Vaccination - your first step in pet health
The availability of vaccinations to protect against life-threatening diseases has revolutionised health care for cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets and a range of other domestic pets. As with many human illnesses, the low prevalence of many contagious diseases relies entirely on responsible pet ownership and vaccination. What's more, if your pet is vaccinated you can rest assured that they are safe from these serious infections regardless of the 'social circles' in which they operate!
Unfortunately no vaccination lasts a life time and here at BAH we recommend an annual booster for most vaccine types in accordance with recommendations by the Australian Veterinary Association. Annual visits to the vet also allow us to perform a general check of your pet's health so that any concerns can be dealt with before they develop into more serious problems. Remember, pets age much faster than us humans and an annual check is comparable to a visit to the doctor every 3-4 years!
Unfortunately no vaccination lasts a life time and here at BAH we recommend an annual booster for most vaccine types in accordance with recommendations by the Australian Veterinary Association. Annual visits to the vet also allow us to perform a general check of your pet's health so that any concerns can be dealt with before they develop into more serious problems. Remember, pets age much faster than us humans and an annual check is comparable to a visit to the doctor every 3-4 years!
Puppy and kitten vaccination
The vaccination protocol for most pets starts once the protective antibodies from the mothers milk begin to loose effect at 6-8 weeks of age. One or more booster vaccinations are then required at 2-4 week intervals to maintain a sufficient level of immunity in young animals. This early stage of your pet's life is when it is most vulnerable to illness so it is crucial to make sure these initial vaccinations are received on time. Generally, your new pet will have been given it's first vaccination before it comes home but it is important to check these details with the breeder. It is useful to bring certificates of vaccination (and other procedures such as worming, desexing or flea treatment) with you the first time you come to see us at BAH so we can continue the appropriate health care protocol.
Social interactions should be limited until your new pet is fully vaccinated to avoid the risks posed by contact with non-vaccinated animals. Puppy and kitten pre-schools are usually an exception as class organisers should ensure all participants are adequately vaccinated before attendance is allowed. Professionally organised puppy and kitten pre-schools are not only a great way to socialise your pet, but are also a great place for owners to get the latest information on training and other health recommendations for during the first few months and into adult life.
Social interactions should be limited until your new pet is fully vaccinated to avoid the risks posed by contact with non-vaccinated animals. Puppy and kitten pre-schools are usually an exception as class organisers should ensure all participants are adequately vaccinated before attendance is allowed. Professionally organised puppy and kitten pre-schools are not only a great way to socialise your pet, but are also a great place for owners to get the latest information on training and other health recommendations for during the first few months and into adult life.
Adult pet vaccination
Vaccinating your pet annually will ensure immunity levels remain sufficient to prevent disease long-term. During your consultation, our vets will also discuss with you other health indicators such as eating and drinking habits, the type and frequency of urination and bowel movements and any behavioural changes - all of which can give an early indication of underlying health concerns. It is useful for us (and better value for you!) if you pay attention to these aspects of your pet's routine for at least a few days prior to your appointment. An assessment of your pet's body weight, eyes, ears, skin, mouth and teeth, joints, heart and other internal organs will also form part of the routine health check. Our vets are also happy to discuss any other issues or concerns you may have in regards to your pet during our recently extended consultation period.
Which diseases are covered?
The diseases protected against by annual vaccinations depend on the type recommended and the species for which it is intended. The table below summarises the vaccinations available and which pets they are recommended for. Details of the causes and symptoms of each disease can also be found in this section.
DOGS
Canine parvovirus is a disease which can affect dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing blood-stained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care. It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread and so strict quarantine conditions and potent disinfectants are required to prevent transmission from the environment to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly in Australia, especially during the warmer months.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease which can affect dogs of any age. Young puppies are at the highest risk. Symptoms vary but include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. As the disease progresses dogs may suffer from muscle tremors, fits and paralysis. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate is very low. Dogs which do recover may have permanent brain damage.
Canine hepatitis is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected however severe cases are uncommon in dogs over 2 years of age. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. Death can occur within 24-36 hours in severe cases. Dogs which recover may suffer long-term liver and kidney problems and can transmit the disease to other dogs for many months.
Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate (parks, shows, obedience schools and kennels). Infectious diseases associated with canine cough include Bordetella brochiseptica bacteria and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus II and distemper. Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks distressing both dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia may also result as a consequence of infection.
CATS
Feline panleucopenia virus is very contagious and has a high death rate, especially in cats under 12 months of age. Pregnant cats may lose their young or give birth to kittens with abnormalities or brain damage. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, uncontrolled vomiting and diarrhoea (often with blood) and severe pain. The virus spreads so easily that contaminated areas require cleaning with special disinfectant. Cats which survive the disease can continue to carry the virus and infect other cats.
Feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are both causes of common 'cat flu'. They can infect cats of all ages but are especially prevalent in young kittens and Siamese and Burmese breeds. Both are highly contagious and cause sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, a loss of appetite and tongue ulcers. The survival rate is high except in young kittens, which are affected more severely by the disease. In all patients the viruses cause distress and may persist for several weeks. Recovered cats can continue to carry the virus which may transmit to other cats or reoccur if the patient becomes stressed.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) affects the cats immune system and is responsible for feline AIDS. The patients natural defense against other diseases may be seriously affected, much in the same was as for human AIDS (note that feline AIDS cannot transmit to people). Unfortunately it is very common in Australia and the ACT. FIV is almost always transmitted through bites from infected cats as the disease is present in saliva. Debilitating symptoms may take years to show, but initial signs include fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye lesions, poor coat and chronic infections may be observed. Eventually the immune system will become too weak to fight off other infections and diseases such that they may result in death.
Canine parvovirus is a disease which can affect dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing blood-stained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care. It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread and so strict quarantine conditions and potent disinfectants are required to prevent transmission from the environment to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly in Australia, especially during the warmer months.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease which can affect dogs of any age. Young puppies are at the highest risk. Symptoms vary but include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. As the disease progresses dogs may suffer from muscle tremors, fits and paralysis. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate is very low. Dogs which do recover may have permanent brain damage.
Canine hepatitis is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected however severe cases are uncommon in dogs over 2 years of age. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. Death can occur within 24-36 hours in severe cases. Dogs which recover may suffer long-term liver and kidney problems and can transmit the disease to other dogs for many months.
Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate (parks, shows, obedience schools and kennels). Infectious diseases associated with canine cough include Bordetella brochiseptica bacteria and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus II and distemper. Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks distressing both dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia may also result as a consequence of infection.
CATS
Feline panleucopenia virus is very contagious and has a high death rate, especially in cats under 12 months of age. Pregnant cats may lose their young or give birth to kittens with abnormalities or brain damage. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, uncontrolled vomiting and diarrhoea (often with blood) and severe pain. The virus spreads so easily that contaminated areas require cleaning with special disinfectant. Cats which survive the disease can continue to carry the virus and infect other cats.
Feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are both causes of common 'cat flu'. They can infect cats of all ages but are especially prevalent in young kittens and Siamese and Burmese breeds. Both are highly contagious and cause sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, a loss of appetite and tongue ulcers. The survival rate is high except in young kittens, which are affected more severely by the disease. In all patients the viruses cause distress and may persist for several weeks. Recovered cats can continue to carry the virus which may transmit to other cats or reoccur if the patient becomes stressed.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) affects the cats immune system and is responsible for feline AIDS. The patients natural defense against other diseases may be seriously affected, much in the same was as for human AIDS (note that feline AIDS cannot transmit to people). Unfortunately it is very common in Australia and the ACT. FIV is almost always transmitted through bites from infected cats as the disease is present in saliva. Debilitating symptoms may take years to show, but initial signs include fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye lesions, poor coat and chronic infections may be observed. Eventually the immune system will become too weak to fight off other infections and diseases such that they may result in death.
Post vaccination care
Vaccinations use artificial or 'killed' virus to stimulate your pet's immune system so that long lasting antibodies provide immunity from disease. As such, the body reacts to in a similar way to if it had contracted the real virus (although the effects are obviously safe and short lived) and it is possible that your pet may be a little off colour for a day or two after vaccination. Symptoms may include a temporary loss of appetite or tenderness at the injection site (back of the neck) while the immune system is in full swing. Access to food and water and a comfortable bed are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. If symptoms seem more severe please contact us for advice.