VACCINATING YOUR PETS!

Vaccinations have long been a controversial topic, but unquestionably they have reduced the instances of severe and fatal diseases in humans, farm animals and pets.

Annual vaccinations of pet cats and dogs are essential to maintain immunity to many highly contagious diseases that could affect your pet. The annual vaccination visit to your vet includes a physical examination which can show up health problems in the early stages and can improve the outcome of an illness. It is also a good time to ask any questions about parasite control, behavioural issues and pet dieting!

CAT VACCINES

The feline vaccines can be administered as a course to kittens from 9 weeks of age and annually thereafter. Historically these included the ‘cat flu’ viruses and feline panleukopaenia. Cat flu is a highly contagious disease which causes severe clinical signs of anorexia, nasal discharge and sneezing, which can lead to pnuemonia, and if the cat survives, it can lead to a life long carrier state and recurrent episodes of flu. Feline leukaemia is a fatal contagious disease passed on between cats by close contact for which there is no cure. Younger cats are more at risk and infected cats often die before 5 years of age but this can be prevented by annual vaccination along with cat flu.

DOG VACCINES

Dog vaccinations are given as a two injection course from 6 weeks of age and thereafter on an annual basis. The canine vaccines protect against many diseases including Parvo, Distemper, Infectious hepatitis, influenza and leptospirosis (Weils disease). These diseases caused widespread animal suffering in the late 1970’s and 1980’s but are now less commonly seen in veterinary practice today thanks to effective vaccination campaigns.

PARVO VIRUS OUTBREAK WARNING!

The deadly disease caused by Parvo virus is making a come back nationally and a number of new cases have been diagnosed by veterinary surgeons in the Bath area. The virus attacks the lining of the bowel, bone marrow and sometimes the heart and it is often fatal but in those dogs that survive, treatment can be lengthy and expensive. Owners of dogs who are not vaccinated or whose vaccinations have lapsed are urged to contact their veterinary surgeon for advice without delay!

VACCINE SAFETY

There have been many reports in the press concerning the safety of human and animal vaccines but many of these are unfounded and are not backed by scientific research. However, any vaccine can cause an adverse reaction, from a localised swelling at the injection site to blood disorders and allergic reactions. These reactions are thankfully extremely rare, are usually much less severe than contracting the actual disease and the benefit to the whole animal population far outweighs the risks. Indeed, many forward thinking vet practices have recently reduced the number of vaccinations given to dogs to an absolute minimum by only vaccinating against parvo, distemper and hepatitis using a vaccine licensed for use every three years. It is important to note that leptospirosis vaccine must still be given annually as the immunity to this is very short lived! Also it is important to be aware that vaccinations are a requirement of the pet passport scheme and not vaccinating may affect your pet insurance.

In summary vaccination represents one of the greatest advances in veterinary medicine in tackling serious, fatal diseases for which there is often no cure.