Dog Tests Positive for Canine Distemper: How Our Shelter is Managing and How You Can Help
One dog at The Animal Foundation has tested positive for Canine distemper.
The dog arrived at the shelter on Saturday, February 22, from the 89101 area, showing signs of an infectious disease. We ran a test for Infectious Respiratory Disease pathogens including distemper. While we waited for her test results to come back, she was separated from other animals in the shelter. The results of the test came back to us late yesterday.
Distemper is circulating in our community.
This highly contagious and serious viral disease attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It causes symptoms like fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. Distemper spreads through the air and direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
There’s no cure for distemper - only supportive care - so vaccination is the only protection. Keeping your pets up to date on their shots is essential.
At The Animal Foundation, we’re taking steps to keep our animals safe. Symptomatic dogs are placed in isolation and we’re testing and closely monitoring exposed dogs. We’re also reaching out to adopters and rescues who may have taken an exposed dog home.
All animals who come into our care are vaccinated against Distemper, but the vaccines can take weeks to fully protect animals.
We currently have 647 animals in our shelter — and this isn’t even our “busy season.” Overcrowding makes disease control even harder.
What you can do to help:
ADOPT! We have 330 animals waiting for homes!
FOSTER! Give a dog a break - even getting out for one night helps their stress levels.
VOLUNTEER! Make a difference for animals who need you most.
DONATE SUPPLIES! We need dog treats and peanut butter.
As always, thank you for your support.
Canine Distemper Quick Facts:
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious, potentially life-threatening virus that is easily transmitted from dog to dog.
- Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, lethargy, fever, and reduced appetite; vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, and paralysis can be seen in more severe cases.
- Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk for contracting this disease.
- Spread of this virus is mainly done through respiratory droplets (from coughing/sneezing), saliva, urine/feces, or through fomites (coming into contact with surfaces that have been contaminated). Respiratory droplets can travel over 20 feet in the air which greatly facilitates spread of disease.
- The incubation period (the time a dog is infectious before showing clinical signs) is up to 14 days.
- The shedding period (the time a dog is infectious after the onset of clinical signs) can last weeks to months.
- Since CDV is a virus, the main treatment is supportive care. Antibiotics are sometimes indicated if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Anticonvulsants may also be indicated in some cases.
- Vaccination for Canine Distemper Virus is the best method for prevention. The vaccine requires 2 doses given 2-4 weeks apart to be effective. Every dog entering the shelter is vaccinated for CDV on intake.
- The virus is easily killed with common household disinfectants.
What does this mean for fosters/adopters?
- We recommend monitoring your dog for at least 14 days after leaving the shelter. If you notice clinical signs during that time, please seek private veterinary care.
- We recommend that your dog is isolated from other dogs for at least 14 days after leaving the shelter. If your dog was diagnosed with or exposed to Canine Distemper Virus, please refer to the medical record regarding isolation periods.
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