Immunization Awareness

August

National Immunization Awareness Month

 The AVMA (America Veterinary Medical Association) Considers August National Immunization Awareness Month.  So for Pet Corner, I have decided to list out all the core vaccines and the diseases they protect against. 

             Core Vaccines For Canines

According to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine core vaccines in puppies and dogs include Canine Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine adenovirus (CAV), Rabies Virus (RV)  and newly recognized as a core vaccine is Leptospirosis vaccine. 

     CPV is an infection that is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs.  The most common form is the intestinal form and causes 

*Severe, bloody diarrhea

*Lethargy

*Anorexia

*Fever

*Vomiting

*Severe Wt Loss

    These severe symptoms will cause dehydration and mortality in most cases especially if not treated. Parvo affects the gastrointestinal tract and is spread by direct dog to dog contact of body fluids Puppies suffer most from this virus and it can be fatal.

Parvo is transmitted through the feces and vomit of infected dogs and puppies. The virus is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for many, many months even after the feces is gone. Even more, it is resistant to most disinfectants with bleach being the only commonly available disinfectant that can reliably kill it. Because it is so hard to kill, parvo can be transmitted by many items, the hands, clothing or even the shoes of anyone who comes in contact with the virus. It can also live in a moist soil environment for a year or longer.

     CDV Canine distemper is a contagious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system of puppies and dogs.  

Puppies and dogs most often become infected through air-born exposure, also through shared food or water bowls.  Bitches can also pass it to her unborn through the placenta. Symptoms are

*pus-like discharge from their eyes

*fever

*nasal discharge 

*coughing

*lethargy

*reduced appetite

*vomiting 

Distemper can also display central nervous symptoms like head tilting, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation.  It can also cause the footpads to thicken.

     CAV The hepatitis virus is present in urine, nose, eye discharge and is transmitted through direct contact of these fluids.  Symptoms include

As mild as, decreased appetite, mild fever, respiratory signs like, eye and nasal discharge and a cough.  Cloudiness to the cornea can occur which is called blue eye. Severe symptoms (typically to puppies) 

*fever

*depression

*vomiting

*diarrhea

*edema (swelling under the skin) head and neck

*jaundice 

     RV rabies virus.  UC Davis, in accordance with CA state law, recommends that puppies receive their first vaccination of killed rabies at 12weeks.  Vet clinics normally give this vaccine at 16 weeks then one a year later and after that it becomes triennial. 

Rabies is a serious virus disease affecting the brain and nervous system.  It is transmitted by a bite or exchange of fluids from an infected animal. The virus is in their bodily fluids and can enter the victim through broken skin, eyes, nose or mouth.  Symptoms are:

*Fever

*Muscle Aches

*Loss of Appetite

The neurological symptoms develop after

*Irritability / Aggressiveness 

*Muscle Spasms 

*Seizures 

Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals ie skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes.  Cats have become the most common affected domestic animal due to owners not vaccinating and cats being close to outdoor wildlife.  

Rabies is a zoonotic disease (can be transferred to humans by an animal ) 

     Leptospirosis.  Is a bacterial disease spread through urine from wildlife.  It is a newly added core vaccine by UC Davis and for good reason.  

Lepti affects mainly dogs it’s very rare in cats and seems to be mild.  Dogs become infected when coming into contact with infected urine through wildlife.  The bacteria likes to stay in moist areas and stagnant water. Symptoms include:

*Fever

*Shivering

*Muscle Tenderness

*Increased Thirst

*Vomiting/Diarrhea/Dehydration 

*Jaundice

This disease can cause kidney failure with or without liver failure and is also a Zoonotic disease 

Vaccinations for Lepto happen at 12 weeks with a 3 to 4-week  booster then annually.  

    In my career, I have seen a lot of Parvo cases a few Distemper and Lepto.  Most of them were fatal and very sad, especially when these diseases are preventable!  Owning a pet and getting routine vaccinations and check-ups are by far the best preventive and inexpensive health care than having to treat a disease to save a pets life. 

Thanks for Reading