Distemper can cause brain dysfunction and motor problems. Which of the following is also commonly observed?

• A. Fever, discharge from eyes/nose
• B. Hair loss
• C. Increased thirst
• D. Coughing only

Answer: (A)

Distemper is a systemic canine viral infection that affects multiple body systems, including the respiratory tract and the nervous system. When CNS involvement causes brain dysfunction and motor problems, other common signs that often accompany the disease are fever and inflammation of the mucous membranes, which show up as discharge from the eyes and nose. The fever reflects the body’s response to infection, while the eye and nasal discharge indicate respiratory–conjunctival involvement typical of distemper. Hair loss, increased thirst, and coughing alone are not as characteristic of distemper, making fever with eye and nose discharge the best concurrent finding to identify.