Diseases vaccinated against for dogs	Diseases vaccinated against for cats
Parvovirus	Respiratory disease, snuffles or ‘flu’ -
Distemper	-Calicivirus
Hepatitis (Adenovirus 2)	-Rhinotracheitis
Kennel Cough (Parainfluenza virus)
Kennel Cough-Bordetella
Leptospirosis

 
Because of the variety of vaccines and the many different sources of puppies and kittens (eg breeders, pet shops, friends, SPCA and stray), it is not possible to lay down set rules for all cases.
In our clinic we use the most common vaccines, which require at least two injections for puppies and kittens (or dogs and cats being vaccinated for the first time), usually at 8 and 12 weeks of age
 
Our recommended vaccination protocol using Vanguard Plus 5 (Parvo, Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus) + Leptoguard (Leptospirosis) is:
Initial Vaccination Course - Dogs

• 8-9 weeks Vanguard Plus 5 + Leptospirosis
• 12  weeks Vanguard Plus 5 and Leptoguard

Initial Vaccination Course – Cats

• 8-9 weeks Felocell CVRP
• 12 weeks Felocell CVRP

DOGS:
 
Parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis are the basic and essential vaccinations.
 
Parvovirus is a disease which attacks the intestinal tract in dogs.   It is accompanied by severe vomiting and diarrhoea.  It can be so severe that animals die before many symptoms are seen.
Treatment involves hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and bowel protectants.   Treatment is difficult and not always successful.
The virus is very resistant and can survive outside the dog for six months or more in most conditions.   It can also be carried on shoes, hands and in the saliva and faeces of other dogs
 
Distemper attacks the lining of most organs in the body, the symptoms are often identical to kennel
cough, with a high temperature, a cough, purulent conjunctivitis and a nasal discharge.  Twitching and seizures may occur.  Dogs who are treated and who recover are often left with nervous twitches or with lifelong epileptic -type behaviour
 
Hepatitis is mainly a disease of young dogs.  It lives only in the dogs body and is spread in the urine
 
Kennel Cough is the common name given to a group of viruses and bacteria which infect the windpipe causing the classical coughing symptoms giving the disease its name.  Bordetella is one of the agents protected against through the use of intranasal 'kennel cough' vaccines
CATS:
Feline Infectious Respiratory Disease (Snuffles) is an extremely common problem in cats, although use of vaccines has greatly reduced its severity. It can be fatal in kittens, but will rarely cause death in healthy adult cats.
The two major viruses involved are feline rhinotracheitis virus (a herpes virus), and feline calicivirus. The involvement of bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis may also be significant. Cats may be affected by just one of these infectious agents or, in some cases, a combination. These agents are spread mainly through direct contact between cats and by sneezing. Signs are generally similar, regardless of the causative agent. These include depression, discharge from eyes and nose, sneezing, high temperature, salivation and occasionally coughing or pneumonia. In addition, feline calicivirus can cause painful mouth ulcers. The loss of the sense of smell or presence of ulcers can make cats reluctant to eat. Many cats which have recovered become carriers of the virus. They may transmit the disease to other cats or show recurrent signs especially when stressed.

Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a widespread, potentially fatal viral disease. Most cats will be exposed to it at some time, so vaccination is critical. Kittens whose mothers have panleukopenia during gestation or who survive the disease themselves often suffer permanent brain damage and other lifelong problems.


© Forrest Hill Vets (2000) Ltd