What are Distemper Teeth?

Distemper teeth refer specifically to the dental issues that arise in dogs as a result of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. When a dog contracts distemper, one of the potential long-term effects can be the development of discolored or pitted teeth. This occurs because the disease can adversely affect the enamel's formation while the teeth are developing. Therefore, the presence of discoloration or pitting is a direct result of the impact that the virus has on the dog's health and dental development.

In contrast, perfectly white teeth would indicate healthy teeth unaffected by any disease or condition, which does not align with the term "distemper teeth." Likewise, abnormal alignment relates to the positioning of teeth rather than any disease-related change in their appearance. Finally, overly sharp teeth are typically a result of normal wear or abnormal growth, rather than a specific impact of distemper. Thus, the defining characteristic of distemper teeth is indeed their discolored or pitted appearance due to the effects of the distemper virus.