Due to breakthrough technology in veterinary medicine, we now know that Canine Distemper is caused by a virus (more specifically, paramyxovirus). Transmission of this virus is primarily obtained through contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids (blood, feces, urine, saliva, etc). The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV or paramyxovirus) has a high rate of infection once a dog is exposed.

HOW THE VIRUS IS TRANSMITTED

Airborne virus is usually the primary method of infection for CDV, since it is the most easily transmissible way for the virus to be transferred between dogs. A dog may become infected with the Canine Distemper Virus by sniffing the excrement of an infected animal, drinking the same water as an infected animal, or by simply being near a dog or other animal that is infected with the Canine Distemper Virus. Due to the extensive communicable properties of this virus, it is highly contagious.

POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION OF CDV FROM MOTHER TO PUPPIES

If a pregnant female dog becomes infected with Canine Distemper, this will also provide a high likelihood that the puppies in her litter will also be infected with the Canine Distemper Virus. This is mostly due to the fact that the Canine Distemper Virus is easily spread through transmission of one infected dog's bodily fluids to another dog, which is definitely true of the relationship between a mother dog and her puppies.

THE PROGRESSION OF PARAMYXOVIRUS

After the virus enters the respiratory system, it then progresses to infect the lymph nodes. Once present in lymphatic tissue, the Canine Distemper Virus rapidly begins to reproduce. During this period, the virus spreads to infect all of the lymphoid organs. This occurs during the first two to five days after the initial infection with the virus. There are usually not any noticeable symptoms at this time.

Once all lymphoid organs are infected, the virus then begins to progress to the blood. Through the blood, the Canine Distemper Virus is then able to spread to the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urogenital and central nervous systems. During this process is usually when the first initial symptoms (most commonly the symptoms that are associated with a dog's mucous membranes) begin to appear. This is the stage in which most dog owners will notice that something is wrong, and seek veterinary advice.

The most life-threatening stage of infection with CDV is when the virus begins to affect a dog's neurological functions. This progression of the disease is highly advanced at this time, and may cause significant neurological damage. Due to the possibility of severe seizures, many dogs will not survive this stage of the disease. A serious complication called Encephalomyelitis (which involves inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) may also develop at this time, which can further complicate possible treatment (as well as a dog's chances of survival).

If a dog survives this disease, it is possible for remission to occur. A "fake" remission sometimes occurs roughly 8-10 days after symptoms develop, where the disease appears to disappear, only to reoccur a few days later.