If you’re a parent, you may have received a reminder this month about National Immunization Awareness Month as a reminder to make sure your child is caught up on their vaccinations. Veterinarians are a very practical bunch, so we decided it’s easier to coordinate events, and since most of us see our pets as another child, we might as well talk about vaccinations during the month of August as well. When you get a puppy or kitten, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. It’s important to get a check up and start vaccines on time. If you know you’re getting your pet ahead of time, go ahead and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as another stop on your way home. If it’s one of those vulnerable moments, when you just can’t resist the fluffy puppy licking your face and yapping happily, well, then you should just call and schedule as soon as you can. If your child has managed to rope you into this new pet, you might as well start with the responsibility routine and have them make the call. Heck, make them pay for it too! Puppy Vaccines - Yes, He/She Will Be Mad At You Vaccines for a puppy should start at six weeks, with a multi vaccine that’s just one shot for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. It is condensed to its acronym DHLPPv. At nine weeks, your puppy should receive the second round of the combination, and at twelve weeks a third round might also include a Lyme disease vaccination, but in my location or area, it is not a common illness, so we do not vaccinate for it. At sixteen weeks they will receive the final round of the combination vaccine with a rabies vaccine around this time as well. If your dog is boarded and groomed frequently or taken to dog parks, your veterinarian will likely recommend the Bordetella or Kennel Cough vaccine. If it’s the first time your puppy or dog has received the kennel cough vaccine, it will need a booster three weeks later. Kitten Vaccines - Yes, You Will Get The Cold Shoulder From Here On After Kitten vaccines are divided into two types: core cat vaccinations and non-core cat vaccinations. Core cat vaccinations are for the common diseases like feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. These diseases are commonly found in cats, so the vaccines are given to all cats. They start at six weeks and then again every three to four weeks until sixteen weeks of age, with a rabies vaccine at twelve weeks of age. Non-core cat vaccinations are for high risk pets. That risk is determined based on their lifestyle and the surroundings they live in and are assessed at their first appointment. Some of these vaccinations are for diseases such as feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which most pet owners have heard of before, but there are other vaccinations that are in the non-core category that are less common and even rare. If your cat goes outside at all or is exposed to other cats that go outside, the feline leukemia (or FeLV) vaccine is recommended. What are we vaccinating for? In order for you to better understand the importance of vaccination, I have provided of brief description of the most common diseases we vaccinate for in dogs and cats. Dogs 1. Canine Distemper- this is a serious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of puppies and adult dogs. The virus can be found and spread by wildlife, including coyotes, skunks, raccoons, minks, and ferrets. It has also been reported in tigers, lions, leopards, and other wild cats as well as seals. Puppies and dogs are usually exposed and infected from airborne exposure (via coughing and sneezing) from other infected dogs or wildlife. Infected dogs and wildlife can shed the virus for months, and pregnant dogs can even spread the virus to their puppies through their placenta. All dogs are at risk of being infected, but puppies younger than four months of age and dogs that are unvaccinated are at the highest risk. Symptoms to watch for would be watery or pus-like discharge from the eyes, fever, coughing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. In some dogs, you may even see thickening of the paw pads. Infection with this virus is often fatal and dogs that do survive often have permanent damage to their nervous system. Distemper can be diagnosed almost anywhere in the US, but it is seen most frequently in the southern United States. I have personally diagnosed dogs with Distemper in Central Missouri, where I practice. 2. Canine Adenovirus type 2 (Canine Infectious Hepatitis)- This virus is related to canine infectious hepatitis, but it is also one of the viruses involved with Kennel Cough (along with Bordetella and Parainfluenza). This virus normally causes respiratory disease in dogs. Dogs that are boarded frequently or taken to dog parks or other places where dogs congregate are most at risk. Symptoms to watch for are a dry, hacking cough, retching or gagging, nasal discharge, or fever. Symptoms normally develop three to ten days after exposure. Treatment of this virus is usually limited to supportive care, which may involve fluids, rest, and antibiotics to treat secondary infections. Dogs with adenovirus need to be isolated from other dogs as it is very contagious. 3. Canine Parvovirus (“Parvo”)- this is hands-down the most common vaccine-preventable disease that I treat. This is a very contagious virus that attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. This virus is spread by direct contact with contaminated feces. Avoiding exposure is nearly impossible as the virus can live in the environment for years. If you notice these symptoms in your dog or puppy, contact your veterinarian immediately as puppies and dogs can die quickly due to dehydration and shock if treatment is not initiated quickly. Treatment normally involves supportive care, including IV fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, and medications to control the vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment can be quite expensive as most animals need to be hospitalized for several days. For more detailed information on parvovirus, visit our website at: http://howardcountyvet.com/canine-parvovirus-what-you-need-to-know/ 4. Canine Parainfluenza- this virus (not to be confused with canine influenza virus, which is a different virus altogether) is another common pathogen that causes Kennel Cough. Like canine adenovirus, this virus causes cold-like symptoms of a dry, hacking cough, fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, and decreased appetite. This virus is spread via aerosol (coughing, sneezing) and can be shed up to two weeks after infection. Dogs with this virus should be isolated from other dogs. Treatment is supportive care until symptoms resolve. 5. Leptospirosis- this is an infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. There are many different strains of this infection. This disease is zoonotic, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and kidney or liver disease. This infection is most common in areas with warm climates and high annual rainfall, but it can occur anywhere. Dogs are at risk of this disease if they drink from rivers, lakes or streams and roam in a rural area where they can be exposed to infected wildlife (even in a fenced-in yard). The symptoms of infection in dogs can vary. Some dogs show no signs of illness while others can develop severe illness and death. Signs include fever, muscle tenderness, shivering, increased thirst, changes in frequency and amount of urination, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, decreased appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes or whites of the eyes), and inflammation around the eyes. Treatment of this infection involves antibiotics and supportive care. If treatment is initiated early and aggressively, chances of recovery are good. However, patients can have residual and permanent kidney and liver damage. 6. Bordetella (Kennel Cough)- this is the classic bacteria or pathogen involved with Kennel Cough. But as mentioned above, adenovirus and parainfluenza can be involved as well. Kennel Cough is the common name for Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis. It is a contagious respiratory disease among dogs caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. This disease infects a high percentage of dogs at least once in their lifetime, but is non-life-threatening. Symptoms include a persistent, dry hacking cough, retching, and a nasal discharge. With mild cases, dogs are often active and eating well. Treatment can depend on the severity of infection, from rest and supportive care to hospitalization with antibiotics. Dogs who go to shows, are frequently boarded, taken to dog parks, or congregating with many dogs should be vaccinated for Bordetella. All dogs should be vaccinated for adenovirus and parainfluenza. Cats 1. Panleukopenia- also known as feline distemper. This is a highly contagious and deadly virus. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme listlessness, and decreased appetite. Some cats may die suddenly with few clinical signs. This virus is shed in the feces of an infected cat and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. This virus is resistant to most disinfectants. Panleukopenia used to be a common serious illness that killed thousands of cats every year until recently after effective, widespread vaccination. 2. Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus- These two viruses are responsible for 80-90% of upper respiratory infections in cats. While these two viruses don’t generally cause serious illness in adult cats, they can cause serious illness and death in kittens. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, and redness or inflammation around the eyes. Lameness and chronic oral inflammatory disease can be associated with calicivirus. Both of these viruses are spread by the secretions from nose, eyes, and mouth of infected cats. Other cats become infected by direct exposure, like by sneezed droplets or sharing water or food bowls. Once infected, cats often do not completely rid themselves of these viruses and symptoms can reappear during times of stress. Carrier cats can shed these viruses continuously or intermittently for their lifetime. Vaccination for these pathogens minimizes the severity of the disease, but does not always completely prevent infection. 3. Chlamydiosis- This disease is caused by a Chlamydia bacteria. Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye) is the most common symptom, but sneezing and nasal discharge can also be seen. Cats at highest risk are from 5 weeks to 9 months of age in multiple cat environments. 4. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)- This disease is caused by a feline coronavirus. Many different strains of this virus can infect cats, but most do not cause disease. Approximately 1 to 5% of cats infected with coronavirus develop FIP. This virus is spread in the feces of infected cats, and most cats are infected by ingesting the virus in the feces. Exposure is much more common in multiple-cat households. Most cats that become infected with FIP are younger than two years of age, but any age of cat can be infected. There is a vaccine for this virus, but its effectiveness is controversial. 5. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)- this disease is the leading viral killer of cats. This virus is spread via the saliva and nasal secretions of infected cats. Most cats become infected from prolonged exposure to infected cats. It is estimated that fewer than 20% of infected cats will survive longer than three years after being infected. Anemia, secondary infections, and cancer are the most common consequences of this virus. Outdoor, indoor/outdoor, and cats exposed to outdoor cats are at highest risk of infection, and vaccination is recommended for cats at risk of exposure. 6. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV or “Feline AIDS”)- This is another virus that kills many cats. Infection is primarily through bite wounds from infected cats. Cats that get outdoors and fight frequently are at greatest risk of infection, while cats living in an environment with a stable social structure are at low risk of infection. Cats with FIV can live normal lives for years, but this virus eventually compromises their immune system and makes them very susceptible to infections. Keeping cats indoors reduces their risk of infection. Spaying and neutering cats also reduces their risk as it decreases fighting behavior. There is a vaccine available for protection against FIV, but it is not commonly used among veterinarians. This is partly because current tests for diagnosing FIV cannot differentiate between vaccinated and infected cats. This can cause problems as cats that get lost and picked up by a rescue could be euthanized with a positive FIV test result. Also, not all vaccinated cats are fully protected against FIV. Dogs and Cats Rabies- Many of you are aware of this disease. It is responsible for killing about 55,000 worldwide each year. In 2014, there were 6,000 reported cases of animal rabies in the United States. Rabies is a virus that is most often transmitted from the bite of an infected animal. The rabies virus targets the central nervous system (the brain) and causes death. Rabid animals can sometimes become aggressive. A dog may bite or snap when stimulated, including other animals, people, or inanimate objects. Sometimes, rabid animals can become more docile. Symptoms may progress to being extremely sensitive to touch and light. They can also develop paralysis of their jaw, leading to the well-known symptom of foaming at the mouth. Disorientation and staggering can be observed, as well as paralysis, seizures, and eventually death. If you are bit by a domestic animal or wildlife, please contact your local health department and veterinarian. If you are bit by a dog or cat, animals are often quarantined at a veterinary clinic or at home and observed for at least 10 days. Local health departments have to be consulted before initiating post-exposure prophylaxis. The Aftermath and Vaccinations in Adult Pets Just like a child, your pet may hold a bit of a grudge, but just like a child, give them a treat for being so brave and they will forget all about it. Most veterinarians will even bribe your pet with treats! They may be sore or tired, but if they show other signs of a problem after a vaccination, like being unresponsive, definitely contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They could be having a bad reaction to the vaccine, but that is rare. Less than 0.5% of animals have vaccine-related reactions, and most of those are mild. After the series of vaccinations for puppies and kittens, they will only need to receive their vaccinations once a year. If your veterinary clinic uses a 3-year rabies vaccine, that vaccination may be given every 3 years. This can be done during their annual wellness exam where your veterinarian will be checking your pet’s overall health. Annual wellness exams are extremely important as your dog ages seven years for every year that we age. Your veterinarian will check your pet from head to tail and discuss any health or behavioral concerns with you. It’s also recommended that your pet receive an annual heartworm exam and possibly even bloodwork to check out any possible serious problems, but that’s usually only suggested for older animals. There has been some discussion in the veterinary community about vaccine frequency in adult pets. Some veterinarians will vaccinate adult cats and dogs with certain vaccines every three years instead of annually. However, studies have shown that the DHLPPv vaccine has a 75%-80% likelihood of being protective for three years. At my clinic, I like to get an A in protection, not a B or a C. Also, the portion of the vaccine that protects against Leptospira is only protective for one year. Because of these studies, the fact that there is a very low incidence of vaccine reactions, annual Leptospira vaccination is necessary for most dogs in this area, and animals need to be seen annually for a wellness exam, I have continued to give annual vaccinations at my clinic. Other facilities, like the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, have continued annual vaccination of core and non-core vaccines for that reason as well. For those that are concerned about over-vaccination, vaccine titers can be done on your pet each year. The vaccine titer tells you if your pet still has protective immunity against various diseases and can guide you as to when the next vaccination is necessary. However, I will point out that vaccine titers can be quite expensive, so don’t get sticker shock if that’s the route you decide to take. It’s no surprise that fear of vaccinations has spread into the veterinary world. Thanks a lot, Jenny McCarthy! There is no reason to be afraid of vaccinations. They keep our pets safe and healthy. It’s heartbreaking to have a patient die of a preventable disease, and I have seen it happen more often than I would like. However, if your pet has a history of vaccine reactions, please notify your veterinarian so they can find a vaccine protocol that can work for you and your pet. So go ahead and check your records to make sure your pet is caught up on vaccinations. While you’re at it, you might as well check your kid’s records as well. Unless vaccinated, because they tend to lick, touch, and wipe snot where they shouldn’t, they could be one step away from a serious illness. Keep them safe and happy!
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Jessica Stroupe, DVM
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August 2017
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