Vaccinations
So, you have just received a postcard in the mail from your veterinarian
informing you that your pet is due for his yearly vaccinations.
Many pet owners wonder what these vaccines are for and what the
diseases are. I’d like to take this opportunity to give you
a brief overview of the common diseases your pet may be exposed
to during his lifetime and the vaccines that prevent them.
Lets start with the most common, which is applicable to all animals
and is called rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect
all warm-blooded animals. It can be transmitted through a bite from
an infected animal. Signs of rabies infection in your dog or cat
can include restlessness, aggressiveness and/or shyness. Law in
Massachusetts requires the rabies vaccine. It can be an annual shot,
or a three-year shot, depending on the schedule you set up with
your veterinarian.
When you take your dog to the vet, the vaccines most regularly
given are the following: Rabies, DHPV (sometimes with Lepto), Lyme,
and Kennel Cough. The DHPV vaccine is for Distemper, Hepatitis,
Para Influenza and Canine Parvovirus or “Parvo”.
Distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.
It can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with discharges
from the eyes or nose from an infected dog. It can also be carried
in urine or fecal matter. Signs for distemper can include fever,
cough, runny nose, weight loss and vomiting/diarrhea.
Hepatitis is a virus that can cause damage to the liver, kidneys,
lungs and spleen. It can be transmitted by contact with urine, feces
or saliva from an infected dog. Clinical signs are fever, a whiteness
or cloudiness to the eye, diarrhea and respiratory distress.
Para Influenza is a contagious viral disease that causes a respiratory
infection. It is transmitted through contact with nasal secretions.
Symptoms are coughing, nasal discharge and fever.
Parvo is a highly contagious and severe disease that affects the
stomach and intestines. It can also involve the heart muscle although
that is less common. Signs of parvo are vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy,
loss of appetite and depression.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through
urine. Lepto can permanently damage major organs. Symptoms include
high fever, vomiting, bloody stool, increase in urination and depression.
Lepto can be transmitted to humans.
Lyme is a bacterial disease transmitted from deer ticks. It can
seriously damage joints, kidneys and other tissues in dogs and people.
Kennel Cough is a respiratory infection. It is a bacterial disease
transmitted through the nasal secretions of an infected dog. A harsh
cough is the most common symptom, and a runny nose or eyes may accompany
it.
Your furry kitten will receive a different set of vaccines. These
will generally include FVR-CP and Feline Leukemia. The FVR-CP shot
vaccinates for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia
(or, Feline Distemper).
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is one of the causes of chronic upper
respiratory disease in cats. FVR is highly contagious and can be
fatal. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and coughing.
Calicivirus attacks the lungs and lower respiratory tract. It too
is highly contagious and potentially fatal. It is spread from cat
to cat through sneezing. Signs include ulcers on the tongue and
lips.
Distemper is a viral infection that is highly contagious and fatal
in 50 – 70% of cats. Symptoms: high fever, vomiting and dehydration.
Sounds pretty scary, huh? This is why you receive the postcards
from your vet recommending annual visits. You can take this time
with your veterinarian to set up an appropriate vaccination schedule
as well as discuss any questions or concerns you have. Ensure the
health and well being of your pet by vaccinating against potentially
fatal diseases.
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