Question of the Day

The top differential for this patient is canine distemper. Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic signs with hyperkeratosis of the footpads or nasal planum (so-called “hardpad disease”) is almost pathognomonic.

Tx is supportive: Isolate, IV fluids if dehydrated, antibiotics to prevent/treat secondary respiratory or GI bacterial infections. However, development of central nervous system signs, as in this case, is a negative prognostic indicator. 

Vaccination effectively confers protective immunity in most dogs, but those exposed to the virus prior to vaccination can still develop disease.

With Ehrlichia canis think fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia. May see stiffness, reluctance to walk, limb/ scrotal edema, coughing, or dyspnea.

Canine herpes is a severe, often fatal disease of young pups up to a month old, sometimes associated with upper respiratory infections or a vesicular vaginitis/posthitis in adult dogs.