Download dog - Saint Mary Animal Hospital

Saint Mary Animal Hospital
628 O'Brien Street, Windsor, NS
Phone:472-3037 Fax:472-3139
E-mail:[email protected]
I- Rabies
Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals,
including humans. The virus is most common in dogs, bats, cats, raccoons, and skunk. It is
spread by contact with saliva on an open wound of the skin. The virus causes behavior changes,
seizures and death. There is no cure for the disease once the symptoms occur. Rabies
vaccinations should be given at 16 weeks, boostered in 1 year, then boostered every 1 or 3 years
depending on the vaccine used.
II. DA2PP
Commonly referred to as the “Distemper Combination”, the DA2PP vaccination
provides protection from Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus type 2), Parainfluenza, & Parvovirus.
This vaccination is the most important vaccination for the health and wellness of your pet and
should be started at 6-8 weeks of age. This vaccine should then be boostered every 3-4 weeks
until 4 months old. After the puppy reaches 4 months of age, this vaccine should be repeated
yearly. Below are descriptions of the diseases from which the Distemper Combination
vaccination protects puppies & dogs.
A. Distemper
This is the most important of all the vaccines for your dog and puppy. This virus is
part of what the DA2PP vaccine fights; this is the "D" in DA2PP. Distemper is widespread,
serious, often deadly, and can affect many carnivore, wild or domestic. Canine distemper is a
contagious viral disease, seen most frequently in puppies 3 to 6 months old, but dogs of all ages
are at risk. Early signs of the disease are fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, conjunctivitis (runny
eyes), and sometimes nasal discharge.
As the disease progresses, symptoms include diarrhea, pneumonia, convulsions, and
paralysis. Most of the dogs that become infected will die. Thus, vaccination is essential.
Prevention by vaccination is recommended as the essential means of controlling canine
distemper. Start vaccinating ideally at 6-8 weeks old, then re-vaccinate every 2-4 weeks until 16
weeks, then booster annually.
B. Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Another component of the DA2PP vaccine. Infectious Canine Hepatitis is a contagious
viral disease that affects the dog's liver, primarily. Early signs are similar to those seen in
Distemper. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with urine from an infected dog. The
canine strain of hepatitis does not cause hepatitis in humans.
This disease can cause fever, enlarged liver, pain, and even death. It can also cause
respiratory tract illness. Vaccination with the Adenovirus Type 2 vaccine (CAV-2) is very
effective in preventing this disease. We recommend starting vaccination as early as 6- 8 weeks
old, vaccinating every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks old, and then booster annually.
C. Parvovirus
Another part of the DA2PP vaccines. This virus causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and
mainly infects puppies. Parvo is highly contagious with high mortality– dogs must be
hospitalized to live. The bill can easily reach over $1,000 and the dog may still die. Vaccination
is the only preventative course of action. Therefore, vaccination is recommended – ideally
starting at 5-8 weeks old, vaccinating every 2-4 weeks until at least 16 week of age, then booster
annually.
D. Parainfluenza
Another part of the DA2PP vaccines. Parainfluenza is a common, highly contagious,
viral, upper respiratory disease. The signs may be very mild, but may progress if other conditions
exist. Since signs are mild, the disease can be spread to other unprotected dogs without being
readily noticed. It is transmitted by sneezing or coughing (nasal secretions of infected dogs).
Parainfluenza contributes to upper respiratory disease and infectious tracheobronchitis. We
recommend starting vaccination as early as 8 weeks old, vaccinating every 2-4 weeks until 16
weeks old, and then booster annually.
III. Bordetella
Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterial agent that causes the respiratory disease, kennel
cough. The kennel cough disease can also be caused by a lot of other viruses & bacteria. It is like
the different strains of the flu. Specific types of infectious agents causing this disease are the
viral agents Canine Adenovirus Type 2, and Canine Parainfluenza. These highly contagious
airborne agents cause mild to severe inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Kennel
cough is characterized by a harsh, chronic cough, as well as possible nasal discharge and
sneezing. It is usually considered to be a self-limiting disease, unless pneumonia develops from
secondary bacterial complications. The dry, non-productive cough may last for weeks to months
after the resolution of the clinical disease due to the damage done to the trachea. Most boarding
facilities require this vaccine; and dogs that live in shelters, pounds, or kennels should receive
protection through vaccination.
Please note: This vaccine does not prevent a dog from acquiring Kennel Cough (the lay term for
Bordetella-type respiratory syndromes); however, it does help prevent a dog from developing
pneumonia from a case of Kennel Cough.
Related Canine Diagnostic Disease Testing
1- Parvo Fecal-ELISA
dogs particularly puppies suffering from repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration should
be tested by parvo fecal ELISA to rule/ confirm Parvo-virus infection. The test is crucial to to
assess the health status of the dog and to determine treatment plan. The test is done in-house on
fecal sample and results can be obtained in 20 minutes