Canine Diseases... What are they?

Parvo
Parvo viruses are extremely resistant to inactivation and can persist in the environment for years. They are also resistant to most commonly used disinfectants. The virus is spread in the feces which contaminates the environment. It can be transported on the hair or feet of infected dogs as well as on the hands and shoes of people. Dogs become infected by ingesting the virus which then attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and in very young dogs, heart muscle. Common symptoms include severe diarrhea (bloody), vomiting, listlessness, depression, loss of appetite, and high fever. Some infected pups get very sick, very quickly, with the only symptoms seen being severe depression, gasping for breath and sudden death. Left untreated, many pups will die within 48 to 72 hours after onset of symptoms. This disease is highly contagious and once established in a kennel it can be very difficult to eliminate. Treatment for Parvovirus includes correcting dehidration and electrolyte imbalances (see Rebound) along with hospitalization. Treating the environment with a 10% or greater chlorine bleach solution is effective but harsh. Other opations include SynPhenol 3, Oxine, or Roccal-D Plus. Vaccination is the best preventative. Vaccinate pups at 8-12-16 weeks and annually thereafter (see Progard, Duramune, Neopar)

Corona
Corona virus is a much less severe gastro-intestinal disease then parvovirus and it causes disease primarily in puppies. Some puppies can get both corona and parvo at the same time, and in these pups, the disease is very severe. The primary symptoms include fever, depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies infected with corona virus alone, will tend to recover within several days. Some dogs will continue to carry corona virus without showing any symptoms, and these dogs will be a source of infection to other dogs within the kennel. Treatment includes management of fluid and electrolyte balance (see Rebound). Vaccines are the best prevention method. See Duramune Max 5-CvK and Galaxy DA2PPv+Cv.

Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria which is shed in the urine of infected animals. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the skin or oral mucous membranes. Leptospirosis infects many different species of animals including people. The disease can vary a lot in severity but common symptoms include high fever, depression, jaundice, bleeding, vomiting, and lower back pain. It can lead to serious kidney disease with decreased urine volume, collapse and death. There are several different serovars of Leptospirosis which can infect dogs some are spread by rodents, others by wildlife and livestock. Treatment consists of antibiotics, fluid replacement and controlling the vomiting (see Rebound). An untreated animal that recovers can become a carrier and shed the disease for up to a year. There are four strains of Leptospirosis. The available vaccines (Galaxy and Duramune) will protect against the more common strains. Revival Animal Health does NOT recommend vaccinating young puppies for lepto.

Bordetellosis-Kennel Cough
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria isolated from dogs with respiratory disease. It is also a major component of a disease commonly called Kennel Cough. Viruses such as adenovirus type 2 and parainfluenza may also play a part in this disease. Bordetella causes a respiratory infection that is spread by breathing in respiratory secretions from coughing, infected dogs. The most common symptom is a dry, hacking, nonproductive cough which can be followed by gagging or retching. The cough usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks but it can take months for infected dogs to completely eliminate the bacteria from their lungs. Infected dogs need to be immediately isolated from other dogs. Depending on the severity of their disease they may need to be treated with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Thoroughly disinfect their cages, food and water bowls and anything else they have been in contact with. Common disinfectants such as Roccal D-Plus, Oxine and Chlorhexiderm are usually effective in killing these organisms. Always make sure that kennels are properly ventilated to reduce the risk of transmission. Nebulization therapy (vaporizer) may also be of great help in treating these dogs. This requires a vaporizer which may or may not be used with medication. Your Revival Animal Health sales representative can help you choose what equipment is right for your kennel. Vaccination is of critical importance in keeping your dogs and kennel free of this disease. There are two types of vaccines that are available, those that are injected and those that are given intranasally (up the nose). Injectable vaccines can be easier to administer but intranasal vaccines act faster and produce an immunity at the level of the lining of the respiratory tract. Antibodies are produced that prevent these organisms from gaining entry into the body. Ask your Revival representative about which vaccine is best for your dog.

Hepatitis-Adenovirus Type I
Infectious Canine Hepatitis is caused by Type 1 adenovirus, which is fairly resistant to inactivation. The virus that attacks the tonsils, lymph nodes and then the liver. It is shed in all body secretions, but more commonly by urine. Transmission is by contact with contaminated objects. This virus does not cause human hepatitis. The most common symptoms are fever, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. In a small number of infected dogs, the virus can localize in the eye, causing a whiteness or cloudiness of the eye. Vaccines are available which can effectively prevent this disease. Most of the vaccines, however, contain adenovirus type 2, which still protects against type 1 infections, but eliminating possible side effects of cloudy eyes which can be seen, rarely, with adenovirus type 1 vaccines.

Parainfluenza-Adenovirus Type II
This virus causes a mild respiratory tract infection. It is transmitted through contact with oral and nasal secretions. Common symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and a dry hacking cough. The disease by itself, is usually mild and brief, however, in some cases it can progress into a more serious pneumonia. Vaccines are available to effectively prevent this disease. Two types of canine adenovirus type 2 vaccines are available, an injectible form and also as a nasal spray, as part of a "kennel cough" vaccine.

Distemper
Canine distemper is caused by a virus, which does not live long outside of the dog. It is primarily transmitted by contact with respiratory secretions from an infected dog, but it can be found in all body secretions. The disease is highly contagious and commonly causes death. The disease is most common in puppies from 3 - 6 months of age. The initial symptoms resemble a mild cold and may even go unnoticed. Several days later, infected dogs will have discharge from their eyes and nose, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies, who survive through the initial disease, will commonly develop seizures 1 - 3 weeks later. In most dogs the seizures will get progressively worse, until the puppy succumbs to the disease. Puppies who survive may have incomplete development of their teeth, thickened footpads and may develop seizures later in life. Distemper should be treated by a veterinarian. The best prevention is vaccination (see Duramune Max 5 and Galaxy DA2PPv).

ABC's of Dog Vaccines

Dog injectable vaccine found in the combination products may have the letters D, A2, H, P, PV, Pv, CPV, CV, CVK, L, AND L4.

“D” stands for Distemper. Distemper is a contagious viral disease that can result in death. It affects the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. If the dog survives the initial infection, the illness often spreads to the nervous system, causing seizures and chronic problems. Clients often elect euthanasia due to seizures. There is no specific treatment except supportive care, and over half the infected dogs die. Vaccination is highly effective at protecting dogs against Distemper virus.

“H” and “A2” stand for hepatitis and canine adenovirus type 2. This illness is caused by a virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2. The disease is infectious canine hepatitis (Adeno virus type 1) or coughing (Adeno virus type 2). Adenovirus type 2 are used to make vaccine, and protects against both adenovirus type 1 and 2 infection. Vaccination is highly effective at protecting dogs against Adenovirus.

“P” typically stands for parainfluenza. Parainfluenza is a virus that causes respiratory infections in dogs. It is also one of the culprits involved in infectious canine bronchitis, commonly called ‘kennel cough’. Vaccination with parinfluenza vaccine is important to protect dogs from respiratory disease. All dogs should receive parainfluenza vaccine as part of their vaccination regime.

“PV”, “Pv”, “CPV”, and sometimes “P” stand for canine parvovirus. This highly contagious viral disease is a well-known cause of gastrointestinal disease and death in many dogs. Because there is no specific cure, treatment is primarily intensive in-hospital nursing and supportive care. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing Parvo virus.

“CV” and “CVK” stand for coronavirus. This contagious viral disease causes intestinal illness and can be mild in older dogs or severe in young dogs. It has been associated with death in young puppies. As with the other viral diseases, there is no specific therapy to eliminate the virus. Animals are treated with supportive and nursing care. Mothers vaccinated for corona will protect their puppies in the milk until after weaning. It is often included in the vaccinations given to young dogs (10 weeks), and breeding females.

“L” or “4L” stand for leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can cause liver and kidney disease as well as abortion. The illness may be acute, chronic, and inapparent or cause death. The bacteria exist in many different subtypes, called serovars. Most available vaccines protect against two of these serovars, L.canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae. A few vaccines protect against two additional serovars, L.grippotyphosa and L.pomona. Read the vaccine label carefully to identify which serovars are present in the vaccine. Lepto vaccination is important, but dogs only need the serovars in your area. Not all dogs should receive this vaccine. Discuss the use of leptospirosis vaccine with your veterinarian.

Dog Vaccination FAQ's

Find the answers to your questions about dog vaccines and vaccination.

Is vaccination actually necessary?

Yes. Vaccination can help prevent your dog from contracting potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines contain modified or killed versions of common canine diseases. When they are injected into the body, your dog’s immune system will attack them. If your dog is later exposed to the disease again, the immune system will remember the disease and quickly counteract it.

Should I vaccinate for everything?

Not necessarily. There are two classes for canine vaccines: Core and Non-Core.

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, regardless of breed, size or location. All dogs will see these life-threatening diseases in their lifetime. If it didn’t kill them and they were lucky enough to recover, they would still suffer the side effects for the rest of their lives. The core vaccines include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and rabies (required by law).

Non-core vaccines are reserved for pets with unique exposure risks or needs. These include leptospirosis, kennel cough, corona virus, giardia and Lyme disease. If any of these diseases are prominent in your area, you may want to consider vaccinating for them. If your dog will visit the groomer’s or kennel often, the kennel cough (bordetella bronchiseptica) vaccine may be recommended as well.

Standard 5-way vaccines offer protection against the “Core” canine diseases. Other 6-, 7- and 8-way combinations add “Non-Core” disease protection against corona or lepto. Kennel cough vaccines may include the parainfluenza virus as well. The non-core options should be added if your dog’s lifestyle or area of the country exposes it to these diseases. Talk to your veterinarian for more specific recommendations for your dog.

Is there a risk in giving vaccines?

As with human vaccination, there are always risks. However, the benefits of a healthy life certainly outweigh the risks of contracting a life-threatening disease. Your dog may have mild tiredness, fever, soreness or reduced appetite, but these will go away in a day or two. If they persist longer, you should talk with your veterinarian. Rare cases have reported allergic reactions and sometimes death, but the chances of this happening are very low.

If your dog has had reactions to vaccinations before, it’s best to let your veterinarian give the vaccines. Let them know of the reactions, so they can make the proper adjustments and preparations.

What’s the different between MLV vaccines and Killed vaccines?

An MLV (Modified Live Vaccine) is a live but weakened version of a virus that is used to stimulate immune response. A Killed vaccine is an inactive form of the virus, with all infectious bacteria taken out and killed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. MLV vaccines are more effective in preparing the immune system, they last longer and they’re also faster, achieving immunity in one dose. Killed vaccines pose no risk of infecting the animal, but are less effective in providing immunity and usually require two doses.

Why do puppies need a series of vaccinations?

Puppies receive antibodies from their mother’s milk, giving temporary protection against disease. These antibodies also see vaccines as a disease and can eliminate them before they stimulate the immune system. There is a time after weaning called “window of susceptibility,” where the antibodies wear off and the puppy is at risk for disease. However, it’s almost impossible to determine this time period for each individual puppy. By giving a series of vaccinations, you boost your puppy’s protection as soon as the mother’s antibodies wear off, whenever this happens.

Can I give vaccines to pregnant or nursing dogs?

In general, treatments of any kind are not recommended for pregnant or nursing animals unless the manufacturer has tested and proven them to be safe. The same is true with vaccines. If you have questions, check with your veterinarian first.

Keep in mind that vaccinating a nursing animal will not pass the protection on to the babies. Newborns only receive the antibodies from the colostrum in the first 36 hours of nursing, and the vaccine will take a week or more to fully affect the immune system. If the mother needs vaccination, it’s best to wait until after weaning, when the stress of pregnancy and nursing is removed. She will be better equipped to respond after she’s had adequate time to recover.

Are yearly booster shots really necessary?

Up until a few years ago, this was the standard recommendation. However, recent studies show increasing evidence that some vaccines last much longer than a year. Talk to your veterinarian for recommendation. One vaccine schedule is not universal for all pets, so your vet will have the best insight into what kinds of vaccines your dog should receive and when they should receive them

Recommended Dog Vaccination Schedule

Use this table as a guideline for vaccinating your puppy. Be sure to give 3-4 weeks in between vaccination, to give your dog's immune system the proper time to rebuild.

Modified Live Vaccines vs. Killed Vaccines

A killed (inactivated vaccine) eliminates the chance for an infection from the vaccine virus or bacteria. A killed vaccine does not usually produce as good immunity as an MLV, and therefore, may contain an adjuvant and require two doses. Using an adjuvant can increase the potential for a local or allergic reaction.

Modified live vaccines tend to give a better immunity because the virus or bacteria is actually multiplying in the dog or cat, providing greater stimulation to the immune system. MLV vaccines will also tend to begin to provide protection sooner!