Management of canine distemper, canine babesiosis, helminthiasis in a 6-month-old Nigerian indigenous breed of dogs bitch in Jos - Nigeria

Abstract

A 6-month-old Nigerian indigenous breed of dog bitch was presented to the Small animal clinic of the University of Jos veterinary teaching hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with the complaint of paresis and involuntary movement of the left hindlimb and no vaccination history. On clinical examination, the vital parameters were temperature of 39.4 ⁰C, pulse rate of 80 beats per minute and respiratory rate of 60 cycles per minute. The clinical signs were congested ocular mucous membranes, bilateral mucoid oculo-nasal discharge, hardened nasal planum, inflamed submandibular lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), paresis of the hind limbs, hardened footpads, myoclonus of the left hind limbs (distemper myoclonus), fleas on the ventral abdomen, and epilation. Diagnosis was made based on history, clinical signs, lymphopaenia, canine distemper inclusions bodies, and Babesia canis on the blood smear. The treatment was symptomatical and supportive. The patient partially recovered 7-days post-therapy as the hind limb myoclonus persisted.