Edmonson Dogs Brought to Animal Shelter Test Positive for Distemper: Discount Vaccines Available

Darren Doyle, story:
A dog and pup that were brought to the Bowling Green/Warren County Animal Shelter on Friday, April 28th both tested positive for distemper, according to a statement from the Edmonson County Judge/Executive's Office.

The statement said that on Friday, April 28th, Judge/Executive, Scott Lindsey was called by the BG/Warren County Humane Society Director, Lorri Hare for possible cases of distemper in a domesticated adult dog and pup, that were brought in from the Oklahoma Road area in Bee Spring. Both dogs had positive test results.

On Saturday, the next day, Edmonson County Dog Control Officers went door-to-door on Oklahoma Road to inform them of the positive test results, the JE's Office stated. Officers also notified residents that the BG/WC Humane Society is offering discounted vaccinations.

"No appointment is needed for the vaccinations, but they do ask that the dog/dogs remain in the vehicle and the staff will administer the vaccination at the vehicle," said Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey. "Distemper is very contagious between animals, and even though it is no health concern to humans, it can be carried on the clothes of humans if they have been in contact with infected animals, and transferred to other animals. Distemper is typically found in wild animals that are carriers. This includes raccoons and skunks. Early investigation leads to the possibility of a sick raccoon being in the same area as the infected dogs just a few days prior to their symptoms."

The BG/Warren County Humane Society will offer Parvo/Distemper vaccinations for only $15 at the shelter. They also have offered a discounted rate of $10 for rabies vaccinations. No appointments are necessary. The Humane Society is also discounting spay/neuter fees. For all cats and pit bull/pit bull mix dogs, the spay/neuter fee is only $10. Appointments are required for spay/neuter and can be made at their website: bgshelterpets.com. You can also call the Humane Society at 270-842-8572 to receive spay/neuter pricing for other breeds of dogs.

"We want to thank Mrs. Lorri Hare, the Humane Society Director, and Dr. Karen Klusty, DVM, for their assistance in getting this information out to our community," Judge Lindsey said.

He also said both dogs were euthanized.

In addition, Judge Lindsey said KY Fish and Wildlife were monitoring the situation for any other symptomatic wildlife.

CANINE DISTEMPER INFO:

Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of puppies and dogs.

The virus can also be found in wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink and ferrets and has been reported in lions, tigers, leopards and other wild cats as well as seals.

1. How is canine distemper spread?

Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.

Because canine distemper also impacts wildlife populations, contact between wild animals and domestic dogs can facilitate the spread of the virus. Canine distemper outbreaks in local raccoon populations can signal increased risk for pet dogs in the area.

1. What dogs are at risk?

 All dogs are at risk but puppies younger than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper are at increased risk of acquiring the disease.

1. What are the symptoms of canine distemper?

 Initially, infected dogs will develop watery to pus-like discharge from their eyes. They then develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting. As the virus attacks the nervous system, infected dogs develop circling behavior, head tilt, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation (“chewing gum fits”), seizures, and partial or complete paralysis. The virus may also cause the footpads to thicken and harden, leading to its nickname “hard pad disease.”

In wildlife, infection with canine distemper closely resembles rabies.

Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.

1. How is canine distemper diagnosed and treated?

Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper through clinical appearance and laboratory testing. There is no cure for canine distemper infection.  Treatment typically consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections; control vomiting, diarrhea and neurologic symptoms; and combat dehydration through administration of fluids. Dogs infected with canine distemper must be separated from other dogs to minimize the risk of further infection.

1. How is canine distemper prevented?

Vaccination is crucial in preventing canine distemper.

• A series of vaccinations is administered to puppies to increase the likelihood of building immunity when the immune system has not yet fully matured.
• Avoid gaps in the immunization schedule and make sure distemper vaccinations are up to date.
• Avoid contact with infected animals and wildlife.
• Use caution when socializing puppies or unvaccinated dogs at parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy day care and other places where dogs can congregate.