Application of xenogeneic anti-canine distemper virus antibodies in treatment of canine distemper puppies

Objective The clinical feasibility of passive immunotherapy has not been demonstrated in dogs naturally infected with canine distemper. In this study, porcine anti‐canine distemper virus IgG and F(ab′)2 antibody fragments were used to treat infected puppies. Methods A total of 41 naturally infected puppies (age Äsix months) exhibiting severe respiratory signs, but lacking neurological signs, were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐five puppies were treated with a combination of IgG or F(ab′)2 antibody fragments (Group 1) and supportive therapy and 16 puppies received routine supportive care only (Group 2). Results The survival rate of dogs in Group 1 (19/25; 76%) was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (5/16; 31·3%) (P