Why are vaccinations important for my pet?
An appropriate vaccination strategy is part of every pet’s wellness plan. Vaccinations are important because they help prevent viral and bacterial infectious diseases in pets. Our vaccination strategies are based on guidelines released by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners). Our goal in using these guidelines is to appropriately protect pets based on lifestyle and avoid unnecessary vaccinations. In addition, we use non-adjuvanted vaccines for cats whenever possible to reduce vaccine related complications.
What are core and non-core vaccinations?
There are some vaccinations which all pets need regardless of lifestyle called “core vaccinations”. Other vaccinations, “non-core vaccinations”, need to be considered based on the pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. Core vaccinations for dogs include rabies and DA2PP. Core vaccinations for cats include rabies and FVRCP. Additionally, the feline leukemia vaccine is considered a core vaccination for cats up until one year of age.
When should my new pet be vaccinated?
A healthy pet starts with puppy and kitten health. In order to keep our pets healthy at their most vulnerable stage of life, it is important to bring them in early. Puppies and kittens need their first set of vaccinations by 6-8 weeks of age. In fact, it is best to bring puppies and kittens in as soon as you have them in order to make sure they are healthy and parasite free. Plus, we just love to see those cute things early so we can get to know them and give them a positive experience at our hospital! If you have a new adult pet, it is also best to bring them as soon as possible to make sure they are healthy and to discuss an appropriate wellness plan.
Cat Vaccines
When is the Rabies vaccine given?
Dogs and cats are legally required to be current on the rabies vaccination in the state of Texas. The rabies vaccine needs to be given to puppies and kittens between 12 and 16 weeks of age. The feline vaccination is then given annually. The canine vaccination is repeated within one year after the puppy vaccination, then given every three years.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is viral zoonotic disease which causes a fatal infection of the brain. Zoonotic means it is able to be spread between species. It causes an estimated 55,000 human deaths per year worldwide. Over half of these deaths are children. These deaths are mostly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with the majority of infections coming from dog bites. Any mammal may get the virus but the most common wild animal carriers in central and south Texas are skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. To see confirmed cases of rabies in Texas this year, click here.
How is a person or pet infected with Rabies?
The virus is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal. A bite wound is the most common way an infection is passed. It may also be transmitted by saliva contact with an open wound or mucous membranes (mouth, nose and eyes). When an animal is infected, there is an incubation period of days to months where the virus travels the nervous system until it eventually reaches the brain and salivary glands. During the incubation period, there are no symptoms of Rabies. Only when it reaches the brain, will there be neurologic symptoms which may or may not include hypersalivation, giving the “foaming at the mouth appearance”.
What happens when a person or pet is “infected” with Rabies?
Once the virus has finished the incubation phase and moved into the brain, there is no treatment for rabies. At this point, the virus is 100% fatal. This is why prevention through vaccinations is so vitally important as well as understanding when there may have been an exposure to the virus. People need to report all bite wounds to their physician to discuss medical attention as well as determine if post-exposure treatment for rabies is needed. When applicable, veterinary records of the animal should be sought to determine vaccination status. If your pet is bitten by an animal, we want to examine and treat the wound as well as give guidance in any rabies related matters.
Is there a test for Rabies?
There is no test that can be done on a living animal to see if the virus is present. The only test for rabies is a post-mortem examination of brain tissue. In Texas, this is done at one of the state pathology laboratories.
How do I protect people and pets from Rabies?
Keep pets up to date on the rabies vaccine. Be wary of nocturnal animals which are out and about during the daytime (ie. raccoons, skunks, bats) and report these animals to animal control. Never interact with animals of unknown vaccination histories or feral animals. If you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with the saliva one of these animals, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Misconceptions about Rabies
Contrary to popular belief, animals which transmit Rabies can appear perfectly healthy at the time a bite is inflicted. Also a bite does not have to be “severe” to transmit the virus. It only has to break the skin.
When is the FVRCP vaccination given to cats?
This vaccination for cats is similar to the DA2PP vaccination in dogs in the sense that it is a critical vaccination, especially for kittens. It should be started at 8 weeks when possible then repeated every 4 weeks until kittens are at least 16 weeks of age. After completing the kitten series and coming back the following year for this vaccination, it is given every 3 years. Adult cats without a known history of vaccinations need two vaccines approximately one year apart then they can also receive it on a 3 year basis.
What diseases are vaccinated for with a FVRCP vaccination?
The FVRCP vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.
What is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)?
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is caused by a herpesvirus which infects the upper respiratory system (nose and trachea) and the eyes of cats. As in its human counterparts, the feline herpesvirus is usually a life-long infection where symptoms come and go depending on stress, nutrition, and overall health of the patient. Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and fever are common symptoms. FVR is especially serious in young kittens where it can cause pneumonia and even death. It is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats. It is also possible to be indirectly transmitted by inanimate objects (fomites) which have recently been contaminated with the saliva, eye discharge, or nasal discharge of an infected cat. Long term L-lysine supplementation for FVR cats may be helpful in reducing the number of future relapses. FVR is also one of the few viral diseases in veterinary medicine where antiviral medications may be beneficial.
What is Feline Calicivirus?
Like the feline herpesvirus, the calicivirus is a very contagious upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include fever, sneezing, conjunctivitis, and inflammation/ulceration of the tongue and mouth. Polyarthritis (arthritis of several joints) is also a possibility. As with FVR, a more serious complication of feline calicivirus is pneumonia. This virus is transmitted through the air (sneezing), through contact with saliva, or indirectly by objects which have been contaminated with the virus (fomites).
What is Feline Panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a very deadly feline disease and is the feline version of parvovirus. As in parvovirus with dogs, this virus attacks the intestinal system leading to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and anemia (low levels of red blood cells). In addition to these symptoms, cats will have a deficiency of white blood cells making them susceptible to secondary infections. The infection is usually spread by contact with feces. Treatment is usually very costly and does not guarantee survival.
When is the Feline Leukemia vaccine given?
Kittens are extremely susceptible to the feline leukemia virus. Because of this, it is considered a core vaccination for all cats up to a year of age regardless of lifestyle. This vaccine is given at 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and one year for all cats. After this point, it is not typically given to indoor-only cats. For outdoor cats, or indoor cats which are exposed to outdoor cats, it is then given annually.
What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv)
The feline leukemia virus is of special importance with outdoor cats and cats of the feral cat population. FeLv is the most common cause of cancer in cats. It received its name because leukemia was one of the first diseases associated with the virus. Leukemia, however is only one of many diseases which this virus can cause. The virus ultimately weakens the immune system system, which increases susceptibility to infection as well as cancers. Everyday microbes which cause no problems in healthy cats, may cause life-threatening infections in an FeLv patient. FeLv is not the same virus as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) which is a similar virus. The current vaccination for FIV, however, is extremely controversial and regarded as ineffective to the FIV virus present in the United States.
What are the symptoms of FeLv?
Due to this weakening of the immune system, symptoms of FeLv vary greatly. Some general symptoms may include weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, neurologic symptoms, gum-line inflammation (gingivitis), and mouth inflammation (stomatitis). Cats may not show symptoms until after they have been infected.
How is FeLv spread to cats?
The most common way the virus is spread is through social interaction with an infected cat. The virus is primarily present in saliva and nasal secretions but may also be found in urine or feces. Indoor cats exposed to outdoor cats through window screens may be exposed to the virus.
How is FeLv diagnosed?
An in-house test called an ELISA test is available at SBVH which tests for Felv and FIV. This is an accurate, inexpensive, and quick test.
Dog Vaccines
When is the Rabies vaccine given?
Dogs and cats are legally required to be current on the rabies vaccination in the state of Texas. The rabies vaccine needs to be given to puppies and kittens between 12 and 16 weeks of age. The feline vaccination is then given annually. The canine vaccination is repeated within one year after the puppy vaccination, then given every three years.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is viral zoonotic disease which causes a fatal infection of the brain. Zoonotic means it is able to be spread between species. It causes an estimated 55,000 human deaths per year worldwide. Over half of these deaths are children. These deaths are mostly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with the majority of infections coming from dog bites. Any mammal may get the virus but the most common wild animal carriers in central and south Texas are skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. To see confirmed cases of rabies in Texas this year, click here.
How is a person or pet infected with Rabies?
The virus is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal. A bite wound is the most common way an infection is passed. It may also be transmitted by saliva contact with an open wound or mucous membranes (mouth, nose and eyes). When an animal is infected, there is an incubation period of days to months where the virus travels the nervous system until it eventually reaches the brain and salivary glands. During the incubation period, there are no symptoms of Rabies. Only when it reaches the brain, will there be neurologic symptoms which may or may not include hypersalivation, giving the “foaming at the mouth appearance”.
What happens when a person or pet is “infected” with Rabies?
Once the virus has finished the incubation phase and moved into the brain, there is no treatment for rabies. At this point, the virus is 100% fatal. This is why prevention through vaccinations is so vitally important as well as understanding when there may have been an exposure to the virus. People need to report all bite wounds to their physician to discuss medical attention as well as determine if post-exposure treatment for rabies is needed. When applicable, veterinary records of the animal should be sought to determine vaccination status. If your pet is bitten by an animal, we want to examine and treat the wound as well as give guidance in any rabies related matters.
Is there a test for Rabies?
There is no test that can be done on a living animal to see if the virus is present. The only test for rabies is a post-mortem examination of brain tissue. In Texas, this is done at one of the state pathology laboratories.
How do I protect people and pets from Rabies?
Keep pets up to date on the rabies vaccine. Be wary of nocturnal animals which are out and about during the daytime (ie. raccoons, skunks, bats) and report these animals to animal control. Never interact with animals of unknown vaccination histories or feral animals. If you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with the saliva one of these animals, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Misconceptions about Rabies
Contrary to popular belief, animals which transmit Rabies can appear perfectly healthy at the time a bite is inflicted. Also a bite does not have to be “severe” to transmit the virus. It only has to break the skin.
When is the DA2PP vaccination given to dogs?
The DA2PP vaccine is one of the most critical vaccinations for dogs, especially puppies. If possible this vaccine should be started at 6 weeks of age. It will then be given every 4 weeks until he or she is at least 16 weeks old. After your pet completes the puppy series and comes back the following year for this vaccine, it will be given every 3 years. Adult dogs without a known history of vaccinations need two vaccines approximately one year apart then they can also receive it on a 3 year basis.
What diseases are vaccinated for with a DA2PP vaccination?
The DA2PP vaccination protects dogs against distemper virus, parvovirus, canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, and parainfluenza Virus
What is the Distemper Virus?
This virus is commonly seen in puppies and younger dogs who are not current on vaccinations. It attacks the central nervous system (brain), the respiratory system, and the intestinal system. Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and death are commonly seen when dogs are infected. It is spread by airborne droplets after coughing or sneezing, contact with nasal or eye secretions, and contact with the feces or urine of infected dogs. Treatment is based on supportive care such as fluid therapy to maintain hydration and antibiotics to treat and prevent secondary infections.
What is the Parvo Virus?
“Parvo”, as it is called, is likely the most notorious and commonly known infectious disease in dogs. Of the diseases covered by DA2PP, it is the one most frequently seen at our hospital. This virus attacks the intestinal system causing diarrhea, improper absorption of nutrients, and extreme dehydration. Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite are the most commonly seen symptoms. A quick, accurate, and relatively inexpensive fecal test is available at SBVH. Untreated dogs have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Hospitalization and treatment do not always result in survival, and the cost of treatment is commonly thousands of dollars.
What is Canine Adenovirus type 1 and 2?
Canine adenovirus type 1 is the virus which causes infectious canine hepatitis. This infection is spread by saliva, nasal secretions, feces, urine, or blood coming into contact with the mouth of nose of a dog. The disease results in an acute infection of the liver. Symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite and painful abdomen. Bleeding disorders may also develop. Although infected dogs usually make full recoveries given time and medical support, permanent eye and kidney lesions may result. Canine adenovirus type 2 is a viral contributor to the disease known as kennel cough. Please see the tab on Kennel Cough to better understand this multifactorial disease.
What is the Parainfluenza virus?
This highly contagious virus is also a contributor to the disease known as kennel cough. Please see the tab on kennel cough to better understand this multifactorial disease.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease which is caused by Bordatella bronchiseptica (bacteria), parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2. An infection due to one or more of these organisms will usually result in a chronic honking cough which will sometimes end with a gagging response. This disease is such named because of its highly contagious nature in close quarter areas. It is quickly and efficiently spread through the air. A dog kennel, however, is not the only place the disease may be spread. Other places include grooming facilities, veterinary clinics or hospitals, or anywhere else including a house where an infected dog is in contact with an uninfected dog.
How is kennel cough diagnosed?
The diagnosis of kennel cough is usually based on the history of the patient being exposed to an infected dog or being at a facility where other dogs are present. Also clinical symptoms consistent with those described above and not being current on vaccinations are red flags. Symptoms usually occur 3-4 days after exposure. A test called a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is available to diagnose those organisms which may be present. This test uses a swab from the back of the patient’s throat. It can take as long as a week, however, to get results back and all organisms involved may not be positively identified.
How is kennel cough treated?
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and cough suppressants. Occasionally patients may need more extensive treatment if an infection results in pneumonia.
How long does the infection last?
Clinical symptoms of kennel cough may last anywhere from a few days to three weeks.
What is the best way to prevent kennel cough?
Dogs who board, go to the groomer, or spend time around other dogs frequently, should be vaccinated every 6 months.
What does Spring Branch Veterinary Hospital do to help prevent kennel cough?
Our good track record in kennel cough prevention at SBVH is due not only to practice in handling dogs suspicious for having kennel cough but also vaccination requirements for all dogs staying in the hospital. Our staff is trained in recognizing symptoms which are consistent with the infection. Patients with possible kennel cough are taken to our isolation exam room as soon as possible to minimize exposure to other patients. Also, all dogs staying for boarding, grooming, or out-patient procedures are required to be current on the bordatella and DA2PP vaccinations.
When is the Leptospirosis vaccine given to dogs?
This vaccine is given at 12 weeks and repeated again at 16 weeks. It is then given on a yearly basis.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of the kidneys and liver. It is one of two diseases we vaccinate for in which people can also be infected. Rabies is the other. Like rabies, many species of animals are carriers and potential transmitters of the disease. Animals in Comal and Bexar counties which can carry leptospirosis include but are not limited to: rats, mice, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer, cattle, pigs, horses, rabbits, and dogs. Due to this wide range of animal hosts, leptospirosis is just as important for dogs in cities as it is for those in rural areas.
How are dogs infected with leptospirosis?
Dogs are usually infected when they lick the urine from an infected animal. Infected urine can be in the soil, grass, puddles, or other water sources.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Infection results in severe liver and kidney disease causing the following symptoms: fever, lack of appetite, excessive water consumption, excessive urination, and lethargy. Leptospirosis is often fatal when untreated.
How can I help prevent leptospirosis?
In addition to staying current with the leptospirosis vaccination, preventative steps include restricting dogs from areas of stagnant water as well as areas of dense wildlife. As a general rule, it is a good idea for people to avoid contact with urine or other bodily fluids of any dog which is not feeling well, especially if they are exhibiting symptoms consistent with leptospirosis.
Cat Vaccines
When is the Rabies vaccine given?
Dogs and cats are legally required to be current on the rabies vaccination in the state of Texas. The rabies vaccine needs to be given to puppies and kittens between 12 and 16 weeks of age. The feline vaccination is then given annually. The canine vaccination is repeated within one year after the puppy vaccination, then given every three years.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is viral zoonotic disease which causes a fatal infection of the brain. Zoonotic means it is able to be spread between species. It causes an estimated 55,000 human deaths per year worldwide. Over half of these deaths are children. These deaths are mostly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with the majority of infections coming from dog bites. Any mammal may get the virus but the most common wild animal carriers in central and south Texas are skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. To see confirmed cases of rabies in Texas this year, click here.
How is a person or pet infected with Rabies?
The virus is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal. A bite wound is the most common way an infection is passed. It may also be transmitted by saliva contact with an open wound or mucous membranes (mouth, nose and eyes). When an animal is infected, there is an incubation period of days to months where the virus travels the nervous system until it eventually reaches the brain and salivary glands. During the incubation period, there are no symptoms of Rabies. Only when it reaches the brain, will there be neurologic symptoms which may or may not include hypersalivation, giving the “foaming at the mouth appearance”.
What happens when a person or pet is “infected” with Rabies?
Once the virus has finished the incubation phase and moved into the brain, there is no treatment for rabies. At this point, the virus is 100% fatal. This is why prevention through vaccinations is so vitally important as well as understanding when there may have been an exposure to the virus. People need to report all bite wounds to their physician to discuss medical attention as well as determine if post-exposure treatment for rabies is needed. When applicable, veterinary records of the animal should be sought to determine vaccination status. If your pet is bitten by an animal, we want to examine and treat the wound as well as give guidance in any rabies related matters.
Is there a test for Rabies?
There is no test that can be done on a living animal to see if the virus is present. The only test for rabies is a post-mortem examination of brain tissue. In Texas, this is done at one of the state pathology laboratories.
How do I protect people and pets from Rabies?
Keep pets up to date on the rabies vaccine. Be wary of nocturnal animals which are out and about during the daytime (ie. raccoons, skunks, bats) and report these animals to animal control. Never interact with animals of unknown vaccination histories or feral animals. If you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with the saliva one of these animals, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Misconceptions about Rabies
Contrary to popular belief, animals which transmit Rabies can appear perfectly healthy at the time a bite is inflicted. Also a bite does not have to be “severe” to transmit the virus. It only has to break the skin.
When is the FVRCP vaccination given to cats?
This vaccination for cats is similar to the DA2PP vaccination in dogs in the sense that it is a critical vaccination, especially for kittens. It should be started at 8 weeks when possible then repeated every 4 weeks until kittens are at least 16 weeks of age. After completing the kitten series and coming back the following year for this vaccination, it is given every 3 years. Adult cats without a known history of vaccinations need two vaccines approximately one year apart then they can also receive it on a 3 year basis.
What diseases are vaccinated for with a FVRCP vaccination?
The FVRCP vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.
What is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)?
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is caused by a herpesvirus which infects the upper respiratory system (nose and trachea) and the eyes of cats. As in its human counterparts, the feline herpesvirus is usually a life-long infection where symptoms come and go depending on stress, nutrition, and overall health of the patient. Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and fever are common symptoms. FVR is especially serious in young kittens where it can cause pneumonia and even death. It is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats. It is also possible to be indirectly transmitted by inanimate objects (fomites) which have recently been contaminated with the saliva, eye discharge, or nasal discharge of an infected cat. Long term L-lysine supplementation for FVR cats may be helpful in reducing the number of future relapses. FVR is also one of the few viral diseases in veterinary medicine where antiviral medications may be beneficial.
What is Feline Calicivirus?
Like the feline herpesvirus, the calicivirus is a very contagious upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include fever, sneezing, conjunctivitis, and inflammation/ulceration of the tongue and mouth. Polyarthritis (arthritis of several joints) is also a possibility. As with FVR, a more serious complication of feline calicivirus is pneumonia. This virus is transmitted through the air (sneezing), through contact with saliva, or indirectly by objects which have been contaminated with the virus (fomites).
What is Feline Panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a very deadly feline disease and is the feline version of parvovirus. As in parvovirus with dogs, this virus attacks the intestinal system leading to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and anemia (low levels of red blood cells). In addition to these symptoms, cats will have a deficiency of white blood cells making them susceptible to secondary infections. The infection is usually spread by contact with feces. Treatment is usually very costly and does not guarantee survival.
When is the Feline Leukemia vaccine given?
Kittens are extremely susceptible to the feline leukemia virus. Because of this, it is considered a core vaccination for all cats up to a year of age regardless of lifestyle. This vaccine is given at 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and one year for all cats. After this point, it is not typically given to indoor-only cats. For outdoor cats, or indoor cats which are exposed to outdoor cats, it is then given annually.
What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv)
The feline leukemia virus is of special importance with outdoor cats and cats of the feral cat population. FeLv is the most common cause of cancer in cats. It received its name because leukemia was one of the first diseases associated with the virus. Leukemia, however is only one of many diseases which this virus can cause. The virus ultimately weakens the immune system system, which increases susceptibility to infection as well as cancers. Everyday microbes which cause no problems in healthy cats, may cause life-threatening infections in an FeLv patient. FeLv is not the same virus as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) which is a similar virus. The current vaccination for FIV, however, is extremely controversial and regarded as ineffective to the FIV virus present in the United States.
What are the symptoms of FeLv?
Due to this weakening of the immune system, symptoms of FeLv vary greatly. Some general symptoms may include weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, neurologic symptoms, gum-line inflammation (gingivitis), and mouth inflammation (stomatitis). Cats may not show symptoms until after they have been infected.
How is FeLv spread to cats?
The most common way the virus is spread is through social interaction with an infected cat. The virus is primarily present in saliva and nasal secretions but may also be found in urine or feces. Indoor cats exposed to outdoor cats through window screens may be exposed to the virus.
How is FeLv diagnosed?
An in-house test called an ELISA test is available at SBVH which tests for Felv and FIV. This is an accurate, inexpensive, and quick test.
Dog Vaccines
When is the Rabies vaccine given?
Dogs and cats are legally required to be current on the rabies vaccination in the state of Texas. The rabies vaccine needs to be given to puppies and kittens between 12 and 16 weeks of age. The feline vaccination is then given annually. The canine vaccination is repeated within one year after the puppy vaccination, then given every three years.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is viral zoonotic disease which causes a fatal infection of the brain. Zoonotic means it is able to be spread between species. It causes an estimated 55,000 human deaths per year worldwide. Over half of these deaths are children. These deaths are mostly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with the majority of infections coming from dog bites. Any mammal may get the virus but the most common wild animal carriers in central and south Texas are skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. To see confirmed cases of rabies in Texas this year, click here.
How is a person or pet infected with Rabies?
The virus is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal. A bite wound is the most common way an infection is passed. It may also be transmitted by saliva contact with an open wound or mucous membranes (mouth, nose and eyes). When an animal is infected, there is an incubation period of days to months where the virus travels the nervous system until it eventually reaches the brain and salivary glands. During the incubation period, there are no symptoms of Rabies. Only when it reaches the brain, will there be neurologic symptoms which may or may not include hypersalivation, giving the “foaming at the mouth appearance”.
What happens when a person or pet is “infected” with Rabies?
Once the virus has finished the incubation phase and moved into the brain, there is no treatment for rabies. At this point, the virus is 100% fatal. This is why prevention through vaccinations is so vitally important as well as understanding when there may have been an exposure to the virus. People need to report all bite wounds to their physician to discuss medical attention as well as determine if post-exposure treatment for rabies is needed. When applicable, veterinary records of the animal should be sought to determine vaccination status. If your pet is bitten by an animal, we want to examine and treat the wound as well as give guidance in any rabies related matters.
Is there a test for Rabies?
There is no test that can be done on a living animal to see if the virus is present. The only test for rabies is a post-mortem examination of brain tissue. In Texas, this is done at one of the state pathology laboratories.
How do I protect people and pets from Rabies?
Keep pets up to date on the rabies vaccine. Be wary of nocturnal animals which are out and about during the daytime (ie. raccoons, skunks, bats) and report these animals to animal control. Never interact with animals of unknown vaccination histories or feral animals. If you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with the saliva one of these animals, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Misconceptions about Rabies
Contrary to popular belief, animals which transmit Rabies can appear perfectly healthy at the time a bite is inflicted. Also a bite does not have to be “severe” to transmit the virus. It only has to break the skin.
When is the DA2PP vaccination given to dogs?
The DA2PP vaccine is one of the most critical vaccinations for dogs, especially puppies. If possible this vaccine should be started at 6 weeks of age. It will then be given every 4 weeks until he or she is at least 16 weeks old. After your pet completes the puppy series and comes back the following year for this vaccine, it will be given every 3 years. Adult dogs without a known history of vaccinations need two vaccines approximately one year apart then they can also receive it on a 3 year basis.
What diseases are vaccinated for with a DA2PP vaccination?
The DA2PP vaccination protects dogs against distemper virus, parvovirus, canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, and parainfluenza Virus
What is the Distemper Virus?
This virus is commonly seen in puppies and younger dogs who are not current on vaccinations. It attacks the central nervous system (brain), the respiratory system, and the intestinal system. Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and death are commonly seen when dogs are infected. It is spread by airborne droplets after coughing or sneezing, contact with nasal or eye secretions, and contact with the feces or urine of infected dogs. Treatment is based on supportive care such as fluid therapy to maintain hydration and antibiotics to treat and prevent secondary infections.
What is the Parvo Virus?
“Parvo”, as it is called, is likely the most notorious and commonly known infectious disease in dogs. Of the diseases covered by DA2PP, it is the one most frequently seen at our hospital. This virus attacks the intestinal system causing diarrhea, improper absorption of nutrients, and extreme dehydration. Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite are the most commonly seen symptoms. A quick, accurate, and relatively inexpensive fecal test is available at SBVH. Untreated dogs have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Hospitalization and treatment do not always result in survival, and the cost of treatment is commonly thousands of dollars.
What is Canine Adenovirus type 1 and 2?
Canine adenovirus type 1 is the virus which causes infectious canine hepatitis. This infection is spread by saliva, nasal secretions, feces, urine, or blood coming into contact with the mouth of nose of a dog. The disease results in an acute infection of the liver. Symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite and painful abdomen. Bleeding disorders may also develop. Although infected dogs usually make full recoveries given time and medical support, permanent eye and kidney lesions may result. Canine adenovirus type 2 is a viral contributor to the disease known as kennel cough. Please see the tab on Kennel Cough to better understand this multifactorial disease.
What is the Parainfluenza virus?
This highly contagious virus is also a contributor to the disease known as kennel cough. Please see the tab on kennel cough to better understand this multifactorial disease.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease which is caused by Bordatella bronchiseptica (bacteria), parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2. An infection due to one or more of these organisms will usually result in a chronic honking cough which will sometimes end with a gagging response. This disease is such named because of its highly contagious nature in close quarter areas. It is quickly and efficiently spread through the air. A dog kennel, however, is not the only place the disease may be spread. Other places include grooming facilities, veterinary clinics or hospitals, or anywhere else including a house where an infected dog is in contact with an uninfected dog.
How is kennel cough diagnosed?
The diagnosis of kennel cough is usually based on the history of the patient being exposed to an infected dog or being at a facility where other dogs are present. Also clinical symptoms consistent with those described above and not being current on vaccinations are red flags. Symptoms usually occur 3-4 days after exposure. A test called a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is available to diagnose those organisms which may be present. This test uses a swab from the back of the patient’s throat. It can take as long as a week, however, to get results back and all organisms involved may not be positively identified.
How is kennel cough treated?
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and cough suppressants. Occasionally patients may need more extensive treatment if an infection results in pneumonia.
How long does the infection last?
Clinical symptoms of kennel cough may last anywhere from a few days to three weeks.
What is the best way to prevent kennel cough?
Dogs who board, go to the groomer, or spend time around other dogs frequently, should be vaccinated every 6 months.
What does Spring Branch Veterinary Hospital do to help prevent kennel cough?
Our good track record in kennel cough prevention at SBVH is due not only to practice in handling dogs suspicious for having kennel cough but also vaccination requirements for all dogs staying in the hospital. Our staff is trained in recognizing symptoms which are consistent with the infection. Patients with possible kennel cough are taken to our isolation exam room as soon as possible to minimize exposure to other patients. Also, all dogs staying for boarding, grooming, or out-patient procedures are required to be current on the bordatella and DA2PP vaccinations.
When is the Leptospirosis vaccine given to dogs?
This vaccine is given at 12 weeks and repeated again at 16 weeks. It is then given on a yearly basis.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of the kidneys and liver. It is one of two diseases we vaccinate for in which people can also be infected. Rabies is the other. Like rabies, many species of animals are carriers and potential transmitters of the disease. Animals in Comal and Bexar counties which can carry leptospirosis include but are not limited to: rats, mice, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer, cattle, pigs, horses, rabbits, and dogs. Due to this wide range of animal hosts, leptospirosis is just as important for dogs in cities as it is for those in rural areas.
How are dogs infected with leptospirosis?
Dogs are usually infected when they lick the urine from an infected animal. Infected urine can be in the soil, grass, puddles, or other water sources.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Infection results in severe liver and kidney disease causing the following symptoms: fever, lack of appetite, excessive water consumption, excessive urination, and lethargy. Leptospirosis is often fatal when untreated.
How can I help prevent leptospirosis?
In addition to staying current with the leptospirosis vaccination, preventative steps include restricting dogs from areas of stagnant water as well as areas of dense wildlife. As a general rule, it is a good idea for people to avoid contact with urine or other bodily fluids of any dog which is not feeling well, especially if they are exhibiting symptoms consistent with leptospirosis.
