Distemper
The disease distemper, is caused by a virus.
It invades most of the major organs, including the liver and the brain.
It is vital that all dogs are vaccinated for this disease as it is very difficult to treat when contracted. Most dogs do nor survive.
Vaccination can prevent the disease completely.
Infections in older vaccinated dogs can cause a kennel cough like disease. |
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by two strains of the same bacterium. The human version of this disease is called WIELL'S disease
The bacteria can cause severe, often life threatening liver and kidney damage.
It may be caught by humans and can be found in soil and stagnant water. Rats are commonly carriers of this disease, they spread the bacteria via their urine.
Vaccination effectively prevents this disease but requires yearly boosters. Keeping your dog away from dirty water and controlling rats can help to protect your pet. |
Parvovirus
This virus is particularly dangerous to young dogs. The virus causes a very severe bloody diarrhoea (dysentery). The infected dog may become fatally dehydrated.
Survival if non-vaccinated may be less than 40%; vaccinated is over 95%
A dog very sick with parvovirus
Corona Virus
This is a virus causing vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, anorexia and occasionally fever. It is especially important for the protection of puppies as it can be fatal to them.
Parainfluenza
This virus is similar to the human common cold virus. In itself it is often not very dangerous however infected animals become very prone to secondary infections which often lead to severe respiratory infections. Dogs with this disease have coughs, sudden nasal discharge and a fever.
Vaccination greatly reduces the chance of catching this harmful virus and the potentially dangerous consequences.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis- ICH
Infection in non-vaccinated dogs causes severe liver damage with signs such as fever, vomiting, multiple bruising, jaundice and , if untreated, death.
Vaccination is extremely effective.
Infections in older vaccinated dogs can cause a kennel cough like disease. |
'Kennel cough' or canine infectious bronchitis.
There are many causes of kennel cough (some of which have already been mentioned above). This disease is dangerous as the initial infection will often allow the invasion of more dangerous bacteria. By far the most common cause is from a bacterium called Borditella bronchiseptica. This bacteria causes Whooping cough in children.
The 'Kennel cough' vaccine is based on this organism.
The vaccine is made from parts of this bacterium and therefore needs boosters. These are required every 6 months. It is unusual in that it is given directly into the nose. This route means that protection starts within only as few days, full protection being obtained within 3 weeks. It is such a quick acting vaccine that it is often possible to use it in the face of an infection. An example of how this would be useful would be if your neighbours dog develops the disease.
Kennel cough is rarely fatal but is very distressing for dog and owner. A number of dogs will develop dangerous complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Young dogs, elderly dogs, dogs with chronic disease problems especially heart of chest problems are particularly at risk of kennel cough. However any dog can get kennel cough, we recommend vaccinating prior to kennels or other situations where you will meet lots of other dogs.
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