Vaccinations provide protection against certain diseases. In this
way they prevent disease, and prevention is always better than cure.
Canines (Dogs)
For dogs, we recommend the C5 vaccine, which protects against the
Canine Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo viruses but also Parainfluenza
and Bordetella, the major components of Canine Cough (also known as
Kennel Cough).
Recent innovations in the way vaccines can be given have allowed us
to give C5 vaccines to dogs 10 weeks old and over, protecting them
for 12 months.
We have recently swapped to a vaccine in which some components only need to be given every 3 year. Your dog will still need to be vaccinated anually but only for some of the components. This stops your pet from being over vaccinated and saves you money too! Remember that the annual health check which is performed prior to the vaccine is as important as the vaccination its self.
Viral infections cannot be treated by current drugs, so vaccination
is the best way to provide immunity.
Felines (Cats)
For cats there are also several vaccines available. The most
commonly given vaccination is called the F3. This provides
protection against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline
parvovirus. The feline herpes and caliciviruses are major causes of
respiratory disease and are commonly called 'cat flu'.
Kittens receiving their first vaccinations at 8 weeks of age require
2 further boosters 4 weeks apart. This booster system is to ensure a
full 12 months protection when they reach adulthood. Adult cats that
have never had vaccinations or are majorly over due require 1
booster, 4 weeks after the initial dose.
There is also a vaccine available against FIV ( Feline Aids)
This viral infection causes an immunosupressive disease similar to AIDS in man. It is spread
by close contact with infected cats and vaccination is recommended
for those cats that roam and are in multiple cat households.
Rabbits
Rabbits should be vaccinated annually against calici virus (haemorrhagic viral disease). Kits should be vaccinated from 10-12 weeks of age. There is no vaccination against myxomatosis available in Australia
For
more information about any of these diseases or vaccines, please ask our staff.
All of the diseases mentioned are specific to cats, dogs and rabbits; there
is no crossover to humans (people are not affected by these
viruses).
