How can canine distemper be transmitted to other dogs? How to take samples from canine distemper test strips?

Canine distemper is a highly lethal infectious disease. Canine distemper is usually transmitted and infected between dogs, mainly through body fluids. Canine distemper test strips can generally be used to detect whether a dog is infected with canine distemper. So how is canine distemper transmitted? How to take samples?

How can canine distemper be transmitted to other dogs?

The main route of transmission is the respiratory tract, followed by the digestive tract. Infection occurs through droplets from the conjunctiva, oral cavity, nasal mucosa, vagina, and rectal mucosa. This virus is highly contagious, and dogs raised in the same environment will eventually infect each other regardless of the isolation measures taken. For this reason, kennels that purchase new dogs must be strictly quarantined and isolated for observation.

How to take samples from canine distemper test strips

Sample collection: eye secretions, nasal fluid, whole blood, serum or plasma

Detection: The reaction plate should be opened before use, and the test sample should be extracted. If placed in a humid environment, it may cause the antibody concentration and stability to decrease. After collecting the test material with a sampling stick, dissolve it appropriately in a tube filled with buffer. Open the drop cap, drop 3-4 drops into the test material of the reaction plate, wait for the test material to fully diffuse, and then judge within 5-10 minutes.

Result: If the control line (C) is red or purple, this indicates no canine distemper virus infection. (Negative)

If the test line (T) and the control line (C) are red or purple, it indicates infection with canine distemper virus. (Positive)

What are the late symptoms of canine distemper?

In the middle and late stages of canine distemper, red spots as big as rice grains will appear on the inner side of the dog's lower abdomen, and there will be edema, purulent herpes, and even skin ulcers. Some dogs will develop hardened feet and hooves. About 10 days later, neurological symptoms of canine distemper will appear, which is a typical manifestation of entering the late stage of canine distemper. The manifestations include malaise, myalgia and weakness, epilepsy, imbalance, circling, limb twitching, epileptic convulsions and coma, etc. The symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks before death.