Canine Distemper Protocol
Canine Distemper Protocol Date Written: Yann Sokchea, BSc in lab science, MSc, DVM. Author/Approved by: Date Revised: Date Implemented: 19 May 2025 Purpose : The purpose of this document is to guide treatment and testing for distemper in dogs. Background : Distemper is a viral infection that typically causes some or all of the following signs in most cases: upper respiratory, lower respiratory, gastrointestinal, or neurological; however, it can infect any organ system of dogs and subsequently cause a wide variety of signs (including skin lesions, urinary tract/kidney involvement, and transplacental infection). It is commonly spread through aerosolization of respiratory secretions, though it is also shed in other bodily fluids. Survival in adult dogs can be greater than 90% with aggressive treatment, but mortality in puppies often approaches 50% or more. It poses a challenge in shelter settings ...