In this issue, we
wanted to dedicate our time to explain the different types
of dog vaccines. Don't miss cats and kittens; next month
we will talk about cat vac- cines. Cat owners, please take time
to read
the "Around the Clinic" section found to the left in this
news- letter. We have a new cat vaccine.
Every year, per owners bring their dogs
to the vet for vaccinations; however, many people don't
fully understand what their dog is get- ting vaccinated
against. We vaccinate dogs against the following
diseases: Rabies, DHP- CPV, and Bordetella
bronchiseptica (KC). Most people have heard or know
about rabies, so we want to devote this time to
explaining the other vaccines. Please keep in mind that
these diseases can be fatal.
DHP-CPV stands for
Distemper Hepatitis Parainfluenza and Ca- nine Parvovirus.
Canine Distemper is a conta- gious virus that affects dogs,
coyotes, wolves, raccoons, mink and ferrets. It is spread
through the air and by contaminated objects (bowls, toys,
etc.). There are two types of the disease: mild and
severe. The mild form causes lethargy, loss of appetite,
nasal dis- charge, and coughing.
The severe form can cause
diarrhea, dehy-
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dration, vomiting
and seizures, along with
the signs of the mild form. Dogs that recover from the
virus can be left with involuntary muscle or limb
jerking and/or periodic convulsions.
Canine Hepatitis is
an adenovirus that pri- marily affects the livers of the
dog and fox; however, the lymph nodes, kidneys, eyes
and other organs can be affected. This virus is spread
through the urine of infected ani- mals and the animal can
shed it for six to nine months. It can cause fever,
loss of appetite, increased thirst, tonsil- litis, lethargy,
vomiting, diarrhea, and reddening of the lining of the mouth,
throat, and eyelids. IF the dog recovers, after a couple
of weeks, the eyes may develop a bluish hue to them.
Parainfluenza is a con- tagious virus
that af- fects the upper respi- ratory tract. It causes
a harsh, sneezing, dry cough, and mucous nasal discharge.
This virus is airborne and can spread rapidly.
Parainfluenza has simi- lar signs as Bordetella
bronchiseptica, but Paranifluenza is spread by a
virus, while Borde- tella bronchiseptica is spread
by a bacterium.
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
is a contagious virus that affects the rapidly growing cells
such as the lining of the intestine and bone
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marrow. The
virus des- troys the intestinal lining, rendering the body
unable to absorb any type of nutrients or water. When
the bone marrow is affected, part of the body's im- mune
defense is inhi- bited. Early signs of CPV are lethargy,
fol- lowed by vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration.
The virus is shed in the vomitus, saliva, and feces of
infected dogs. A reco- vered dog can still shed the virus
for a short time, but the thing to remember is that this
virus can survive in the environment for a long time
(months). An infected dog can ex- pose an area of a park
or your yard if it defe- cates there.
Bordetella bronchi- septica (AKA
Kennel Cough or KC) is a conta- gious bacterium. KC is
very similar to whoop- ing cough in children. It causes
the dog to have a harsh dry cough and nasal discharge.
Gag- ging and coughing up foamy mucus can follow the
coughing. This air- borne disease spreads rapidly from
one dog to another. It can spread quickly in a kennel
or boarding situation.
Please remember, puppy owners, not to take
your puppy to the park or anywhere other dogs have been,
until they are fully vacci- nated. Puppies need a series
of boosters to be protected against these viruses. Once vacci-
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