Vaccines FYI

Vaccines FYI

Here we provide some amplifying information about the vaccines in general, why they are used, and with what frequency they are administered.

DAPP -

Description: DAPP is a collection of 4 canine vaccines for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.  These are commonly referred to as the core vaccines for canines. 

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs.  Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal.  The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment.  Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.  Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.  Vaccination is crucial in preventing canine distemper.

Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is considered a core vaccine, primarily because it is necessary for the prevention of canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) (against which it cross-protects), the cause of infectious canine hepatitis, historically recognized as a severe and often fatal disease of canids.  Although uncommon, sporadic cases of CAV-1 infection are still reported.  CAV-2 can also cause tracheobronchitis and is part of the canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex.

Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough.  Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that commonly causes acute gastrointestinal illness in puppies.  The disease most often strikes in pups between six and 20 weeks old, but older animals are sometimes also affected.  A rare variant of the disease may be seen in very young (neonatal) puppies is myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle). This disease is often fatal but can be prevented with vaccination.

How Often Administered: DAPP should be administered once every 3 years in adult dogs.

FVRCP -

Description: FVRCP is a collection of 3 feline vaccines for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.  These are commonly referred to as the core vaccines for felines.

Feline Rhinotracheitis also known as herpesvirus infection, is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1).  As with other herpes viruses, the virus is very species-specific and is only known to cause infections in domestic and wild cats.  The virus can infect cats of all ages.  FVR is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye, especially the lining of the lids and the third eyelid).

Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that causes a mild to severe respiratory infection and oral disease in cats.  It is especially common in shelters and breeding colonies, and often infects young cats.  Most cats recover completely after a calicivirus infection, but rare strains can be especially deadly.  The virus poses no threat to humans.

Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus.  Kittens are most severely affected by the virus.  The names feline distemper and feline parvo should not be confused with canine distemper or canine parvo— although their names are similar, they are caused by different viruses.  The viruses do not infect people. The feline parvovirus infects and kills cells that are rapidly growing and dividing, such as those in the bone marrow, intestines, and the developing fetus.

How Often Administered: FVRCP should be administered once every 3 years in adult cats.

Bordetella -

Description: Bordetella is a vaccine (ours is administered orally) for both cats and dogs for what is commonly referred to as Kennel Cough.  Bordetella (also referred to as tracheobronchitis, canine cough in dogs, and feline bordetellosis in cats) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in cats and dogs caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica.  It causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.  Most facilities such as boarding kennels, play groups, and group training require that your pet have the Bordetella vaccine in order to use their services.

How Often Administered: Bordetella vaccine should be administered once every 6 to 12 months.

Leptospirosis -

Description: Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria.  These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water.  There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease.  Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people.  Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease.  Dogs are most commonly affected.  Leptospirosis in cats is rare and appears to be mild although very little is known about the disease in this species.  Common risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs residing in the United States include exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes or streams; roaming on rural properties.

How Often Administered: Leptospirosis vaccine should be administered once every 12 months.

Miscellaneous -

Other vaccines such as Lyme and others may be available in the future.