Canine distemper is a devastating viral disease causing severe neurological suffering — yet vaccination rates in some communities leave populations vulnerable to outbreaks with significant welfare consequences.
Dogs with distemper experience a multi-phase illness — initial respiratory and gastrointestinal disease followed by neurological involvement including seizures, muscle twitching, and progressive deterioration. The neurological phase is particularly distressing, with animals experiencing confusion, uncontrolled movements, and inability to function normally. Survivors may have permanent neurological sequelae. The welfare case for vaccination is direct and unambiguous — the disease causes severe suffering that simple preventive care eliminates.