Canine distemper virus

• Often a fatal disease with respiratory, gastrointestinal, in central nervous system signs
• The route of infection is by airborne or droplets, or with exposure and contact with wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and fox
• Mortality rate in dogs is at least 50% dogs. Can appear to recover and then develop fatal central nervous signs as much as three to four months later.
• Maternal immunity is very important in the protection of puppies from distemper. At least two to three vaccination should be given between the ages of six and twelve weeks to booster this immunity. Adults should be vaccinated every three years.
• Non-immunized older dogs are very susceptible to infection by this disease. For that reason they should definitely be vaccinated against it.

Canine parvo virus

• This virus causes hemorrhagic enteritis (bloody diarrhea). Puppies present in severe shock due to the loss of blood and dehydration.
• This disease first appeared in 1978. Since then the strain has mutated a number of times and is now much severe.
• This virus attacks rapidly dividing cells. This includes white blood cells and gastrointestinal linings. Therefore, bloody diarrhea and loss of immunity against disease is seen.
• When infected with this virus, puppies are highly susceptible to secondary infections with various bacteria and parasites.
• All canines are susceptible. A few breeds appear to have increased risk. They include Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and English Springer spaniels.
• This disease can affect dogs of any age; however it appears to be worse in puppies of ages six to sixteen weeks. Adults should be vaccinated every three years.
• If infected puppies must be treated with intravenous fluids therapy and hospitalization. The prognosis remains guarded as fatality is common.
• This virus is very stable in the environment and is found everywhere. Vaccination remains the strongest form of protection. We recommend that puppies be vaccinated between six and twelve weeks, at twelve weeks, and at sixteen weeks of age.

Canine infectious hepatitis (adenovirus)

• This virus is spread by a nose and mouth contact.
• The virus will spread through the body and settle in the liver. After approximately two weeks it will begin to be excreted through the kidneys. This will continue for six to nine months. This virus can also damage the eyes causing what is called blue eye, a blinding condition.
• This disease affects dogs, and is worse in dogs under a year of age. We recommend vaccination between six and twelve weeks of age, with boosters at twelve weeks and sixteen weeks as well. Adults should be vaccinated every three years.

Rabies

• Rabies is virtually a 100% fatal disease. The virus enters the body through bite wounds and contact with the virus that is aerosolized and such as in caves with bats. All warm-blooded species are susceptible to rabies. This includes dogs, cats, humans, and wildlife such as fox, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and bats.
• The zoonotic risk of rabies is extreme. Humans that may potentially have been bitten by a rabid animal should seek medical attention immediately.
• Vaccinations in cats and dogs are required by law. li>If a vaccinated dog or cat scratches or bites a person, quarantining at home is required. If they are not vaccinated, they will have to be quarantined at a shelter or veterinary office. Quarantine periods are for a minimum of ten days.
• We currently recommend annual vaccination for rabies for all dogs.

Additional Vaccinations:

Bordetella

• This bacteria is one of the components of kennel cough
• Though kennel cough is caused by a combination of factors, bordetella is a primary contributor. This bacteria is responsible for many of the respiratory diseases of dogs.
• Dogs are exposed through contact with other dogs. The bacteria are inhaled. Exposure points include boarding kennels, shelters, training clubs, and groomers.
• Though this disease rarely becomes serious, dogs will feel ill and have severe coughing spells that persist for up to three weeks. Antibiotics and cough suppressants are needed to help the pet recover.
• This vaccination is required by all of the boarding kennels in the area. Dogs that are frequenting groomers should also be vaccinated as should dogs that are in training schools and that go for long walks in part or public areas.
• This vaccination is given at sixteen weeks of age and then annually each year after. Though listed in the additional vaccination section, we recommend this vaccine be given to all dogs annually.

Leptospirosis

• These bacteria can cause acute and chronic disease. The disease primarily affects the kidneys and the liver, but can affect all organs
• There are many serovars or types of these particular bacteria. Vaccinations are only available for a few of the serovars.
• Leptospirosis enters the body through intact or cut skin, or mucous membranes (gums). From there it spreads rapidly, invading the liver and the kidneys. It can also affect the heart, the nervous system and the eyes.
• The incidence rate of this disease is reported at falsely low levels. This is because many animals can have this disease and remain asymptomatic (not sick). The risk of this disease is actually higher in urban areas. This bacteria prefers a warm moist environment and lives well in stagnant water. This bacteria is spread through the urine, and can live in the environment for up to 180 days.
• Symptoms of this disease include fever, sore muscles, stiffness, vomiting, and excessive drinking and urinating.
• Vaccination is available for specific sero- types. Though the sero- types do not include all the possible serovars, the vaccination will protect dogs that are at high risk. High risk dogs include dogs living in high risk environments, and hunting dogs.
• This particular disease is zoonotic meaning it can affect man. As it is spread by urine contact through wounds and mucous membranes, good sanitation is necessary to reduce of human risk.

Lyme disease

• Lyme disease is one of the most common tick transmitted zoonotic diseases in the world. It is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi.
• This disease is carried by deer ticks. The tick attaches to the dog and injects the spirochete into the dog while feeding.
• The spirochete spreads through the body causing primarily arthritic signs in dogs.
• This disease is primarily seen in certain sections of the United States. Those include the Northeast, the upper Mississippi region, California, and some southern states. It is estimated that anywhere up to 80% of pets who are in the endemic region can have a Lyme exposure, but of those exposed only 5% of the patients will actually develop Lyme disease.
• The symptoms of the disease include arthritis with lameness, some joint swelling, fever and depression.
• Diagnosis is based on ruling out the other diseases as well as running serology tests (blood tests) to determine exposure.
• Treatment for this disease is the use of antibacterials such as doxycycline. Patients will be treated for two to four weeks. Improvement is seen within three days, and the patient will be symptom free after that. Recurrence of this disease can be seen.
• A vaccination is available to prevent this disease. In addition, repelling ticks is of utmost importance. The vaccination should be given to patients that are in high to risk of exposure.
• Humans do get Lymes disease, however not from their pets. Ticks are required to transmit this disease.