Canine and Feline Vaccines

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Here are some common diseases that every owner should have their pets vaccinated for on a regular basis.

CANINE
Distemper A widespread and often fatal disease which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and neurological problems. Parvovirus A highly contagious and potentially fatal disease which may cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It is especially dangerous in young dogs but all unvaccinated dogs are at risk of contracting this severe disease.

Coronavirus A contagious viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract which causes vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies are particularly susceptible to this disease.

Kennel Cough An extremely contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by a persistent dry hacking cough. Contributing infectious agents include adenovirus (CAV-2), parainfluenza (CPI), distemper (CDV) and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica (see above). While easily spread to other dogs kennel cough is not contagious to humans.

Lyme Disease A disease transmitted by ticks which infects both humans and dogs. This disease can damage joints, kidneys and other tissues. Hepatitis A viral disease which may lead to severe damage of the liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs.

Leptospirosis A bacterial infection that may lead to permanent kidney and liver damage. Leptospirosis is found in cattle, pigs, horses, rodents and wild animals. It is contagious to humans and dogs and is spread through contact with infected urine in contaminated soil or water.

Rabies A fatal viral infection of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Routine vaccination is the key to controlling this dreaded disease. Rabies is a very high profile, reportable disease causing public health concern in most countries of the world due to its severe zoonotic (transmissible from animal to man) potential and for which there is no cure. Rabies, a lyssavirus, causes acute encephalomyelitis with nearly 100% mortality. Clinical signs are usually associated with one of two forms: "dumb or paralyitc" or "excitable or furious" form.

FACTS: In B.C. in 1998 there were 513 cases of animals with suspected exposure to Rabies submitted to Agriculture Canada. From this group there were 12 positives - ALL bats (no dogs, cats, horses, cattle, other wildlife etc.) Also from the positive group 4 people and 8 animals were exposed. Therefore, in B.C. bats are the only species in which Rabies is considered endemic. Skunks and foxes are considered endemic in the prairies and raccoons in Eastern Canada. If you suspect exposure to rabies has occurred, you should inform your Veterinarian who then must inform the Agriculture Canada Veterinarian. Non-vaccinated animals are then quarantined for 6 months and vaccinated animals are quarantined for a shorter observation period depending on specific circumstances. The Agriculture Canada Veterinarian, Dr. Livingstone, strongly recommends that all domestic animals be vaccinated for rabies according to the following schedule:
Puppies / Kittens 12 -16 weeks old 1 year of age then every 3 years "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - or even more because rabies doesn't even have a cure! For more information contact us today.