At the Animal Hospital at Thorndale, we know getting vaccinated is no fun for your pet. However, vaccinations can save your pet’s life! Common pet vaccinations include several core vaccines and also vaccines specifically tailored to your pet’s life style. Both dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination in the State of Pennsylvania. Other vaccines are listed as “core”, or highly recommended, vaccines. There are also optional vaccines, that may be recommended depending in lifestyle. At the Animal Clinic at Thorndale, we will thoroughly discuss your pet’s life style and risk factors with you and customize a vaccination program appropriate for your pet.

RABIES VACCINATION:

Rabies vaccination is required by Pennsylvania State law for all dogs and cats (with the exception of wild barn cats) and is mandatory for the licensing of dogs. Any warm blooded animal can transmit rabies. Not having your pets vaccinated can put you and your family at risk. Even indoor dogs and cats must be vaccinated.

Rabies is a viral disease. Regardless of the initial site of virus introduction into the animal, the virus eventually invades the central nervous system and ultimately causes death. There are no known effective treatments once neurological signs have developed, so it is very important that all pets who have tangled with wildlife or been bitten by non-vaccinated animals been seen by the veterinarian.

The rabies vaccine is given to all pets over 12 weeks of age and then it is boostered one year later. Depending on the type of vaccination given as the booster, protection can last from 1-3 years when a booster is then again given.

Canine Vaccines

Canine Distemper/Parvo (DA2PP)

Distemper, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza and Parvo are regularly given as a combination vaccine. This vaccine is also referred to as DA2PP or the “distemper/parvo” vaccine for the two most important components.

Distemper is a contagious viral disease between dogs that was fairly common in the United States until the introduction of effective vaccines in the 1960’s. In some parts of the world, it remains an important and devastating disease. Dogs coming from rescues and shelters are often involved in distemper outbreaks. This is a “whole dog” illness and is often fatal or results in permanent damage in the lucky ones who recover.

Adenovirus can cause liver problems and eye problems and Parainfluenza is often involved in “kennel cough” outbreaks along with other viruses and bacteria.

Canine parvovirus ( “Parvo”) is still commonly seen and can be deadly to younger dogs. The classic signs are vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, keeping your dog’s vaccination up to date is very important.

The DA2PP vaccine is considered a “core” vaccine, meaning it is highly recommended that it should be kept current throughout your dog’s life. Puppies begin the vaccination series around 6 – 8 weeks of age and receive a booster every 3 – 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age. Current recommendations are to have a final parvo vaccine at 18 weeks or more of age. Adult dogs who have never been vaccinated receive a series of 2 vaccines. After the initial vaccination series is complete, we booster again 1 year later and then every three years thereafter.

Bordetella

Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough“, is a highly contagious respiratory disorder in dogs. It is characterized by bouts of nonproductive (dry) coughing lasting from days to even weeks. The most common agent thought to cause “kennel cough” is the bacterium, Bordetella bronchiseptica. Viruses are often commonly present as well.

The vaccine is usually required for any dog that will be kenneled, goes to doggy day care, or puppy classes, and is suggested for those that visit the groomer or dog park often. This vaccine is given annually to those dogs who need it.

Influenza

Just as the name says, this is a “Flu” vaccine. Canine influenza has appeared very sporadically in our local region and, as with human flu, can potentially be deadly. Certain kennels will require this vaccine. The initial vaccination series (2 vaccines) is boostered annually thereafter for those at risk of exposure.

Lyme

Lyme Disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. Once in the blood stream, it is carried to many parts of the body but is especially likely to localize in joints. Dogs will commonly run high fevers, be lethargic, painful and have swollen joints. Rarely, Lyme has been implicated in causing irreversible fatal kidney failure. Certain breeds of dogs may be predisposed to side effects from the vaccine in combination with Borrelia exposure. The vaccine is about 60% effective in preventing Lyme disease.

Be certain to discuss with your veterinarian whether this vaccine is recommended for your dog. The necessity of the vaccine may be based on the number of deer ticks your pet comes in contact with and your ability to control ticks with products such as Frontline Plus and possibly a tick collar.

Typically, the initial vaccination series of two vaccines spaced two to three weeks apart must be followed by a yearly booster.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease that may be on the increase again. Infected animals can show signs of kidney and liver failure. Dogs most at risk are those spending time in streams or ponds where the water could be more readily contaminated by infected wild animals urinating in the water. Eating wild animal carcasses and getting bit by an infected wild animal can also transmit the disease to your dog. Humans can also be infected. transmission from infected pets to people has occurred. It is important that you discuss with your veterinarian your dogs potential risk of exposure to this disease when deciding whether or not to vaccinate. A booster is given 2-3 weeks after the first vaccination. Thereafter, vaccine is effective for 12 months against those specific types of Leptospira bacteria for which that specific vaccine was developed. Unfortunately, new strains of this disease do appear, and vaccines do not always keep up. In the past this vaccine was very reactive, causing frequent allergic reactions when given. Newer vaccines have much improved track records.

Feline Vaccines

Feline Upper Respiratory or “Distemper” (FCVRC)

Feline Chlamydia psittcae, Calici Virus,Viral Rhinotracheitis, and Panleukopenia are often administered in a combination vaccine commonly referred to as the “feline distemper” vaccine, FCVRC or the “upper respiratory” vaccine.

Chlamydia, Calci and Rhinotracheitis cause the most common upper respiratory diseases in cats and can be devastating in young kittens. The vaccine will help lessen the severity of these diseases and is important for all cats because you can accidently track these diseases into your house or they can be shared across a screen window. Feline panleukopenia virus , also known as Feline infectious enteritis, Feline distemper, feline ataxia, or cat plague, is a viral infection most commonly seen in barn cats. Once contracted, it is highly contagious and can be fatal to the affected cat.

The feline upper respiratory vaccine is a core vaccine and highly recommended for all cats. Kittens receive a series of boosters every 3 to 4 weeks from 6 to 16 weeks of age. Adults who have never been vaccinated receive two boosters. After the initial series, the cat needs to receive a booster 1 year later, an then every three years thereafter.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Leukemia is a cancer in cats that most often is caused by infection with the Leukemia virus. Therefore, this is a contagious cancer, from cat to cat. We recommend that all cats being introduced into a household with existing cats be tested for this virus prior to contact with your existing cats so they cannot bring this deadly disease into your home. If all cats in a household test negative for the virus, there may be no need to vaccinate. Transmission is by direct contact with infected saliva or urine. However, any and all cats that go outside or have any risk of exposure to cats that may have the disease should be vaccinated.

This vaccine is given as an initial series of 2 vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart and must be boosted yearly. This vaccine is about 80% effective.

Miscellaneous Dog and Cat Vaccines

There an numerous other vaccines available for your pet and the number is constantly increasing. Common ones you may hear about are against FIV ( Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or cat “aids”) , FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), and even Ringworm (fungal infection). Speak to your veterinarian about whether any of these vaccine would be appropriate for your pet based on his/her lifestyle.