Preventable Medicine in Dogs
Viral Diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Corona, Rabies
Bacterial Diseases: Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Bordetella
Viral Diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Corona, Rabies
Bacterial Diseases: Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Bordetella
How vaccines work:
Vaccines stimulate the immune system which provides protection for the animal. Antigens are proteins within the pathogenic organism. When exposed to a patient naturally or by vaccination, the patient’s immune system makes antibodies to fight that specific pathogen.
Passive Immunity:
Puppies receive immunity (antibodies) from their mother via colostrum (babies’ first milk). This is passive because the puppy did not make the antibodies himself. Maternal antibodies wane over time, and protection generally lasts up to 14-16 weeks but varies between individuals. Maternal antibodies can block the effectiveness of vaccines administered to puppies. Since we do not know exactly when the maternal antibodies have left the patient’s body, it is best to start immunization at the earliest effective period and continue until the antibodies are known to fade: (6 weeks to 14-16 weeks).
Vaccines stimulate the immune system which provides protection for the animal. Antigens are proteins within the pathogenic organism. When exposed to a patient naturally or by vaccination, the patient’s immune system makes antibodies to fight that specific pathogen.
Passive Immunity:
Puppies receive immunity (antibodies) from their mother via colostrum (babies’ first milk). This is passive because the puppy did not make the antibodies himself. Maternal antibodies wane over time, and protection generally lasts up to 14-16 weeks but varies between individuals. Maternal antibodies can block the effectiveness of vaccines administered to puppies. Since we do not know exactly when the maternal antibodies have left the patient’s body, it is best to start immunization at the earliest effective period and continue until the antibodies are known to fade: (6 weeks to 14-16 weeks).
Canine Vaccine Protocol:
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What Are We Vaccinating Against?
Distemper Virus |
This virus is found all over the country and is easily spread. Distemper can cause respiratory signs and neurological problems like seizures. Death may occur one to three weeks after infection.
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Hepatitis |
The virus that causes this disease is spread by contact with urine, feces, and other secretions from infected animals. The liver is the primary organ affected and death is possible in severe cases.
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Parvovirus |
This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material. It is a very hardy virus and can survive in the environment for months or years. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and death.
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Coronavirus |
This virus attacks a dog's gastrointestinal tract but with less severity than parvovirus. It is spread by contact with contaminated feces, environments, or people.
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Rabies |
This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of the virus. Because rabies is a significant health hazard, it is extremely important to vaccinate your pet. In many states and cities, rabies vaccine is required by law.
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Kennel Cough |
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the major bacterium behind "kennel cough". Socializing with infected dogs or even visiting places infected dogs have been can increase your dogs risk of catching this highly contagious cough. Signs typically appear 3-10 days after exposure and can last up to 20 days.
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Lyme Disease |
Lyme is a bacterium spread by the Deer tick or Black-legged tick. Infected ticks, as small as the head of a pin, may inhabit lawns and gardens, as well as fields and forests. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because of the vague signs of arthritis, lethargy, and fever. As the disease progresses, many different organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and nervous system can be affected.
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Leptospirosis |
Leptospirosis is a bacteria shed in the urine of wildlife. It is seen most frequently after periods of high rainfall. Reservoir hosts, such as raccoons, rodents, skunks, farm animals, and deer, may harbor persistent Leptospira infections and shed these bacterial organisms into the environment. Any standing water or damp soil can be a breeding ground for this bacteria.
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