distemper

dis·tem·per (ds-tmpr)

n.

1. An infectious viral disease occurring in dogs, characterized by loss of appetite, a catarrhal discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, partial paralysis, and sometimes death.

2. A similar viral disease of cats characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea leading to dehydration, and sometimes death.

3. Any of various similar mammalian diseases.

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distemper

a name for several infectious diseases of animals.

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avian distemper

see newcastle disease.

canine distemper

an acute virus disease of dogs caused by a morbillivirus, and characterized by high morbidity and high mortality, ocular and nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, dyspnea and seizures. In addition, some dogs develop 'hard pads' (hyperkeratosis of the footpads), persistent muscle twitches (chorea), optic neuritis and later retinal atrophy, enamel hypoplasia (distemper teeth—see below), or a chronic encephalitis. Interstitial pneumonia and demyelinating encephalomyelitis are common pathological features. Also occurs in other Canidae as well as Procyonidae, Ursidae, Mustelidae and Hyaenidae. The disease can be prevented by vaccination at a young age. Called also Carré's disease.

equine distemper

see strangles.

feline distemper

see feline panleukopenia.

phocine distemper

a disease first observed in European harbor seals in 1988 caused by a morbillivirus; clinical signs are similar to those of distemper.

distemper teeth

the pitted, discolored teeth that may result when young dogs are infected with distemper virus prior to the eruption of their permanent teeth. Other insults to enamel formation at this age may also be responsible for this defect.

Distemper teeth.