Bark N Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

You are listening to Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk and I am your host Polly ReQua. Today we are talking with Dr. Susan McMillan, owner of Vet to Pet Mobile Veterinary Service in Burlington, Vermont to shed light on distemper. Canine Distemper in Dogs Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. The common house pet, the ferret, is also a carrier of this virus. Canine distemper belongs to the Morbillivirus class of viruses, and is a relative of the measles virus, which affects humans, the Rinderpest virus that affects cattle, and the Phocine virus that causes seal distemper. All are members of the Paramyxoviridae family. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease.   Symptoms and Types of Distemper in Dogs   The virus, which is spread through the air and by direct or indirect (i.e. utensils, bedding) contact with an