CANINE DISTEMPER DETECTION, PCR

Description

Canine Distemper Detection PCR Test – CDV Diagnosis in Dogs

The Canine Distemper Detection PCR Test is a highly sensitive molecular diagnostic that detects Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) RNA in dogs. Canine distemper is a highly contagious, potentially fatal multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. PCR is considered the most accurate method for CDV detection, providing rapid and reliable diagnosis from nasal/ocular swabs or blood samples.

At Home Petcare, powered by Diagnopet, offers at-home sample collection for the Canine Distemper PCR test across Hyderabad, enabling precise diagnosis without clinic visits.

What Is Canine Distemper?

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a paramyxovirus that causes distemper — one of the most serious infectious diseases in dogs worldwide. It primarily affects unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated dogs, especially puppies. CDV infects respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelial cells before spreading to the nervous system, causing neurological complications.

Clinical Signs of Canine Distemper

• Respiratory Phase: Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, fever, and pneumonia
• GI Phase: Vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence, and dehydration
• Neurological Phase: Seizures, myoclonus (rhythmic muscle twitching), ataxia, paresis, and dementia — often appearing weeks to months after initial infection
• Other Signs: Hardening of the footpads (“hard pad disease”), conjunctivitis, and tooth enamel hypoplasia in surviving puppies

Why PCR for Distemper Diagnosis?

• Gold Standard Sensitivity: PCR detects CDV RNA directly from samples, identifying active viral infection even before clinical signs fully develop.
• Differentiates from Other Diseases: CDV symptoms overlap with kennel cough, parvovirus, and hepatitis — PCR provides definitive species-level identification.
• Multiple Sample Types: Can be performed on nasal swabs, ocular swabs, blood (EDTA), CSF, or urine samples.
• Vaccination Status Independent: PCR detects viral RNA regardless of vaccination history — not affected by vaccine-induced antibodies.

When Is This Test Recommended?

• Puppies or unvaccinated dogs with respiratory signs, fever, or diarrhoea
• Dogs showing neurological signs (seizures, tremors, ataxia) without other known cause
• Dogs with hard pad disease or nasal hyperkeratosis
• In-kennel disease outbreak investigation
• Pre-admission testing in rescue/shelter situations

Sample Type

Nasal/Ocular Swab or EDTA Blood – Collected at your home in Hyderabad by our trained veterinary professionals.

Report Delivery

Digital report delivered within 3–5 working days via email and WhatsApp.