Feline and Canine VACCINATIONby Dr. Steven Timm
One of the many things you can do to protect your pet’s health is to take him/her for routine vaccinations. Not every serious infectious disease has a vaccine, however, so reducing exposure to other infectious animals or animal excretions is an important precaution. Here are some guidelines for making regular vaccinations a part of your pet’s health program.
Vaccine Protocols-
All vaccines have a recommended course of treatment, or protocol, which depend on your pet’s age and vaccination history, the specific type of vaccine and the animal’s likely exposure to the infectious agent. Since no vaccine is 100% effective, most protocols recommend annual booster shots as well as a thorough health checkup by your veterinarian. The needs of a pet with a strictly indoor "lifestyle," e.g., will differ from those of an animal that spends time romping outdoors. And a working animal may be even more vulnerable to disease from greater exposure to ticks, infected animals, feces or contaminated materials. In addition, research on vaccination-related complications is likely to change the protocols your vet uses in the next three-five years. It’s a wise move to ask your vet about the vaccines s/he recommends for your pet and keep in touch with him or her to keep current as vaccines -- and your pet -- change. That way you can be sure to choose the best medicine.
Proceed with Care-
As with any medication, problems can occur with vaccines, and there are specific contraindications. Here are some things to think about but you should, of course, consult your veterinarian before you vaccinate your pet.
The intent of a vaccine is to stimulate the immune system, not overwhelm it. Therefore, vaccines should be given only to healthy animals. Vaccinating a sick animal may actually make current conditions worse. This is a good reason to have a veterinarian check out your pet’s health first.
Reactions to vaccines may include sluggishness or loss of appetite for 24 hours, allergic reactions including pain, swelling and inflammation at the site of injection, or even severe allergic reactions. These can be similar to signs of the disease you are vaccinating against, or even cause shock.
A final word of caution. Some vaccines may be available over-the-counter or by mail order. Nonetheless, you should never give your pets any vaccine or medication without the strict supervision of veterinary personnel. In fact, the administration of medicine is often regulated by law.
Summaries of the shots that are the current backbone of canine and feline vaccines follow. But new ones continue to be developed. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations as they become available.
Canine Vaccines
(See below for descriptions of medical terms)
1. DHLPPvCCV
Combination of up to seven vaccinations in a single injection
Protects against Distemper, two strains of Hepatitis, Leptospiral infection, Parvovirus and Canine Coronavirus, and Parainfluenza
Treatment: Initial vaccination at eight weeks, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks
Boosters: Annual
Notes: Because of the frequency of reactions to the Leptospiral vaccine, it is often excluded.
In animals at high risk separate vaccines for Parvovirus and for Canine Coronavirus may be given at increased intervals.
2. Bordetella Vaccine
Protects against highly contagious bronchitis often referred to as "Kennel cough" because of the frequency of infection found in animals recently kenneled or exposed to other dogs
Treatment: Initially given as droplets in the nostrils
Boosters: May be followed yearly with an injection or further intranasal inoculations.
3. Lyme Vaccine
Treatment: Injection, with initial booster in three-four weeks
Boosters: Annual
Note: This treatment is highly recommended for dogs that are exposed to ticks.
4. Rabies Virus
Protects against rabies virus, which is almost always fatal to all mammals, including humans
Treatment: Initial injection at 16 weeks, then again in one year
Boosters: Depending on your veterinarian's advice and local ordinances, a booster may be given annually, biannually, or up to triannually.
Definition of terms
Distemper virus: an infectious agent that can affect many organ systems, including eyes, upper respiratory system and nervous system
Leptospiral infection: a disease that may infect many mammals, including man
Parvovirus and Canine Coronavirus: two serious viral infections that attack the GI tract
Parainfluenza virus: a virus that infects the respiratory tract of dogs
Lyme disease: an infection from the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi that can lead to lethargy, anorexia, and recurrent and degenerative arthritis
Feline Vaccines
(See below for descriptions of medical terms)
1. FVRCPC
A combination of four vaccines in one injection
Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Chlamydia
(Descriptions follow at the end of this section.)
Treatment: Initial vaccination at eight weeks old, repeated at least once in four-six weeks
Boosters: Annual.
2. FELV (Feline leukemia virus)
Protects against immune system suppression, leukemia, anemia, tumors and other infection
Treatment: Generally given to cats with expected exposure. A blood test is taken prior to vaccination, as carriers should not be vaccinated.
Initial vaccination at 12-16 weeks, followed by a booster in four weeks
Boosters: Annual.
3. Rabies Virus
Protects against rabies virus, which is almost always fatal to all mammals, including humans
Treatment: Initial vaccination at 13-16 weeks and then in one year
Boosters: Depending on the vaccine, the second vaccination may be effective for up to three years, but your veterinarian and local ordinances may require annual or biannual boosters.
Definition of terms
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus: two upper respiratory viruses
Panleukopenia: a virus that may cause a profound drop in the white blood cells
Chlamydia: upper respiratory diseases caused by the Chlamydial microbes found in cats
Look Ahead-
Of course, maintaining your pets in optimum health is the first line of defense in preventing illness and vaccinations are just one part of that strategy. Consult your veterinarian on how you can do this as they grow through all stages of their lives. The rewards will be well worth the effort.
*Remember, your pet and your concerns are dictated by individual and specific needs. Please do not substitute the above recommendations for the advice of trained professionals who can examine and treat your pet after a thorough examination.
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