It is much easier to prevent diseases than to treat them. An appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet can help prevent infection from numerous serious and often fatal diseases. Vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to form antibodies, which are a major part of the body’s defense system against infection. Vaccines only mimic the real infection, so often they need to be introduced as a series of vaccinations and then maintained with booster vaccines to keep the immune system’s defenses up.

Dogs are routinely vaccinated for rabies, a deadly virus that can infect all warm blooded animals including people. Most dogs are also given a “Distemper” vaccination that contains vaccine for the Distemper virus, Canine Hepatitis virus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus and sometimes Leptospirosis. Canine Distemper is a very contagious, often fatal viral disease of dogs causing disease to the respiratory, dental and central nervous system. An outbreak of Canine Distemper occurred in Chicago in 2004 resulting in over 100 dogs becoming infected. Canine Hepatitis is a very contagious viral disease that is often fatal, causing eye, liver, kidney and vascular disease. Canine Leptospirosis is a contagious bacterial disease affecting the liver and kidneys causing permanent damage. Canine Parvovirus is especially dangerous in puppies; this often-fatal virus can cause bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration and heart damage. Canine Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that may be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs. Dogs who visit the groomer, training classes, and boarding facilities are at a higher risk for Kennel Cough. Bordetella bronchiseptica is an agent in the Kennel Cough complex. In addition to producing the “honking cough” consistent with Kennel Cough, Bordetella is capable of causing pneumonia that can be life-threatening in puppies. Dogs traveling to the East Coast, rural Wisconsin or Minnesota, or those with frequent exposure to wooded or tall grass areas where ticks are encountered are at a higher risk for lymes disease.

Feline patients are also routinely vaccinated for rabies and given their own “Distemper” booster. The “Distemper” vaccine provides protection from the Feline Rhinotracheitis virus, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia virus. The rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus can cause severe upper respiratory infections. Panleukopenia is an extremely contagious and often fatal disease that affects the bone marrow and brain. Cats who go outdoors or are exposed to outdoor cats, reside in multi-cat households in which incoming cats are not tested for feline leukemia, or households living with known feline leukemia infected cats are at higher risk for contracting the Feline Leukemia virus. This virus can cause immunosupression, bone marrow disorders and cancer.

An appropriate, individual vaccination schedule should be determined after consultation and comprehensive examination by your veterinarian. Ask us at Village Veterinary Practice for help and advice if you have any questions.