Canine Vaccinations

Canine Distemper (FVRCP)

This potentially fatal disease is caused by a virus and is spread through contact with the bodily secretions of infected puppies or dogs. Signs may include diarrhea, fever, upper respiratory signs including runny eyes and nose, and neurological signs including muscle tremors and seizures. The distemper vaccine provides good protection when given appropriately to puppies older than six weeks of age. The distemper vaccine is a combination vaccine, which also provides protection against Parvo virus, infectious canine hepatitis, para influenza virus and other diseases depending on the product.

Canine ParaInfluenza
This is one of several viruses that contribute to infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough. Dogs affected have a dry hacking cough and ocular and nasal discharge. Although the para influenza portion of the distemper vaccine cannot prevent kennel cough, it can decrease the severity of clinical signs in dogs that are infected.

Rabies
This very serious viral disease affects most warm-blooded animals including cats, dogs and humans. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted through bite wounds. Once inside the body, the virus attacks the nervous system, eventually causing death. Once clinical signs occur, the disease is almost always fatal. Since rabies is maintained in populations of wildlife, such as skunks, foxes, bats and raccoons, it is a persistent danger to unvaccinated companion animals. For this reason, most states require, by law, regular routine vaccinations against rabies for all dogs and cats. Any person who is bitten by a strange animal should seek medical attention immediately.

Parvo Viral Enteritis
This is a commonly occurring viral disease that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and is often fatal without treatment. Affected canines usually present with large amounts of watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration. Parvo virus is highly contagious. It is spread by contact with the feces of infected patients and can live in the environment for months to years. Again, appropriate vaccination of puppies is very effective in preventing this disease.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Another disease caused by a virus, hepatitis is generally spread through contact with infected urine or feces. The virus enters the tonsils and lymph nodes where it reproduces before attacking the liver and intestine. Signs include fever, tonsillitis, ocular and nasal discharge, depression and occasionally sudden death, especially in puppies. In patients that recover, a bluish discoloration may be noted on the surface of the eye. This disease may affect whole litters of puppies.