08/06/2013
Diseases that can be prevented with vaccines......*Rabies is a potentially deadly and highly contagious disease, dangerous to humans as well as dogs. Though it's rare in North America and the canine-specific version has recently been eradicated from the U.S., rabies is still a vicious malady that infects many mammals in the wild--and they can bite and infect your unvaccinated dog. Your puppy's first vaccination will come when she is three to four months old; annual boosters are required.......Canine distemper was a major killer of canines in the past; now it is common only in rescue shelters and pet stores. But it's still widely seen in the wild, so it is always a risk. Distemper is devastating disease that can wreck a dog's health, especially its nervous system. A potentially fatal virus, it most often seen in young dogs--though it can occur at any age. It is the "D" in the DHLPP vaccine, which is usually given six to eight weeks after birth........*Canine parvovirus is one of the most common and hardest-to-kill viruses in the world, and every species has its unique version. Eighty percent fatal, it is a tough virus that can survive on objects, such as furniture, for some time. And it can kill in a matter of days. Maternal antibodies interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness early on, and there's often a window of vulnerability, different for every puppy, that falls between the end of the period of genetic immunity and the beginning of the vaccine's protection. Only a vet can determine how early and how often your dog may need this vaccine........*Canine leptospirosis is actually a bacterium--a spirochete, if you want to get technical about it--that can infect humans as well as dogs. The spiral-shaped parasite replicates in various organs and interferes with proper function; when it's in full bloom, it can cause chronic kidney and liver failure and even death. An annual booster is necessary, and, in some high-risk regions, a booster every six months is required. Check with your vet about how often your dog should receive this vaccine. (This is the "L" in the DHLPP injection.)>>>>Canine adenovirus/Viral hepatitis is a blood disease that adversely affects the liver. Initially, the virus affects the tonsils and larynx, causing a sore throat, coughing, and occasionally pneumonia. As it enters the bloodstream, it can affect the eyes, liver, and kidneys. The cornea--the clear portion of the eyes--can appear cloudy or bluish, a condition that vets call "hepatitis blue eye." As serious as it is, canine adenovirus shouldn't be confused with human hepatitis. This particular bug can't pass to human beings. It is the "H" in DHLPP and requires yearly boosters......Canine parainfluenza is another respiratory tract infection that's highly contagious but relatively mild and self-limiting (usually five to 10 days). Usually transmitted by the nasal secretions of infected dogs, it can produce a persistent cough and lead to even more persistent bronchitis. Though it's not terribly dangerous in itself, parainfluenza can open the door to other opportunistic infections and respiratory problems; that's why the vaccine is a standard part of the DHLPP vaccine (the last "P").......nfectious tracheobronchitis ("Kennel cough") is a complex of viruses that can cause a harsh, hacking cough, sounding very much like a chest cold in humans. It is most commonly spread in kennels or other group situations, and is only a serious condition if your dog is very old, very young, or has an immune system that is already compromised by other illnesses or parasites. It usually resolves itself on its own, but it can be avoided entirely with regular vaccinations. Many kennels or boarding facilities require a current immunization before they'll let your dog in the door.........Canine coronavirus is almost as prevalent as parvo, and nearly as dangerous. Its effects can range from the equivalent of a bad flu to terminal illness. Most veterinarians now include it in their vaccination programs, giving it in tandem with the DHLPP vaccine (sometimes you'll see it referred to as "DHLPP+C").
