Canine distemper is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases for dogs, especially puppies with an underdeveloped immune system. It is caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, similar to the human measles virus, and spreads rapidly through contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
Although an effective vaccine exists, distemper remains a threat for unvaccinated dogs, often with fatal consequences. This disease affects multiple organs and systems, including the respiratory tract, nervous system, and digestive system, making it particularly insidious and difficult to treat once contracted.
How Does Contagion Occur?
The distemper virus spreads mainly through bodily secretions such as saliva, urine, and feces from infected animals. Inhalation of airborne viral particles is the most common way of infection, but the virus can also survive on food bowls, toys, and fabrics for a limited time.
Once inside the body, the virus quickly multiplies in the tonsils and lymph nodes, then enters the bloodstream and spreads to various organs. If the dog has a weak immune system, the disease can progress rapidly and aggressively.
Symptoms and Disease Progression
Distemper initially presents with mild symptoms that can be mistaken for a cold or minor gastrointestinal issue. The dog may experience fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and eye or nasal discharge. As the infection worsens, more severe symptoms appear: coughing, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to rapid dehydration.
The most dangerous stage is the neurological phase, which can occur weeks after the initial infection. Symptoms such as tremors, muscle spasms, seizures, and motor dysfunction indicate that the virus has reached the central nervous system. When the disease affects the brain, the risk of death is extremely high, and even surviving dogs may suffer from permanent neurological damage, such as nervous tics or coordination issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing distemper in the early stages is challenging, as its symptoms resemble those of other infections. Veterinarians typically rely on a combination of clinical examinations, blood tests, and secretion analysis to confirm the virus’s presence.
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure. Treatment focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms and strengthen the immune system. Keeping the dog hydrated, managing fever, and using antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections are crucial. In severe cases, anticonvulsant medications may be necessary to control neurological crises.
The prognosis depends on how quickly treatment begins and the dog’s overall health. Puppies and immunocompromised dogs have lower survival rates, while healthy adult dogs may recover with proper care.
Prevention: Vaccination is the Best Defense
Distemper is a highly contagious and difficult-to-treat disease, but it can be prevented through vaccination. The vaccination schedule starts at 6-8 weeks of age, with subsequent booster doses in the following weeks and an annual booster shot to maintain protection.
Besides vaccination, taking preventive measures is essential:
- Avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs or animals from unknown sources.
- Sanitize food bowls, toys, and bedding regularly.
- Provide a balanced diet and a clean environment to strengthen the immune system.
What to Do If You Suspect Distemper?
If your Cane Corso shows symptoms of distemper, act immediately. Contact your veterinarian and describe the symptoms in detail. Keep your dog isolated from other animals to reduce the risk of contagion, and if possible, transport your pet in a crate or carrier to limit virus spread.
Do not administer any medication without veterinary guidance, and ensure your dog stays hydrated until the vet visit. Distemper can progress quickly, so every hour is crucial to increasing survival chances.
Has Canine Distemper Been Eradicated in Italy?
No, canine distemper has not been completely eradicated in Italy, although vaccination has significantly reduced its prevalence over the years.
Thanks to widespread immunization programs, the disease has become much less common in domestic dogs. However, the virus continues to circulate, particularly among stray dogs, in shelters with poor health controls, and within wild animal populations such as foxes, wolves, and ferrets, which serve as natural reservoirs for the infection.
Why Has Distemper Not Disappeared Completely?
- Unvaccinated dogs – Pets that do not receive proper booster shots remain vulnerable and can contribute to spreading the virus.
- Stray dogs and wildlife – The disease remains present among stray dogs and wild animals, which can transmit the virus to unprotected domestic pets.
- Illegal puppy imports – Dogs imported from countries with poor veterinary controls may introduce the virus into Italy, causing local outbreaks.
In recent years, isolated cases and regional outbreaks have occurred, particularly in overcrowded shelters or rural areas with a significant presence of wildlife. This is why vaccination remains essential to prevent infection.
So, while distemper is no longer the widespread epidemic it once was, it has not disappeared completely and still poses a risk to unvaccinated dogs.
Canine Distemper in Europe and Worldwide
Canine distemper is still present worldwide, with varying levels of incidence depending on vaccination rates and wildlife populations. In Western Europe, where vaccination programs are well-established, cases are relatively rare but still occur, particularly in stray dogs and wild animals like foxes and wolves. Countries in Eastern Europe and regions with weaker veterinary infrastructure report more frequent outbreaks.
Globally, distemper remains a serious threat in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, where vaccination coverage is lower. The disease is also a growing concern in wildlife conservation, as it has been detected in endangered species such as tigers and lions.
While vaccination has significantly reduced its impact, canine distemper has not been eradicated, and outbreaks continue to emerge in unvaccinated populations worldwide.
Conclusion
Canine distemper remains one of the most dangerous diseases for Cane Corso puppies and unvaccinated dogs. The virus is highly contagious and can have devastating effects, especially when it reaches the nervous system. The only real protection against distemper is vaccination, a small preventive step that could save your dog’s life.
Being informed about the symptoms and transmission methods allows dog owners to act quickly in case of suspected infection. Protecting your Cane Corso means taking preventive measures, avoiding risky situations, and providing a safe environment where they can grow strong and healthy.
