Here is some general Canine Distemper info which has appeared in the Ferret Health List to help with a specific situation. This time of year some CD cases begin appearing, anyway, so maybe having the info out there will help others. I am sending two conjoined posts to Bill and if a day turns up this Spring when there is not much FML traffic Bill can include this at his discretion. [Small number of posts today, though large ones, so this fits right in. BIG] http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL4304 Distemper could alternatively have been picked up at the distribution center, from an animal or person's clothing while in transit, from an employee, from an infected animal who entered the store, or from a customer with the disease on his or her shoes or clothing, so there are multiple possible routes of infection. So, it is wise to be aware of all possible routes, and they really should be included in a post -- not only to be fair but to EDUCATE. I've actually seen a cage-cleaner from a a regional humane shelter go to pet stores IN HIS WORK CLOTHING AFTER A SHIFT! Really... Foolish, right? Okay, way worse than foolish. If someone who should know better has done it, imagine the people who don't know better -- folks who don't vaccinate and don't understand viral shedding and that CDV can be shed before symptoms show. Heck, it could even come in from someone who trod in contamination and never knew it. How did they do the aging? Size won't work; it is affected by illness and other factors. Behavior is affected by emotional and health factors. The sole reliable way to age a kit who is starting to get adult teeth until all are erupted is dental: Here are the usual approximate eruption ages of permanent teeth (when they first start to arrive) as per _Biology and Diseases of the Ferret_: Day 50 (around 7 weeks of age): both upper and lower canines, and the lower molar 1 Day 53 (around 7 and 1/2 weeks of age): upper molar 1 Day 60 (around 8 and 1/2 weeks): upper premolars 2-4, lower premolar 2 Day 67 (around 9 and 1/2 weeks): lower premolar 3 Day 74 (around 10 and 1/2 weeks): lower premolar 4 and molar 2 Here is what the various teeth are: The incisors are at the very front and they are single rooted simple teeth. Moving just behind them in any quadrant you find the canine which is single and deeply rooted, long and spear-looking. Just behind that are the premolars. Don't let the numbers confuse you; they reflect ancestral mammalian numbers and not every animal species has all of them. For instance some species might have P3 and P4 but totally lack P1 and P2. Premolars are more complex than the teeth before them in the mouth but are not as broad or complex as molars. Molars are the back cheek teeth. The carnassals are modified premolars and molars used for slicing and are the teeth that say that meat eating is done. (Despite what many folks mistakenly think quite a number of vegetarian mammals have spear like canine teeth which are as useful for display and defensive fighting as they are for killing or grabbing prey.) CDV is a terrible, terrible illness and I am so sorry that this is occurring, no matter what the route was. If I recall the timing of the virus this kit would have been infected shortly before or after purchase (and remember that exposure is usually accidental and very commonly unknown) because I think there are about two weeks before symptoms show, but I'll have to check references to be sure. (See the final carried past post from Dr. Williams below to learn that is not always the case.) I do know that it has been transmitted by some of the older vaccines (no longer used as far as I know) grown in chicken eggs (page 310 of _Biology and Diseases of the Ferret_)and by vaccine grown in ferret tissue (also something which I think has stopped, but I don't know for sure which is why it is so important to use the right vaccines -- see http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG13064 ). So, the possibilities include that: 1. someone used the wrong vaccine or 2. there was a mislabeled vaccine or 3. the vaccine timing was such that the ferret was left without protection and then an exposure occurred or 4. this is one of the very rare cases in which the vaccine did not work for unknown reasons (usually immune suppression) and then exposure occurred We were just at our vet a few days ago and no mention was made about CDV in ferret kits showing up at their hospital (central NJ); we would have heard about that sort of thing. ALL the past posts quoted below are from Dr. Bruce Williams since he is also a world-renowned ferret expert veterinary pathologist and I think he has sent in the most on this topic. Okay, the maternal antibody duration is different than I thought: http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG1573 >The maternal antibodies of any note, IgM and IgG against distemper >(and other diseases), are passed on only during the first 24 hours. >The kit's stomach is programmed not to digest this protein, but to >absorb it directly across the wall into the bloodstream but for 24 >hours only. After this, a small amount of a weak antibody known as >IgA will continue to be passed in the milk and line the kits stomach, >but it really poses minimal defense against distemper. After 24 -48 >hours, the acid secretion in the kits stomach kicks in, and it will >treat maternal antibodies like any other protein and digest it. > >This is why: a) nursing in the first 24 hours is critical (all the >maternal antibodies are passed in the thick colostrum in the first >24 hours) and why b) colostrum given after 24 hours provides no >protection. http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG1572 >Generally maternal antibody begins to wane about 4-5 weeks, but >there is still considerable protection at 6 weks. However, remember >that each vaccine gives a boost to the immune protection. So the way >vaccinations work is baby gets antibodies in milk during first 24 >hours (and minimal amounts therafter of a different, less effective >type.) It wanes, wanes, wanes, then BOOM, at 6 weeks, the vaccine >comes, the ferret is exposed to the virus, and the immune response >goes higher than ever before. But as the six-week old really doesn't >have a very effective immune system yet, it wanes, wanes, and wanes. >So at 9 weeks we give another and BOOM! the immune response is better >than it was after the first one. But it wanes, wanes wanes, and so at >11-12 weeks, we give another and BOOM and so on at 16 weeks. > >Many ferrets only get three, so it isn't quite as strong at the end, >but it generally does the trick very well. Each vaccine boosts the >memory and protection of the immune system, taking it to new heights. > >They why do adults only get two? Well, it has to do with the maturity >and efficiency of the immune system. Their immune system can do much >more with a vaccine, so they don't need as many. However, if a adult >ferret has NEVER received any shots, I have no qualms about >recommending a three shot series. But many adults have had at least >that first introduction as a 6 week old, so two is usually the >standard. http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG953 >Yes - this was about seven years ago - the particular company had a >number of problems with their products - this one caused distemper >in dogs and of course, their ferrets. Killed all the ferrets, most >of the puppies, and left some adults in poor shape. > >Author wrote: >>Was it one of the canine combo vaccines that you have seen cause >>clinical disease in ferrets? >>Marc Kramer, DVM http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG948 >Post-vaccine encephalitis, while possible, is a very difficult >disease to prove without biopsy or autopsy material. while the time >frame between vaccination and the onset of these signs might be >suspicious, there has not been any definitive testing (spinal tap) or >autopsy material to support this claim. the signs of hindlimb weakness >and falling to the right are very non-specific, and do not even say >encephalitis. There should be definite symptoms that indicate disease >in the brain (circling, nystagmus, cranial nerve deficits, seizures) >rather than those affecting the hind legs. > >Post-vaccinal encephalitis generally occurs in batches, and with >distemper, you should have fairly severe signs. I can't really say >what a "distemper survivor" looks like, as I have never seen a ferret >that survived it. Dogs may, and often go on to live with many years >with mild continuing signs (such as "chewing gum fits"), but you >can't really extrapolate from that. > >While I know that ferrets have a number of problems associated with >vaccines, and I have seen true cases of vaccine induced distemper in >ferrets (which kills the ferrets just as dead as the real thing), I >am not sure that there is enough evidence to put your little guy in >this category. http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG13194 >Tthis is a very difficult question to answer. In previously >vaccinated dogs, distemper vaccines may show beneficial effects in as >little as 72 hours - but that is usually in animals which have had a >full series of boosters and probably a couple of additional yearly >shots. > >Luckily, the possibility of transmission with this set of >circumstances are highly remote. http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG12304 includes this relevant comment: >A pet store is a great place to get distemper if you don't already >have it... http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG11738 >I hate to harp on this one note, but I am wondering why your vet >doesn't biopsy the pads, periocular skin, or chin. The use of >antibiotics may result in temporary improvement in distemper cases, as >they support an immunesuppressed animal fight bacterial infection, but >as other people have already pointed out, this is an animal that may >be shedding virus into the environment. Each time this ferret comes >into the vet clinic, it is a potential source of infection for other >ferrets (especially kits), puppies, etc. > >There have been enough signs which are consistent with the most dread >disease in ferrets to warrant more definitive diagnostics and I am at >a loss why your vet is not pursuing them more aggressively. This is >not a disease that you take a "wait and see" attitude with. Distemper >is one that you want to get that negative biopsy report back as >quickly as possible (fingers crossed.) WHEW! I DON'T HAVE TO DIG IN THE VET TEXTS OR EVEN LOOK BEYOND DR. WILLIAMS' PAST POSTS BECAUSE HERE IS THE TIMING ANSWER: http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG8154 >Many cases of distemper become evident in 13 days, but not all. Non- >ferret adapted strains may take up to 45 days to become evident based >on clinical signs. Antibody titers will generally show exposure within >2-4 weeks, but are often not cost effective. > >I would be very careful taking ferrets from someone with a history >of distemper in the facility, in spite of all assurances, and would >suggest that a quarantine run the full 45 days. Also, I would strongly >recommend that you check into the new Merial Purevax vaccine for your >four old-timers, epsecially in light of this new development. > >Ultraviolet lights in my experience are not especially effective in >decreasing pathogens, and many bacteria and viruses in facilities tend >to hide in moist cracks and crevices, away from their effects. Routine >disinfection of bowls, cages, etc. with a virucidal cleaner such as >Parvocide or Rocal will help; however the best advice is that people >who rescue raccoons stick to raccoons. The only case of rabies in a >mustelid that I ever saw (it was actually a mink, not a ferret) was >contracted from wild raccoons. Using the same cages for raccoons and >ferrets (at different times of course) is a risky business. > >With kindest regards, > >Bruce Williams, DVM http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL4305 Don't forget Liz's reminder that this has not yet been checked to be sure it is Canine Distemper. Also, notice from the timing that the infection of this individual could have occurred practically anywhere along the chain with unknown accidental exposure home (2 weeks before symptoms, carried in) store (other animals, carried in by workers, carried in by customers) transportation from distribution center (other animals, carried in by workers) distribution center (other animals, carried in by workers) transportation from farm to distribution center (same as above) farm (same as above) Notice that the timing is often about 2 weeks, but can be as long as about 7 weeks after exposure. I thought that I had read that other ferrets were involved, but on re-reading the original I don't find that, so one way or another I am missing something, saw something later (which is hopefully not rumor but verified update), or I simply misread and it is a sole case. Starting in early Spring each year there is ALWAYS a rash of private letters about unvaccinated ferrets who have gotten canine distemper. Most don't go public. Some years, like last years in my own pers. coms. there are fewer, but some years there are way, way too many. That is a different situation but an important one to remember. CD is a morbillivirus (a measles relative) and that reminds me that there was a study in which ribavirin helped. Let me see if it is in Pub Med BEGIN QUOTE Antiviral Res. 2008 Feb;77(2):108-13. Epub 2007 Oct 8. Links In vitro efficacy of ribavirin against canine distemper virus. Elia G, Belloli C, Cirone F, Lucente MS, Caruso M, Martella V, Decaro N, Buonavoglia C, Ormas P. Department of Animal Health and Well-being, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bari, S.p. per Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy. Despite vaccination, canine distemper virus (CDV) remains one of the important pathogen of dogs with worldwide distribution. Ribavirin (RIB) inhibits replication of measles virus (MV), a morbillivirus closely related to CDV, both in vitro and in vivo. In this report the antiviral activity of RIB against CDV in cell cultures was assessed. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to measure viral RNA in VERO cells infected by CDV and to evaluate the inhibitory effects of RIB. RIB caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in accumulation of CDV RNA when added after virus adsorption. RIB was highly effective in preventing CDV replication at low concentrations with 50% virus-inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.05mM. Such low values were comparable to values displayed by highly susceptible strains of MV. In addition, CDV was passaged sequentially in VERO cell monolayers in the presence of RIB to trigger viral extinction. The virus was no longer detected after three passages, suggesting that error catastrophe is one of the modes of action of RIB against CDV. These findings suggest RIB as a promising tool for the therapy of CD in dogs. PMID: 17949825 [PubMed - in process] END QUOTE Transmission: direct contact, aerosol (like from a cough or sneeze), or from something contaminated by feces, urine, affected skin, nasal mucus, eye exudates, etc. On page 355 of _Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd ed._ it also says that it MIGHT be possible for some blood sucking insects to transmit it if they switch animals in short enough time but that had not been demonstrated. The ferrets are contagious before they show symptoms and the virus can hang around in places. Symptoms: After incubation of 7-10 days in the study(ies) quoted in the vet text mentioned: anorexia, pyrexia, blinking of eyes as if photosensitive, serious nasal discharge Temp may be as high as 41'C (compared to normal range of 37.7 to 39.1'C) Erythematous rash, pruritic rash usually first on chin The rash may become secondarily infected and look orange "The catarrhal of CDV worsens when the nasal-ocular exudate becomes mucopurulent and develops into a brown, encrusted material surrounding the lips, nose, chin, and eyes; the eyelids usually stick shut. Hyerkeratosis of the foot pads happens inconsistently. Secondary bacterial infections may occur Dark, tarry feces may at times occur as the disease advances. Bosy temperature falls before death. Ferrets who live long enough through those earlier and life threatening phases develop CNS (Central Nervous System) symptoms: hyperexcitability, excessive salivation, muscular tremors, convulsions, and coma. If I misread any of that then those who know better should note corrections. Sorry about lacking the time to post definitions of the medical terms but I know people here will look up what they want to learn about, anyway, and there are veterinary and medical dictionary links in the links at the FHL Sukie (not a vet) Recommended ferret health links: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/ http://ferrethealth.org/archive/ http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/ http://www.ferretcongress.org/ http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html [Posted in FML 5913]