Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
Dr. M Geetha and Dr. G Selvaraju

Abstract:
Canine distemper (CD) is a most common highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs, wild carnivores causing higher morbidity and mortality caused by Canine distemper virus (CDV), genus morbili virus, family paramyxoviridae. Fifty four dogs of various age groups were brought to the Infectious disease unit of Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal with the history of lack/imcomplete immunization, anorexia, pyrexia and nervous signs. Congested conjunctival mucous membranes, abdominal pustules, purulent ocular and nasal discharge, continuous or intermittent seizures, temporal twitching (chorea), flexor spasms, generalised myoclonus, chewing gum seizures were noticed either alone or in combination in all dogs. Confirmatory diagnosis of CDV infection was done by Direct Flourescent Antibody Technique (DFAT) using anti-CDV antibody - Flourescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugate) and forty two dogs were positive for CDV infection. Affected dogs were treated with antibiotics, fluid therapy, vitamin B complex and other associated symptomatic therapy. Oral administration of homeopathic medicine Cicuta virosa (Drops. Cicuta – 30 C) was followed in all affected dogs showed remarkable clinical recovery including reduction in the frequency of flexar spasms, chorea and myoclonus. Hence it is recommended that Drops. Cicuta – 30 C can be added with supplements including Vitamin B complex for minimum of 30 – 45 days to reduce the nervous signs of CDV infection in dogs and warrants a future research on the use the homeopathic medicine for treatment of CD in dogs.