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Vaccinations in Dogs


Dogs are prone to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be protected against by vaccination. These include:

Distemper

A serious and frequently fatal virus infection which used to be very common, but has now been largely eliminated by vaccination. The virus attacks all the body systems, but damage to the nervous system is most persistent, leaving the dog prone to fits and paralysis.

Canine Contagious Hepatitis


A virus infection which attacks mainly the liver, which can kill your dog in the acute stage, or may cause chronic liver damage.


Canine Parvovirus


Another virus infection which appeared suddenly throughout the world in the 1960’s when it was characterised by acute and fatal heart failure in young puppies. It now takes the form of an acute gastro-enteritis, with severe vomiting and passing of blood in the stools. It is highly contagious, and usually fatal. Black and tan breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermanns appear to have a higher risk of contracting this virus. The virus can survive for many months in surroundings where an ill dog has been kept and is carried under feet and by direct contact. We have a separate isolation unit at Roe Valley Vets should there be any suspicion of a patient carrying this dangerous disease.

Canine Parainfluenza

One of the causative agents of ‘Kennel Cough’, an acute and troublesome cough, often contracted in boarding kennels

None of the above illnesses pose any risk to humans in contact with sick animals.

Leptospirosis

Two common forms of Leptospirosis affects dogs:

L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagica. Both affect liver and kidneys, and jaundice is often a symptom. Infected animals excrete the organisms in urine, and both forms are highly infective to humans who may come into contact with infected urine. If treated in the early stages of an infection, antibiotic treatment is usually successful.

Routine vaccination offered by us when you obtain a puppy usually includes protection against all of the above. We advise an initial vaccination at 8 weeks and a booster vaccination 3 weeks later. Yearly vaccinations are then required and we issue you with a vaccination certificate.

All good boarding facilities insist that this vaccination policy is enforced. For dogs, there is an additional requirement for a Kennel Cough Vaccination. This can be given as late as three days before entry to kennels, but for maximum benefit we would prefer it given at least two weeks in advance. These days we have a new, broader spectrum, vaccine which induces immunity for 12 months, and therefore we more often than not give this along with the annual booster vaccination, thus saving you time and money. This vaccination is given in the form of droplets that are squirted in your dog's nostril. It is not 100% effective as kennel cough also has a bacterial component that we cannot vaccinate against, but it is a requirement for kennels as it is such a contagious virus.

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Vaccinations in Cats

At Roe valley veterinary clinic, we are all only too aware how common cat flu and feline enteritis is in unvaccinated cats are. Cat flu is not just a heavy cold – it can, and does kill. Feline enteritis is a horrific illness with a very high mortality rate – cats and kittens who contract this literally slough the lining to their bowel. We strongly recommend that all kittens have a primary vaccination course at 9 and 12 weeks for these easily preventable diseases.

Any cat who will be allowed access to the outside is at risk from FeLV infection. This virus can cause severe illness and death – including leukaemia, tumours and anaemia. Again, it is easily prevented by vaccination – something we believe is vital for all indoors/outdoors cats. Thankfully we are seeing less of this awful disease these days – something which is due entirely, we believe, to increased vaccine usage.

Feline Aids infection is very prevalent – there is no vaccine to prevent this infection which is passed on by cat bites (there is no known human health risk from this virus).Early neutering minimises fighting, and is the best prevention we have at the moment from this debilitating infection.

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Vaccinations in Rabbits

History

The Myxomatosis virus originates from South America where it causes a mild disease in the wild rabbit population. European rabbits had been introduced to Australia by early colonists but by the 1950’s the rabbit population was out of control as they had no natural enemy. In an attempt to reduce rabbit numbers the Myxomatosis virus was intentionally introduced to Australia. By accident the virus was also introduced into Europe killing off the wild rabbit population.

How is it spread

The virus is spread by direct or indirect contact but most often by parasites. The rabbit flea, mosquito and flies are the most important methods of spreading the virus. The virus can survive for several months in over wintering rabbit fleas and mosquitoes.

Symptoms

- Swelling of the genitals and of the head, especially the eyelids which results in blindness.

- The rabbit’s appetite remains normal until shortly before death which is on average 13 days after infection. You may have seen wild rabbits in late summer just sitting on the side of the road in country areas. A heart-breaking sight as they literally starve to death as their mouths and lips swell so much and they cannot see or smell their food.

- There are other forms of the disease that result in respiratory symptoms that can be very difficult to differentiate from other causes of pneumonia such as Pasteurellosis.

- Not all affected rabbits die - although in the wild, fewer than 10% survive. But even with intensive nursing, Myxomatosis can be a very serious disease, leading to severe scabbing and scarring on the head and body.

Treatment and Prevention

Rabbits affected with the acute form of the disease cannot be treated. To prevent suffering, euthanasia is the only option.

There is a chronic form of the virus if the rabbit has built up some immunity. They end up with lumps on their head, ears and paws which form scabs and they have a 50% chance of survival once the lesions shrink. Good home nursing and antibiotics are needed.

To control the spread of the disease it is important to:

- Disinfect hutches but make sure that the disinfectant used is not harmful to rabbits. Good hygiene will keep flies away, so clean hutches regularly.

- Flea control in the form of spot-on will control rabbit fleas and mosquitoes. Advantage can be used in rabbits and there is a very new product for use in rabbits and small pets.

- If you are in an area near a lake or pond, then mosquito control is more important and you may even have to use a mosquito net over the hutch during hot summer evenings. Dry bedding will also discourage mosquitoes.

Vaccination is the best form of control. We use Nobivac vaccine which can be given to rabbits as young as 6 weeks and it produces an immunity 2 weeks after vaccination. An annual vaccination is given and the best time to give it is in May or June.

If there is a high risk of infection, then revaccination every 6 months is advisable. Vaccinations should not be given within 2 weeks of Viral Haemorrhagic Disease vaccinations.

 

 

 
   
   

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