canine vaccinations
We vaccinate against a selected set of diseases in order to prevent these very diseases.
In Dr. Wayne’s almost 4 decades of practice, he used to see and treat a bunch of the diseases that we now vaccinate against. That is, he used to see dogs and cats become ill & die (some survived) from many of the diseases which are now virtually 100% preventable - because of vaccines. Absolutely incredible! Preventive medicine at its finest.
CANINE DISEASES:
Canine Distemper - This highly contagious viral disease is found wherever dogs are found. It affects the respiratory & nervous systems, and it is typically fatal. Dogs of all ages are highly susceptible. Vaccination is highly effective.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Hepatitis) & Canine Adenovirus Respiratory Disease (Kennel Cough) - This is a bit complex. These are 2 different diseases (Hepatitis and Kennel Cough), and they are caused by 2 different viruses. However, we protect/prevent/vaccinate against both diseases by using only one viral vaccine. This vaccine is called CAV-2 (canine adenovirus type 2 vaccine). Both diseases are problematic, and both respond well to vaccination.
Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough) – Kennel cough (aka infectious canine tracheobronchitis - ITB) is a complex of respiratory diseases caused by a number of different viruses, bacteria, & mycoplasma. Parainfluenza, along with Bordetella, is an important component of kennel cough, particularly in high-density environments (shelters, kennels, rescue groups, & dog/puppy day care operations). This cause of Kennel Cough is viral, and infection can be severe in puppies.
Canine Parvovirus - This contagious viral disease usually causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, and often death, in dogs of all ages. It can be fatal in puppies.
Borreliosis (Lyme Disease) – Lyme Disease is a bacterial (spirochete) infection, and it is spread primarily by the painless bite of an infected tick (Ixodes ticks) Symptoms of Borreliosis in the dog include fever, lethargy, muscle stiffness, depression and lack of appetite. In more severe cases, lameness occurs as a result of severe musculoskeletal or arthritic type joint pain. The disease is named after a town in Connecticut called Old Lyme. The bacteria is named after a veterinarian (Dr. Willy Burghdorf) who did a lot of work with the cause of the disease.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Kennel Cough (aka infectious canine tracheobronchitis - ITB) is a complex of respiratory diseases caused by a number of different viruses, bacteria, & mycoplamsa. Bordetella, along with Parainfluenza, is an important component of kennel cough, particularly in high-density environments (shelters, kennels, rescue groups, & dog/puppy day care operations). This cause of Kennel Cough is bacterial, and infection can be severe in puppies.
Rabies - Most people know something about rabies. It is a terrible and worldwide disease. Few Americans realize that about 40,000 people die yearly from rabies in Asia. After an animal bite, the rabies virus travels along the nerves to the brain, where it does its damage. It is virtually always fatal (although a few people have lived). Most people in the U.S. are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals - particularly skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxed. We here in New Jersey must be wary of unvaccinated feral cats with rabies. Vaccination of all dogs and cats is the most effective means of control.