What Is Post Canine Distemper Encephalitis?

Canine distemper encephalitis is a disease that is common among dogs despite efforts to eliminate it completely through vaccinations. The initial symptoms of canine distemper are similar to a cold, but the disease also can progress to post-distemper encephalitis, with debilitating neurological effects that affect movement and behavior. If you suspect your dog may have canine distemper, it is critical to have your veterinarian begin supportive treatment immediately.

  1. About Canine Distemper

    • Canine distemper is caused by a virus spread from dog to dog through mucous secretions. It often attacks puppies that are acquired from pet stores and animal shelters. The virus is related closely to the human measles virus. The distemper vaccine has reduced the incidence of canine distemper cases, but not totally eliminated the disease, which often occurs when vaccinations are incomplete. Symptoms of distemper include respiratory symptoms, such as runny nose, as well as poor appetite and fever, and can progress to pneumonia. The disease also may have other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and callusing of the nose and foot pads, and may progress to seizures. The virus peaks in 8 or 9 days. It then can recede and hide in the tissues of the dog̵7;s body for long periods of time.

    Acute Encephalitis

    • The post-distemper phase of the illness appears at 1 to 3 weeks, after the immune system of the animal has mounted a successful attack on the virus. Seizures, twitching, muscle rigidity and neck pain may occur. Medications are administered to control symptoms. Some dogs recover from canine distemper encephalitis and resulting encephalomyelitis, so treatment should be continued for one to two weeks, according to the CanineEpilepsyGuardianAngels website.

    Chronic Encephalitis

    • Chronic encephalitis is a post-distemper illness that occurs in older dogs. In fact, it sometimes is called ̶0;old dog encephalitis.̶1; The phrase refers to the chronic brain inflammation that is a result of an earlier distemper infection years previously, which is caused by lesions in the brain left over from the distemper virus. The dog may seem quite normal for most of its adult life, only to display symptoms as old age approaches. Symptoms include muscle spasms, tremors, loss of balance, poor judgment in determining distance and compulsive movements, such as pacing or head-pressing. The dog may undergo a personality change or may not remember its owner.

    Treatment of Canine Distemper Encephalitis

    • Treatment of post-canine distemper encephalitis includes antibiotics to heal brain lesions and anti-spasmodic medications to control seizures. Treatment of older dogs often is unsuccessful and euthanasia is advised.