Over the last three years in Sikkim and other hilly areas of India, many dogs are succumbing to the disease called Canine Distemper (CD) and Parvo. CD, in particular, has a high mortality and morbidity rate but can easily be prevented, if the Pet owners play a responsible role. A major outbreak of CD was reported in 2011 where many dogs died. This disease will remain in the environment for quite some time and it will be a herculean task to completely eradicate it. Thus, it is highly imperative that all dog owners take preventive measures. Despite numerous appeals and publicity, majority of the dog owners are still unaware or choose to remain ignorant of these diseases and their dogs are still not vaccinated. It is still being found that majority of pet dogs in Sikkim are not vaccinated against Distemper, Parvo virus, Influenza, Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, etc. except for Rabies. It is highly advisable that all dogs should receive these vaccines annually including Rabies. This serious lapse on the part of the dog owner is leading to serious disease outbreak. The Dept. of AH, LF & VS appeals to all dog owners/animal lovers to get their pets vaccinated against these diseases. We encourage responsible pet ownership where we expect the dog owners to show their commitment, respect towards these creatures.
Distemper disease has been in the state for a number of years and outbreaks are regularly occurring in the state. Symptoms seen are cough, fever, nose and eye discharge, loss of appetite and failing condition. After some weeks, nervous symptoms may develop when the virus affects the brain. Most commonly fits or twitches. Many dogs will die from the disease, particularly younger animals, sometimes after a long drawn out illness. Morbidity and mortality is extremely high in distemper as there is no direct treatment. Treatment is usually symptomatic and success is achieved only in the initial stages by raising the host immunity. Due to the generality and universality of its symptoms, it is difficult to detect. When the patients exhibit CNS symptoms (twitching and seizures) which are confirmatory, it is too late and the damage done is usually irreversible.
Though younger animals are most susceptible to the infection, susceptibility is enhanced in older dogs not adequately vaccinated or with concurrent stress or immunosuppressive conditions. CD is highly contagious, large viral concentrations occur in respiratory secretions and commonly spread by aerosolization. The Infective virus is also present in urine and other body fluids and recovered dogs can shed virus up to 1-1 1/2 months.
Hence it is extremely essential that the animal with CD be isolated which should include its food, bedding and people handling.
Both these diseases are extremely contagious, spreading readily from dog to dog. They are both caused by viruses, so treatment is difficult and often unsuccessful.
Unlike Rabies they are not spread to humans – only dogs are affected!
Contact your local Veterinary establishment for advice as to the injections needed. They are very effective. Remember also that periodic booster shots are needed to maintain immunity.
Remember owning a dog and not vaccinating is like having a child and not vaccinating against polio, measles, Hepatitis etc.
Prevention: Both these diseases can be easily prevented by getting the dogs vaccinated annually. However it is imperative that prior to vaccination the dog is adequately dewormed and healthy. Vaccinating a dog with suppressed immunity or recent history of exposure could be contraindicative and is to be strictly avoided. Pet dogs should receive the vaccinations in a proper schedule (which would include - 3 doses from 6 weeks upto 3 months (6weeks,10weeks,14weeks) or (8weeks,12weeks,16weeks) depending on the vaccine/brand used). This should be followed by annual boosters. The vaccine is available in any Veterinary stores and costs up-to 400-500 per dose.
Few points to remember during an outbreak:
1. Proper disposal of carcass either through deep burial or burning and never to dump in the open field.
2. The beddings or cloths should be burnt immediately.
3. Movement of dogs from one place to another should be avoided, especially from CD affected areas.
4. Good nursing care and highly nutritious food is advisable for ailing dogs.
5. The owners whose dogs are infected with CD should maintain cleanliness and hygiene. They should be encouraged not to spread infection to other healthy dogs. Bleaching powder which comes cheap is an effective disinfectant and should be adequately used.
6. Once the dog is dead, owners should make sure that the place should be thoroughly sanitize and dispose the carcass properly and no new dogs should be introduced for at-least 3 months.
7. Always buy or bring well vaccinated dogs especially from outside state. Ask for vaccination details of the dog form the dog dealer where a registered Vet would issue such certificate. The full protection of the vaccine against the disease will occur only after 20 days post vaccination.
In order to inculcate a responsible pet ownership as well as to make the vaccine affordable, the State Veterinary Polyclinic of the Dept. of AH,LF &VS has arranged Distemper and Parvo vaccine at a subsidized rates. Any interested pet owners willing to get their dogs vaccinated are requested to visit Polyclinic, Veterinary complex, Tadong from 01 May 2014 to avail this facility at the subsidized rate of Rs 300. The facility will be available for a limited period of time.
[The writer is Superintendent, State Veterinary Polyclinic]
Distemper disease has been in the state for a number of years and outbreaks are regularly occurring in the state. Symptoms seen are cough, fever, nose and eye discharge, loss of appetite and failing condition. After some weeks, nervous symptoms may develop when the virus affects the brain. Most commonly fits or twitches. Many dogs will die from the disease, particularly younger animals, sometimes after a long drawn out illness. Morbidity and mortality is extremely high in distemper as there is no direct treatment. Treatment is usually symptomatic and success is achieved only in the initial stages by raising the host immunity. Due to the generality and universality of its symptoms, it is difficult to detect. When the patients exhibit CNS symptoms (twitching and seizures) which are confirmatory, it is too late and the damage done is usually irreversible.
Though younger animals are most susceptible to the infection, susceptibility is enhanced in older dogs not adequately vaccinated or with concurrent stress or immunosuppressive conditions. CD is highly contagious, large viral concentrations occur in respiratory secretions and commonly spread by aerosolization. The Infective virus is also present in urine and other body fluids and recovered dogs can shed virus up to 1-1 1/2 months.
Hence it is extremely essential that the animal with CD be isolated which should include its food, bedding and people handling.
Both these diseases are extremely contagious, spreading readily from dog to dog. They are both caused by viruses, so treatment is difficult and often unsuccessful.
Unlike Rabies they are not spread to humans – only dogs are affected!
Contact your local Veterinary establishment for advice as to the injections needed. They are very effective. Remember also that periodic booster shots are needed to maintain immunity.
Remember owning a dog and not vaccinating is like having a child and not vaccinating against polio, measles, Hepatitis etc.
Prevention: Both these diseases can be easily prevented by getting the dogs vaccinated annually. However it is imperative that prior to vaccination the dog is adequately dewormed and healthy. Vaccinating a dog with suppressed immunity or recent history of exposure could be contraindicative and is to be strictly avoided. Pet dogs should receive the vaccinations in a proper schedule (which would include - 3 doses from 6 weeks upto 3 months (6weeks,10weeks,14weeks) or (8weeks,12weeks,16weeks) depending on the vaccine/brand used). This should be followed by annual boosters. The vaccine is available in any Veterinary stores and costs up-to 400-500 per dose.
Few points to remember during an outbreak:
1. Proper disposal of carcass either through deep burial or burning and never to dump in the open field.
2. The beddings or cloths should be burnt immediately.
3. Movement of dogs from one place to another should be avoided, especially from CD affected areas.
4. Good nursing care and highly nutritious food is advisable for ailing dogs.
5. The owners whose dogs are infected with CD should maintain cleanliness and hygiene. They should be encouraged not to spread infection to other healthy dogs. Bleaching powder which comes cheap is an effective disinfectant and should be adequately used.
6. Once the dog is dead, owners should make sure that the place should be thoroughly sanitize and dispose the carcass properly and no new dogs should be introduced for at-least 3 months.
7. Always buy or bring well vaccinated dogs especially from outside state. Ask for vaccination details of the dog form the dog dealer where a registered Vet would issue such certificate. The full protection of the vaccine against the disease will occur only after 20 days post vaccination.
In order to inculcate a responsible pet ownership as well as to make the vaccine affordable, the State Veterinary Polyclinic of the Dept. of AH,LF &VS has arranged Distemper and Parvo vaccine at a subsidized rates. Any interested pet owners willing to get their dogs vaccinated are requested to visit Polyclinic, Veterinary complex, Tadong from 01 May 2014 to avail this facility at the subsidized rate of Rs 300. The facility will be available for a limited period of time.
[The writer is Superintendent, State Veterinary Polyclinic]
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