High incidence of Canine Distemper seen in dogs – Dr. Surujbally

Apr 19, 2026 News

…calls on owners to vaccinate pets

(Kaieteur News) – Prominent veterinarian Dr. Steve Surujbally is warning dog owners about an alarming increase in Canine Distemper cases in the country. Dr. Surujbally, in a press release, said that based on the symptoms and in other cases where diagnostic tests have been done, there appears to be an increased incidence of the disease.

High incidence of Canine Distemper seen in dogs – Dr. Surujbally

Dr Steve Surujbally

“Canine Distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs,” the veterinarian said.

The symptoms include fever, eye and nasal discharges, diarrhoea, vomiting and coughing. In advanced stages of the disease, the dogs exhibit seizures, paralysis and can develop thickened paw pads.

Canine Distemper is airborne and can also be contracted by close contact with animals that already have the disease, as well as from sharing contaminated food or water bowls.

The veterinarian warned that the disease has no cure and as such treatment focuses on supportive care. This includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics against secondary infections and anticonvulsants amongst others.

The treatment’s success depends on prompt, consistent action, the previous health status of the animal as well as the virulence of the strain of canine distemper that is circulating.

Dr. Surujbally advised that vaccination is the most effective way of warding off the disease.

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Canine Distemper, diarrhoea, nasal discharges, Steve Surujbally

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