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Anosmia associated with canine distemper
L J Myers1, L A Hanrahan, L J Swango
1Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-3501.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection causes significant smell loss (anosmia) in dogs. This olfactory dysfunction persists even after recovery, with unclear causes in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Canine Infectious Diseases
- Olfactory Neuroscience
Background:
- Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a significant pathogen affecting multiple organ systems in dogs.
- Olfactory dysfunction has been anecdotally reported in CDV-infected dogs, but systematic investigation is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of canine distemper virus infection on the sense of smell in dogs.
- To correlate olfactory function with clinical status and pathological findings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized EEG olfactometry, behavioral olfactometry, and electro-olfactography to assess olfactory function.
- Confirmed CDV infection via direct immunofluorescence.
- Examined olfactory mucosa pathology using light microscopy in affected dogs.
Main Results:
- All 8 dogs with acute CDV infection exhibited anosmia (complete loss of smell) and lacked electro-olfactogram responses.
- 5 of 6 recovered dogs showed anosmia, while one had hyposmia (reduced smell) with abnormal electro-olfactograms.
- Histopathology revealed subacute purulent rhinitis and olfactory epithelium atrophy in acutely infected dogs.
Conclusions:
- CDV infection leads to severe olfactory impairment, including anosmia, in acutely affected dogs.
- Persistent olfactory dysfunction is observed in a majority of recovered dogs, suggesting long-term neurological or epithelial damage.
- The mechanisms underlying olfactory loss in recovered dogs without apparent rhinitis remain unexplained and warrant further investigation.