Vaccinations for your cats and dogs are important in promoting good health and preventing deadly diseases. Vaccination procedures have been divided into two types core and non-core. Core vaccinations are recommended for all dogs and cats,. They are for diseases that can be transmitted to humans or are costly to treat. Non-core vaccinations may be advised depending on whether your pet’s travel destination, if your pet is going to be boarded, and if it is going play outside.
CANINE CORE VACCINATIONS
Canine distemper is a viral disease that is highly contagious to other dogs. It is expensive to attempt to treat, and likely to be fatal. The virus attacks the respiratory, digestive and nervous system, potentially leaving permanent nervous system damage.
Canine Parvo is a viral disease attacking the digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In young puppies, the cardiac muscle can also be effected.
Adeno virus (CAV-1) can effect the liver causing fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Adeno virus 2 (CAV-2) causes upper respiratory signs.
Canine Rabies is an incurable viral disease. It effects the nervous system. There are no treatment options. The virus is transmissible to humans through bites from an infected animal.
Canine Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can results in liver and/or kidney failure. Leptospirosis is transmissible to humans.
CANINE NON-CORE VACCINATIONS
Canine Bordetella often called kennel cough. Highly contagious and routinely required if you plan to board your dog.
Canine Influenza is a new respiratory virus first seen in the Florida in 2003. Within the last four years outbreaks have been seen in Chicago.
Canine Lyme disease is a tick born disease seen mostly along the East coast. Antibiotics are effective in treating the disease. Tick prevention in the form of collars or topical repellents can help.
Rattlesnake vaccine can be administered to help prevent the effects of rattlesnake venom. It provides the extra time needed to see a veterinarian for rattlesnake anti-venom.
FELINE CORE VACCINATIONS
Feline paneukopenia is a viral disease. It can cause a decrease in your cat’s white blood cells, neurological signs, permanent brain damage, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Feline Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus results in upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, the treatment options are limited to symptom relief.
Feline Rabies is an incurable viral disease. It effects the nervous system. There are no treatment options. The virus is transmissible to humans usually from being bitten by an infected animal.
FELINE NON-CORE VACCINATIONS
Feline leukemia is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected cat . If your cat enjoys being outside, the feline leukemia vaccination will help to protect your cat should it get into a fight with a neighborhood cat. Feline leukemia virus can cause a number of serous health issues, ranging from leukemia, a weakening of the immune system and dental issues.