Vaccinations

We get asked if vaccinations are really necessary on a fairly regular basis, and there is a rapidly growing segment of the pet-owning population that doesn't believe vaccinations are important. It is the opinion of FBAH that vaccinating your pets is absolutely imperative, for a single reason:

VACCINES PREVENT DISEASES THAT CAN KILL YOUR PET.

We think that's a pretty good reason!

Dogs and cats require a series of vaccines just like your children do, to keep them healthy. Although there aren't any universal vaccination protocols, most veterinary practices agree that the following vaccines should be given:

DOGS

There are four vaccines commonly given to puppies at their initial exam, all combined into a single shot commonly called DHPP, which protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. First given at about 6 weeks of age, it is then boostered every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age. It is thereafter boostered every year.

Distemper is more commonly seen in puppies, who have not yet been vaccinated, and can cause symptoms as mild as a fever, loss of appetite and depression, to all of that plus discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left untreated, it can progress into neurological symptoms such as seizures, circling and tics, as well as behavioral changes.

Hepatitis affects the liver, and is highly infectious. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pain on eating, jaundice, seizures, and excessive drinking and urination. It can lead to liver and kidney damage or even failure. There is no solid treatment method available; the best hope is that the dog's immune system can fight it off. If this doesn't happen, the dog can die.

Parvovirus is another highly infectious and potentially deadly disease that is more severe in puppies. Symptoms include severe bloody diarrhea and projectile vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. If left untreated, death can occur in at few as two days after symptoms appear. Death results from dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea, or from sepsis, when the virus escapes the gastrointestinal system and infects the rest of the body. Treatment usually consists of supportive care in a hospital environment with IV fluids. Parainfluenza is related to Bordetella (or kennel cough), and is also quite infectious. Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, and could lead to an inflammation of the trachea, larynx or bronchial tubes, and can lead to pneumonia. Left untreated, pneumonia does have the capacity to kill.

The other important vaccine we give to dogs is the Rabies vaccine. This is usually given in a single shot between the ages of 12 to 16 weeks. It is then boostered a year later, and at our hospital, every three years after that. Check with your local clinic as to whether they use the 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccine.

Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear. Symptoms may include: nervousness, anxiety, behavioral changes, restlessness, irritability, viciousness, salivation, labored breathing and dropped jaw. As muscles get weaker, the animal finally goes into respiratory arrest and dies. Rabies is transmissible to humans, and is incurable. Vaccination is the only line of defense.

There are several other vaccines we recommend for dogs in certain circumstances.

We offer the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine for dogs who spend time in boarding facilities or in other circumstances where they come in contact with many other dogs.

Leptospirosis and Lyme disease and rattlesnake vaccines are available for dogs who spend significant amounts of time in wilderness areas where deer, ticks and snakes may live. They are not necessary for all dogs.

CATS

The vaccinations needs of cats are significantly different than those for dogs, which the exception of Rabies. Kittens are routinely vaccinated with what we call FVRCP, which protects against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Chlamydia Psittaci. This vaccine is typically given starting around 9 weeks of age and boostering every 3 - 4 weeks until the kitten in 16 weeks old.

Feline Rhinotracheitis is a common and very contagious upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge (runny nose), conjunctivitis (swollen eyes), fever and loss of appetite. (This loss of appetite is very important to remedy. A cat generally won't eat when it can't smell. Cats have been known to become anorexic with stopped-up noses.) Antibiotics generally work well on this disease, but if it isn't caught until it is more advanced, in-hospital fluid and oxygen therapy may be warranted.

Calicivirus is another upper respiratory infection cats are prone to. While many of the symptoms are similar to those of Feline Rhinotracheitis, such as fever, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge and sneezing, it may also cause ulcerations of the mouth, and can lead to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. There is one strain of Calicivirus--Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus-- that leads as well to lethargy, anorexia, edema (swelling) of the limbs and face, jaundice, multiple organ failure, and death.

Panleukopenia is related to the Parvovirus in dogs. It mainly stays in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can cause ulcerations, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, and even death. Panleukopenia causes rapidly growing cells, such as those in the GI tract and the bone marrow, to die, and the loss of red and white blood cells from the marrow often causes anemia. Because of this, treatment often includes blood transfusions as well as fluid therapy. Left untreated, it is almost always fatal.

Chlamydia Psittaci generally appears as conjunctivitis, and often occurs at the same time as an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms are swelling, redness, tearing and squinting of the eyes, as well as discharge from the eyes. Sneezing is also sometimes present. Highly contagious, Clamydia Psittaci can be treated, but often becomes chronic, reappearing repeatedly.

The other important vaccine we give to cats is the Rabies vaccine. This is usually given in a single shot between the ages of 14 to 16 weeks. It is then boostered a year later, and at our hospital, every three years after that. Check with your local clinic as to whether they use the 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccine.

Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear. Symptoms may include: nervousness, anxiety, behavioral changes, restlessness, irritability, viciousness, salivation, labored breathing and dropped jaw. As muscles get weaker, the animal finally goes into respiratory arrest and dies. Rabies is transmissible to humans, and is incurable. Vaccination is the only line of defense.

Additionally, there are two vaccines we recommend for cats who spend time outside for any significant amount of time.

The FELV (Feline Leukemia) vaccine is available to cats spending time outdoors, as well as the FIP (Feline infectious Peritonitis) vaccine. Both of these diseases are highly contagious and can be caught from other free-roaming cats.

So let us consider the question again: are vaccines necessary? You be the judge!