Canine Vaccinations
Bordetella
...also called canine cough, bordetellosis and infectious tracheobronchitis
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a fairly common respiratory disease found only in dogs.
Is Kennel Cough Contagious?
Yes. Kennel Cough is caused by an airborne virus which is highly contagious. It is not unusual for all dogs in the same household to become infected because micro-organisms are present in the aerosol produced from the coughing. Such an attack is most likely to occur when a dog spends time in close quarters with many other dogs. Dogs that attend dog shows, groomers, veterinarian clinics, boarding kennels or travel frequently have a higher risk of developing kennel cough than do dogs that stay at home most of the time. The disease can spread rapidly from one dog to another but does not affect humans.
MANY DOGS, EXPOSED TO ALL SORTS AND NUMBER OF OTHER DOGS, WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE THE EFFECTS OF KENNEL COUGH.
What Are The Symptoms Of Kennel Cough?
The most common symptom of Kennel Cough is a harsh and dry cough which can be quite loud and forceful; sometimes inducing dry heaves or retching. The dog sounds as if there is something caught in the throat and the coughing is an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the object. The majority of dogs with this disease continue to eat, sleep, play and act normally. It is worthwhile to note that kennel cough may have potentially serious respiratory complications for VERY young and VERY old dogs.
How Long Does Typical Case Of Kennel Cough Last?
The incubation period is about 8-10 days, meaning your dog will not display symptoms of illness for about 8-10 days following exposure to the virus. Having a strong immune system is the best way to avoid if/when your dog is exposed to the virus. This is why, not every dog in the kennel (or house) will get it if there is an outbreak. While the cough may sound serious, this disease is often harmless and dogs recover uneventfully in a week or so.
Is There a Treatment For Kennel Cough?
If your dog does develop Kennel Cough symptoms, DON'T PANIC!!! The way this illness operates is analogous to the common cold that we humans sometimes catch; simply put: it must run its course. There is no magic pill or cure, but there are many ways to treat and ease the symptoms. Cough suppressants can be used to control the dogs cough and antibiotics may be necessary for stubborn infections or try to stop the spread of the bacteria in multiple dog households. The uncomplicated form of the disease usually lasts for approximately 10 days after symptoms occur. Complicated Kennel Cough, usually a combination of virus’ and bacteria, should always be treated with antibiotics and may last 14-20 days after symptoms occur.
How can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Kennel Cough?
The best prevention is not to expose your dogs to other dogs, especially if they are puppies, geriatric or have other illnesses. However, dog socialization is frequently necessary and can also be beneficial for your dog. If you have more than one dog in your household, and one of them develops Kennel Cough, you can try to keep that one isolated, to minimize exposure to your other dog(s). However, by the time your dog is symptomatic, the virus has probably already been "shared" with your other pets or any other dogs with which yours has had contact recently. Vaccination alone cannot protect your animal from contacting this disease. There is always some risk if your dog comes into contact with infected animals. Your best weapon against Kennel Cough may be your own knowledge of this disease.
Isn't My Dog Fully Protected Against Kennel Cough By His Vaccination?
Although there is a vaccine (Bordetella) for Kennel Cough, it is often not effective in preventing infection. The most likely explanation for this is that there are many strains and mutations of the virus out there. Therefore, it is a hit or miss whether the vaccine used on your dog will be the right one for the strain with which your dog comes into contact with. This is similar to the "flu shot" for people; each year a vaccine is developed based on which strain(s) are suspected to be most prevalent. It is a good idea to vaccinate a dog who will be exposed to a large number of other dogs, such as at shows, obedience classes or the classic cause - when left in kennels. Vaccines usually provide some protection in as little as 3 days, although the injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity.
Note: Any vaccine takes days to weeks to stimulate the dogs protective immunity to the disease. Vaccinating the dog the day it is exposed to the disease may not be protective. If you plan to board your dog, to protect it from exposure, remember to vaccinate a few weeks prior to potential exposure to allow full protective immunity to build up.
BE AWARE THAT YOUR DOG CAN STILL CATCH KENNEL COUGH EVEN THOUGH HE/SHE HAS HAD A SHOT TO PREVENT IT!!
INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS
Infectious Hepatitis is a life threatening viral disease caused by Adenovirus I. Infectious hepatitis can be fatal, but can sometimes be treated with hospitalization. Infectious hepatitis is transmitted in the urine, saliva, and feces of the dog. All ages of dog can be affected. Infectious hepatitis, in certain cases, can induce a severe fever, vascular collapse, and death within hours of onset. However, most cases involve mild fever, anorexia, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and in some cases a type of inflammation to the eye giving the cornea a "blue eye" appearance. Canine Infectious Hepatitis should not be confused with the Hepatitis B or other such hepatitis that occur in humans; the two are not the same therefore this hepatitis is not contagious to people. Infectious Hepatitis is a "Core" vaccine found in nearly all annual boosters and needs to be given yearly. It is the "A2" (as in Adenovirus) in the DA2PPC booster that your vet gives (or the "H" in the DHPPC).
PARAINFLUENZA
Canine Parainfluenza is a virus that is just one possible cause of Infectious Tracheobronchitis (also known as "Kennel Cough"), another cause being Bordetella. "Kennel cough" is a contagious repiratory disease of dogs that is transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Any dog can be affected by Parainfluenza but especially those exposed to other dogs in certain settings: boarding kennels, pet shops, shelters, etc. Many times the "kennel cough" is mild with a harsh dry cough being the sole symptom. However, in severe cases pneumonia is possible. Quarantine of affected dogs is important to stop the spread of the disease. Parainfluenza in dogs is not the same as in humans, and can not be passed to humans. Parainfluenza is a "Core" vaccine found in nearly all annual boosters and needs to be given yearly. It is the first "P" in the DA2PPC booster that your vet gives.
PARVOVIRUS
Canine Parvovirus (or Parvo) is a devastating and often fatal disease of young dogs. Parvo is a common viral disease that is very contagious and is passed from the infected feces of one dog to another. Parvo can occur at any age but is most likely seen in pups between 6-16 weeks of age. Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and English springer spaniels are exceptionally susceptible to the disease. Parvo develops very rapidly in the intestinal system of the dog and presents itself with sudden onset of bloody diarrhea, anorexia, and repeated bouts of vomiting. Pupppies can rapidly become dehydrated from the fluid loss and die suddenly without prompt diagnosis and treatment. Parvo can be treated and many times is successful with hospitilization, IV fluid therapy, and supportive care. A specific test is widely available to screen a dog for a Parvovirus infection if it is suspected. Disinfection of the affected dog's living area is very important and a 1:30 dilution of bleach should kill the virus in the environment. Other pups exposed to a dog with Parvo should be monitored closely for signs of the disease. Parvovirus is a "Core" vaccine found in nearly all annual boosters and needs to be given yearly. It is the second "P" in the DA2PPC booster that your vet gives. Because of the severity and increased frequency of the disease, Parvovirus alone is the reason to make sure your puppy gets its vaccinations starting at 6 weeks of age.
CANINE DISTEMPER
Canine distemper is a devastating disease caused by a virus that attacks many different body systems. Distemper is fatal in at least 50% of dogs affected. Those that do recover may suffer permanent Central Nervous System damage. The virus is transmitted by airborne particles and is usually inhaled to cause disease. Distemper can affect dogs at any age, but young pups and geriatric animals are most at risk. Distemper can present itself with, high fever, anorexia, nasal and eye discharge, severe coughing, diarrhea, seizures, incoordination, blindness, weakness, and even sudden death. Distemper, though not very common, does exist in raccoon and wild canids (foxes and coyotes), and sporadic outbreaks do still occur. Canine Distemper is a "Core" vaccine found in nearly all annual boosters and needs to be given yearly. It is the "D" in the DA2PPC booster that your vet gives.
RABIES
Rabies is by far the best known of all diseases that dogs can carry
and the most serious of those that can affect humans. Rabies is a virus that
is shed in the saliva of a dog and thereby transmitted through bites. Rabies
is present in nearly all parts of the United States and exists mostly in the
wild animal populations. Fox, raccoons, skunks, and bats are the most likely
carriers but other mammals can transmit it. A dog suffering from Rabies will
not always appear as the frothing, biting, mean dog that we envision. Though
aggression, excessive salivation, and erratic behavior can be seen with a rabid
animal, other more subtle
symptoms can also be seen. Unusual shyness, solitude, anxiety, wondering aimlessly,
disorientation, seizures, and inability to swallow can also be signs of Rabies.
Since there is no way to test an animal for Rabies, those animals suspected
of it need to be quarantined for 10 days, and in fact any dog bite from an
unvaccinated dog should be quarantined for public safety reasons. Rabies vaccination
is mandatory in most communities and dogs should receive their first vaccine
at 16 weeks of age. The next Rabies vaccination should occur one year later
along with the annual booster shot. In some communities a three year Rabies
vaccination is approved and is then given every three years afterwards. However,
currently the Kansas City area is utilizing a yearly vaccination schedule for
Rabies and it needs to be renewed annually.