Vaccination Descriptions

Canine Vaccinations

Bordetella

Bordetella is also one of the three most common causes of Canine Upper Respiratory Disease Complex, known as "Kennel Cough." Symptoms include a harsh, dry cough, aggravated by activity or excitement. The cough is followed by retching or gagging in an attempt to clear small amounts of mucous from the throat. Body temperatures may be elevated as secondary bacterial infection takes place. Pnuemonia can result from this infection and it is highly contagious. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs that encounter at least one other dog routinely. This would include dogs that go on walks around the neighborhood, go to dog parks or get boarded sometimes.

Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper (CD) is caused by a virus closely related to the human measle virus. It is considered the most serious viral disease of dogs in the world. Approximately 50% of nonvaccinated, nonimmunized dogs infected with CD virus develop clinical signs of the disease and approximately 90% of those dogs infected with CD die. All the bodily secretions of an infected animal contain the virus, it is highly contagious, and it is primarily spread by an airborne route. Early clinical signs include anorexia, diarrhea, and dehydration. As the disease progresses, fever, depression, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea may be observed accompanied by signs of respiratory distress. Coughing, labored breathing, inflammation of tissues around the eyes and nose and a severe nasal discharge may occur. If dogs recover from Distemper they often have lifelong complications. All dogs should be vaccinated against Canine Distemper Virus.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus causes diarrhea and may make fatality from Parvovirus more likely if the infections occur concurrently. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs.

Hepatitis (Adenovirus Type 2 )

This virus causes hepatitis or liver disease in dogs that can be quite serious. Vaccination is recommended for every dog.

Leptospirosis

This is actually a bacterial disease, so the protective "vaccination" is actually a "bacterin". In North Carolina this disease is not common. Also, it is thought to be the most common cause of vaccine reactions. For this reason, we do not typically vaccinate for this disease. However, if North Carolina starts to become more endemic with this disease, vaccination will be recommended beginning at 7 weeks of age and continuing every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Thereafter annual boosters will be recommended.

Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Infected dogs typically develop upper respiratory signs and can develop pneumonia. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the present time. It is much more common in puppies than it is in adult dogs. After infection the virus attacks the lining of the stomach and intestines causing severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Vaccination is recommended for every dog.

Rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic (can be spread to humans) virus that is almost 100% fatal. It is easily transmitted from any warm blooded animal that is infected. Vaccination is required by the state of NC.

Feline Vaccinations

Calicivirus

This virus also causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. It can become chronic. Affected cats may have persistent gum disease or chronically recurring upper respiratory disease. This vaccination is recommended for all cats. It is highly contagious.

Chlamydiosis

This is a bacterial respiratory disease of cats. Vaccination is recommended in most instances as the respiratory component can cause severe disease.

Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a fatal disease that can be spread easily from mother cat to kitten and also through contact with other cats harboring the disease. FeLV can cause a wide variety of problems ranging from weight loss, respiratory infections, diarrhea, vomiting, neurologic deficits and severe eye disease. Testing for the disease is recommended prior to vaccination.

Panleukopenia (Distemper)

Panleukopenia is the cat disease most often referred to as "Distemper" in this species. It is a deadly disease. Fortunately, it is not a very common disease as vaccination against it is very successful. This virus does not require direct contact for transmission and is included in the series of recommended vaccinations for allcats whether they are indoors or outdoors.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal neurologic disease that is zoonotic (capable of spread to humans). HBAH follows NC law recommendations of annual vaccination for cats.

Rhinotracheitis

Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpes virus. It causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. Chronically, it can be the cause of persistent eye irritation and corneal disease (cloudiness or blood vessel infiltration in the clear part of the eye). Due to the potentially chronic nature of this disease it is also recommended for all cats.