROM GETTING CANINE DISTEMPER?
Ensure your dog has a completed series of vaccinations. If you have a puppy, make sure its first vaccination takes places at six to eight weeks of age.
If your dog has not been vaccinated, get an appointment at your vets and in the meantime keep them away from any possible infectious dogs or environments. Owners can clean and disinfect their homes to ensure the virus is not living in their dog’s environment.