Pet Care

Kennel Cough
Parvo Facts
Spaying & Neutering

Vaccination Schedule

This is just one veterinarian’s general schedule of vaccinations for puppies. Your veterinarian’s may be different.

  • 6 to 7 weeks of age: Give first combination vaccine. (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
  • 10 weeks of age: Give second combination vaccine.
  • 14 weeks of age: Give the third combination injection.
  • 18 weeks of age: Give the last combination vaccine.

12 to 16 weeks of age: Rabies vaccine is given. (Local and State laws apply regarding Rabies vaccine since this can be a human disease, too. Your veterinarian will tell you the proper time intervals for booster vaccines for Rabies.)

Multivalent vaccines are those that have more than one disease antigen combined into one injection. A typical multivalent vaccine is the DHPP vaccine for dogs. Instead of giving five different injections, all these “vaccines” or antigens can be given in a single small volume injection. Certainly this is easier on the dog than getting five separate injections.

DHLPP stands for:

D… Canine Distemper Virus… a dangerous viral infection. “Distemper” is an odd name for a viral infection and this disease has no relationship to nor connection with a dog’s temperament.
H… Hepatitis…a viral infection caused by two related viruses that mainly affects the liver.
L… Leptospirosis… a bacterial infection affecting the kidneys. This class of bacteria can infect humans, cows, dogs, pigs and other mammals.
P… Parainfluenza… a virus that along with the Hepatitis virus can cause upper respiratory infections.
P… Parvovirus… a severe and often fatal virus affecting the lining of the intestinal tract.

Kennel Cough

WHAT IS IT?

Kennel cough is a bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” It is analogous to a chest cold for humans and is only a serious condition in special circumstances (see below); in general, it resolves on its own..

HOW INFECTION OCCURS?

The normal respiratory tract has substantial safeguards against invading infectious agents. The most important of these is probably what is called the “mucociliary escalator.” This safeguard consists of tiny hairlike structures called cilia, which protrude from the cells lining the respiratory tract, and a coat of mucus over them. The cilia beat in a coordinated fashion. Debris, including infectious agents, get trapped in the sticky mucus and the cilia move the mucus upward towards the throat where the collection of debris and mucus may be coughed up and/or swallowed.
The mucociliary escalator is damaged by the following:

  • Shipping stress
  • Infectious agents (viruses such as reovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and even the distemper virus can be initiating infections)
  • Cold temperature
  • Poor ventilation

Without this protective mechanism, invading bacteria, especially Bordetella bronchiseptica may simply march down the airways unimpeded.

Bordetella bronchiseptica has some tricks of its own as well:

  • It is able to bind directly to cilia, rendering them unable to move within 3 hours of contact.
  • It secretes substances that disable the immune cells normally responsible for consuming & destroying bacteria

Because it is common for Bordetella to be accompanied by at least one other infections agent (such as one of the viruses listed above), “Kennel Cough” is actually a complex of infections, rather than infection by one agent.

Classically, dogs get infected when they are kept in a (i.e. a boarding kennel, vaccination clinic, obedience class, local park, animal shelter, animal hospital waiting room, or grooming parlor). In reality, most causes of coughing that begin acutely in the dog are due to infectious causes and usually represent some form of Kennel Cough.

THE INCUBATION PERIOD IS 2 – 14 DAYS, HOW CONTAGIOUS IS IT?

Bordetella infection can be picked up by rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, cats (if they are very young and housed in groups), and other dogs. It is not contagious to humans though it is closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the agent of Whooping Cough. Among dogs it is fairly contagious depending on stress level, vaccination status, and exposure to minor viruses. Our hospital recommends keeping all dogs current on their Bordetella vaccinations as you never know when they be in an unexpected situation

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Although most cases will go away on their own, we like to think we can hasten recovery with antibiotics to directly kill the Bordetella organism. Alternatively, Kennel Cough may be treated with cough suppressants to provide comfort during natural recovery. Or antibiotics and cough suppressants can be combined.

Canine Parvovirus

WHAT IS IT?

Canine Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs that was first reported in early 1978. Parvovirus is capable of causing two different sets of clinical problems. The first to be recognized, and most common, is the “intestinal” form which is manifested by diarrhea; often bloody vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, fever, and sometimes death. The second syndrome, the “cardiac” form, occurs in very young pups and is manifested by an acute inflammation of the heart muscle.

Any age, breed or sex of dog could be affected by Parvovirus. However, infection with Parvovirus does not automatically mean illness. Several factors such as age, environment, stress, parasites and general health status of each individual dog infected could affect the severity of illness. The degree of illness could range from very mild and not apparent, to very severe, often resulting in death. The disease is usually more severe in young dogs (less than 6 months of age) or old dogs.

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

Experts agree that canine Parvovirus is closely related to Parvoviruses that affect other animals. Where the virus originally came from remains unknown, but it is possible that it is a mutant from another Parvovirus that affects other species of animals. Man is not known to be affected by canine Parvovirus. Since its first appearance in 1978, canine Parvovirus has spread to every continent in the world, probably the result of the hardy nature of the virus. It is resistant to extremes of temperature (i.e., it survives freezing and extreme heat) and is unharmed by detergents, alcohol and common disinfectants. Direct transmission occurs when an infected dog comes in contact with a healthy dog. The virus is found in heavy concentration in the infected dog’s stool. The virus particles can be easily spread on shoes, clothing and other inanimate objects. Fleas, as well as people, can therefore act as indirect sources of infection. Once it gets a foothold in a kennel, it is difficult to eliminate.

Oral Phase:

The disease process begins with the oral ingestion of Parvovirus from the feces of an infected dog. The virus initially invades the lymph glands of the throat (lymph nodes and tonsils) where it multiplies. Following multiplication in the lymph glands for l to 2 days, the virus then enters the blood stream which causes the VIREMIA phase (virus in the blood).

Viremia Phase:

This phase is characterized by massive amounts of virus in the dog’s bloodstream, which in turn is spread to all parts of the body, such as, the intestine, bone marrow, spleen, other lymph nodes and the heart (in young pups less than 8 weeks of age). As infection spreads, the symptoms of illness become apparent. (See “symptoms” in next section). The Viremia phase can last for approximately l to 9 days.

Contagious Stage:

The final phase in the cycle is the contagious or “shedding” phase. As many as 30 billion Parvovirus particles can be shed from the intestines of an infected dog in every ounce of stool. The highest concentration of virus in the stool is seen when the infected dog is showing signs of illness. A dog can, however, be a source of infection to other dogs without having observable signs of illness. Transmission can occur for at least 3 weeks after a dog becomes infected with the virus. Chronic “carriers” are not know to exist as in other virus disease. Parvovirus in the environment can infect susceptible dogs for many months once shed in the stool.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms below indicate a problem warranting medical attention. Early, vigorous treatment of illness caused by canine Parvovirus infection is imperative since vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and chemical imbalance in the body. If your dog shows these signs, see your veterinarian. Early treatment can save lives. Intestinal Form (any age dog affected, but more severe in puppies).

  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever (above 103 degrees F)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea with or without blood (more serious if blood present)
  • Low white blood count

How is it controlled?

Control of Parvovirus by sanitation measures alone extremely difficult because the virus is such a resistant, hardy organism and because it is so easily spread. Contact with other dogs and especially their stool, should be minimized. Clorox diluted one part to 30 parts with water has been effective in disinfecting inanimate objects such as clothing, floors, kennels, etc. However, it is impractical, if not impossible, to disinfect public streets, parts, etc. Isolation of infected dogs is another method of control, although moderately effective. Both of these measures will help reduce the amount of contagious virus in the environment, but only vaccination will control the actual source of infection, the contagious shedding dog.

Vaccination is the most effective control measure for canine Parvovirus disease. A properly immunized dog will have circulating antibodies in the blood that will destroy Parvovirus following exposure.

THE ROLE OF MATERNAL ANTIBODY IN PUPPY IMMUNIZATION

Maternal antibodies are antibodies against Parvovirus which are passed from the mother to the puppies through the “first milk” or colostrum. They provide the puppy with an immediate temporary or “passive” immunity. The mother obtains these antibodies from prior vaccination or by natural exposure to Parvovirus. However, maternal antibody is a two-edged sword; it protects the puppy against disease early in life, but it also blocks active immunization. In the case of Parvovirus, maternal antibody can interfere with vaccination for as long as 14 to 16 weeks of age in some pups. A refractory period can exist in some pups where very low, almost undetectable levels of maternal antibody will inhibit the vaccination process but will not prevent Parvovirus infection. Since the level of maternal antibody varies from puppy to puppy, it is important to begin vaccination at an early age and repeat every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 – 18 weeks old.

Facts you should know about Parvo Virus:

  1. It is contagious to dogs only – not cats or people.
  2. Signs include vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea with a very foul odor.
  3. The virus sometimes may attack the HEART muscle causing myocarditis (inflammation). This may occur for up to 3-6 weeks after apparent recovery from the intestinal form of the disease.
  4. This “heart” form is ALWAYS FATAL!
  5. The YOUNGER the dog, the GREATER the chance it will NOT recover.
  6. Dogs that recover from Parvo are often weak, making them even more susceptible to other diseases, such as DISTEMPER.
  7. The virus is transmitted through the FECES of an infected dog. It can be carried on dog’s hair and feet as well as live on contaminated rugs, bedding, shoes, and other objects.
  8. The most effective disinfectant is 4 oz. Clorox in l gallon of water.
  9. Dogs that recover from Parvo continue to spread the virus in the feces for a month or longer. (Carriers).
  10. Dogs remain HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE to Parvo until after the LAST injection of the immunization series.
  11. Death from Parvo Virus results from:
    1. Dehydration
    2. Overwhelming bacterial infection resulting from the pet’s lowered resistance
    3. Blood loss from internal hemorrhage
    4. Heart attack from invasion of the heart muscle by the virus
  12. Treatment is aimed at maintaining the normal body composition and preventing secondary bacterial infection. We have NO CURE for any animal virus, just as there is NO CURE for any human virus.
  13. The body normally is about 80% water. Life is NOT possible when 12-15 % of the normal body fluids are lost. With Parvo Virus, the pet often quickly becomes dehydrated from the vomiting, diarrhea, and inability to consume fluids. This is the reason fluid therapy is so important in Parvo Virus Therapy.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING INFORMATION

What Do the Terms “Spaying” and “Neutering” Mean?

“Spaying” and “neutering” are surgical procedures used to prevent pets from reproducing. In a female animal, “spaying” consists of removing the uterus and ovaries. The technical term is ovario-hysterectomy. For a male animal, “neutering” involves the removal of the testicles, and this is known as castration.

Does It Hurt?

As the surgery is done under a general anesthetic it is painless. The operation for both males and for females is straightforward and low risk. Recovery is usually uneventful. The worst your pet might experience is some discomfort for a short time after the operation.

When Should It Be Done?

The usual recommendation is at 6 to 7 months for both cats and dogs. Your veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best time for your pet.

Shouldn’t A Female Pet Have One Litter First?

Allowing a female dog or cat to produce a litter does not have any benefits. There are health risks to the mother during the pregnancy and when giving birth.

Will My Pet Become Fat and Lazy Once He or She is Sterilized?

No. Your pet will actually benefit from spaying or neutering, because he or she will lead a healthier and longer life. Pets become fat and lazy as a result of overeating and a lack of exercise, not from spaying or neutering. Furthermore, spaying a female eliminates the possibility of her developing uterine and/or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the chance of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the incidence of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.

Will It Change My Pet’s Personality?

Generally not. For a female there is virtually no change at all. For males it usually results in a diminishing of some aggressive behaviours. Spayed/neutered pets are free from sexual anxiety and are, therefore, calmer and more content to stay at home. Also, if you have more than one pet, you will find they get along much better if they are all spayed or neutered.

What is It Going To Cost To Spay/Neuter My Pet?

The cost of spaying or neutering your pet depends on many factors. For example, a large dog will cost more than a small dog; if your pet is overweight or in season this can also add to the cost. Contact your veterinarian to get a more accurate idea of the costs involved for your pet. The cost of spaying/neutering is really quite small when compared, for example, to what you will spend on food for your pet over its lifetime.