Canine Distemper most commonly affects dogs and domestic ferrets of all ages, but puppies, up to six months of age are especially susceptible because their immune system has not yet fully developed. Canine distemper is a virus, which is referred to by the acronym CDV, which stand for Canine Distemper Virus. CDV spreads through the contact of infected bodily fluids, such as nasal droppings, feces and urine, for example but can also spread with contact of contaminated food and water. The virus usually settles in and duplicates itself within the lymphoid and nervous tissues from which it will eventually enter the bloodstream, normally within 6 to 22 days of initial exposure.
The virus, first documented in 1905 was originally thought to be a form of the plague but was later found to be closely related to the Measles as well as the viral infection known as Rinderpest, a word of German origin which means cattle-plague. Attacking tonsils and bronchial lymph nodes first, the virus then enters the blood stream and causes fevers as well as a number of often fatal gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological symptoms.
Symptoms may include, but aren't limited to vomiting, diarrhea, involuntary urination and bowel movements, coughing, labored breathing, weight loss, followed by neurological symptoms like seizures ranging from mild all the way to grand-mal convulsions and an overall deterioration of motor capabilities. Infected dogs and ferrets should be quarantined for several months to avoid spreading the virus. In 1985, the virus is believed to have caused the extinction of the last wild black-footed ferret population and is believed to contribute to a high mortality rate in several other wild animal species.. Without prior vaccinations or treatment after infection, the virus has almost always fatal results for those infected with it.
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