distemper

distemper

 [dis-tem´per]

a name for several infectious diseases of animals, especially canine distemper, a highly fatal viral disease of dogs, marked by fever, loss of appetite, and a discharge from the nose and eyes.

distemper

(dĭs-tĕm′pər)

n.

1. Any of various infectious diseases of animals, especially:

a. canine distemper.

b. feline panleukopenia.

2. An illness or disease; an ailment: "He died ... of a broken heart, a distemper which kills many more than is generally imagined" (Henry Fielding).

3. Ill humor; testiness.

4. Disorder or disturbance, especially of a social or political nature.

tr.v. distem·pered, distem·pering, distem·pers

1. To put out of order.

2. Archaic To unsettle; derange.

distemper

[distem′pər]

Etymology: L, dis, apart, temperare, to regulate

1 any mental or physical disorder or indisposition.

2 a potentially fatal viral disease of animals, characterized by rhinitis, fever, and a loss of appetite.

dis·tem·per

(dis-tem'pĕr)

The colloquial usage for canine distemper caused by an RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus, a member of the family Paramyxoviridae.

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.