Core vaccinations for cats includes —
1. Feline Panleukopenia Virus: A highly contagious viral diseases of cats caused by feline parvovirus that affects rapidly growing and dividing cells such as those in the bone marrow, intestines and developing fetus. Cats commonly present with diarrhea.
2. Feline Herpes Virus: A contagious viral disease of cats causing symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and drooling. It can also result in eye infections. If left untreated, this disease can cause dehydration, refusal to eat and can progress to pneumonia. Once cats are infected, they can remain carriers for life. These cats serve as a source of infection for other cats and will develop signs of the illness when stressed.
3. Feline Calicivirus: A contagious viral disease that has similar respiratory symptoms to feline herpes virus and can cause ulcers in the mouth.
4. Feline Chlamydia: A contagious bacterial disease that causes chronic respiratory infection resulting in similar signs to feline herpes virus.
Core vaccinations for dogs includes —
1. Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious and life-threatening disease that can affect all dogs, especially puppies. The virus affects rapidly growing and dividing cells such as those in the bone marrow, intestines and developing fetus. It is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces especially in common toileting grounds. Signs include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody. Rapid dehydration and shock sets in quicky and most deaths occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of signs.
2. Canine Distemper Virus: A serious highly contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system of puppies and dogs. Signs include discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, decreased appetite and vomiting. When the nervous system is affected, they can develop circling behaviour, head tilt, muscle twitches, convulsions and paralysis. Distemper is often fatal and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.
3. Infectious Canine Hepatitis: A contagious virus that causes severe liver disease that can lead to liver failure and death.
4. Canine parainfluenza: A contagious respiratory virus that causes coughing and fever.
5. Leptospirosis: A contagious bacterial disease that causes serious damage to kidney and liver. This may be fatal in severe cases. The disease can also be transmitted to humans.
Optional vaccinations may be recommended depending on your pet’s risk factors. —
1. Kennel Cough Vaccination (Bordetellabronchiseptica): A contagious bacteria that causes respiratory tract infection. Your dog is at a higher risk if there is close association with other dogs. Such as those who go to day care, boarding facility, dog park, dog beaches etc. Respiratory tract signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, fever and pneumonia can develop.
2. Canine Influenza Vaccination: A contagious virus that causes respiratory tract infection. Your dog is at a higher risk if there is close association with other dogs. This virus is air-borne and can also spread via contaminated objects or surfaces. It causes similar respiratory tract signs as Kennel Cough.