Vaccines

Canine Distemper Vaccine

Canine distemper is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystem viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).

Transmission

Infected dogs shed the virus through bodily secretions and excretions, especially respiratory secretions. The primary mode of transmission is airborne viral particles that dogs breathe in. Dogs in recovery may continue to shed the virus for several weeks after symptoms disappear.

Symptoms

Early symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, and mild eye inflammation that may only last a day or two. Symptoms become more serious and noticable as the disease progresses.

Prevention

Vaccinate  your puppy at 8 weeks of age and every 3-4- weeks until the age of 16 weeks of age. Another booster should be given at a year of age, and boostered again at every three years thereafter.

Canine Influenza Vaccine

The Virus

Shedding of the virus by an infected dog begins before the clinical signs are noted and, on average, will last 5 days. The virus is spread by aerosol transmission of respiratory secretions via coughing or sneezing. Direct contact with the respiratory secretions or contact with freshly contaminated surfaces will also serve as a source of contamination.

Clinical Signs

Being a relatively new virus, most dogs have never been exposed to CIV. They therefore lack a ntural or aquired (from previous exposure or vaccination) immunity to protect them from the virus. Consequently, most dogs exposed to the virus are likely to develop clinical signs of infection.

Signs of CIV infection typically develop within 2-3 days of virus exposure. The clinical signs of CIV infection are similar but  may be more severe to those of 'kennel cough'. Lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, low-grade fever and a persistant , dry, non-productive cough are clinical manifestions of the illness. Some dogs may develop pneumonia. The presence of secondary bacterial infections can exacerbate the serverity of the illness.

Treatment

Treatment is supportive in nature, similar to treatment of kennel cough.

Prevention

In May 2009 the USDA approved a killed adjuvented whole virus vaccine produced by Intervet. A field trial performed in 700 dogs failed to demonstrate any side effects. Efficacy trials have demonstrated the vaccine to significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illnes and reduce the amount of and duratio of virus shedding (degre of and period of contagiousness).  The vaccine will not prevent infection. Vaccinated dogs may still show clinical signs.

Parvo Virus Vaccine

Canine parvo virus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide. It can also damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies.

How Is Parvo Virus Spread

puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine parvo virus is resistant to in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reserviors of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

What Dogs Are At Risk

All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than 4 months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvo virus are at increased risk of aquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler, and Doberman Pinscher) appear to have a high of experiencing severe disease.

What Are Some Signs Of Parvovirus Infection?

Canine parvo virus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occue within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.

How Is Parvovirus Prevented?

Vaccination  and good hygiene are critical components of canine parvo virus prevention.

Vaccination - Vacccination is very important. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularily because the natural  immunity provided in their mother's milk may wear off before the puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine parvo virus during this gap in protection. To narrow gaps in protection and provide optimal protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered.

Hygiene - Until a puppy has received its complete series of

vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congegate (i.e. pet shops, parks, puppie classes, obedience classes, doggie daycare, and grooming establishments). Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations. Health exams, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should always be avoided.

Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog  to come into contact with fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvo virus infection.

Rabies

Rabies is an acute viral disease that can be transmitted from wild animals to unvaccinated pets and livestock, as well as to humans. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is present in the saliva of infected animals, and is transmitted through infected secretions (usually through the bite of an infected animal). The most common wildlife species to spread rabies to domestic animals are the skunk, raccoon, fox,and coyote.

 It should be noted in particular that wildlife, bats especially, are able to gain access to indoor areas and potentially infect pets and people.

 Once the infection occurs, the virus spreads to the central nervous system and causes inflammation in the brain (acute encephalitis).

Rabies is almost always fatal.

Prevention

Happily, rabies pervention is accomplished with vaccination and limiting exposure to wildlife. The standard killed-virus vaccines are available for both dogs and cats, and after the initial dose is good for one year in cats and three years in dogs.

Rabies vaccination protocols are typically controlled by muncipal regulations. Most communities legally require vaccination of all dogs. The American Association Of Feline Practicioners reccommends vaccination for all cats.

For more information on rabies and protecting your family and pets, please visit the Center For Disease Contol's website.

www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/postexposure.html