One can extract from last week’s Pet Corner that there is no correct vaccination protocol. Below, I will be discussing some options that are open to us.
Vaccination against Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
One can vaccinate against Parvovirus by using a vaccine that contains either inactivated viruses or weakened live viruses.
One can vaccinate against Parvovirus alone or use a combination vaccine. The injection of modified live Parvovirus results in a greater level of protection against the disease over a longer period of time.
One may begin the vaccination schedule against Parvovirus when the pup is six weeks of age. The second dose – according to the manufacturer’s specification – should be given two to three weeks later. If there is a Paravovirus epidemic, then do not be surprised if your veterinarian advises that the puppy be subjected to the Parvovirus vaccine every two weeks until the pup is 16 weeks old. Thereafter an annual booster is necessary.
If there is no discernible outbreak of CPV, I advise dog owers to vaccinate the pups at six weeks (with the modified live virus) and then annually. If during that year, CPV symptoms are abounding in our canine population, I would suggest a mid-term vaccination.
Vacciantion against Canine Coronavirus (CCV)
We have never proven definitely that there was ever an outbreak of, or even a superficial encounter with Coronavirus here in Guyana. However, some veterinarians – having seen enteric (intestinal) symptoms (diarrhoea) in dogs of all ages – felt it would do no harm to vaccinate dogs with the killed Coronavirus. Again, this vaccine could be administered singularly or as a combination vaccine.
The recommended vacciantion schedule for CCV is:
1st vaccination – at any age after six weeks.
2nd vaccination – two weeks later
3rd vaccination – three weeks later
Vaccination against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus Type 2 and Leptospirosis
I know of no veterinarian who does not use a combination vaccine as a prevention against these diseases.
Most maufacturers of these combination vaccines recommend that the schedule should begin at six weeks of age. The presence of maternal antibodies is known to interfere with the efficacy of the vaccine and compromise the promotion of an active immunity (see Pet Corner August 10, 2008).
Puppies should be revaccinated every two to three weeks until they are at least 16 weeks of age. All dogs over 12 weeks of age should initially receive one dose of the combined vaccine and a second dose three weeks later. Your vet will decide whether a third shot is necessary three weeks later. Annual vaccination is recommended.
Vaccination against rabies
There has never been a reported case of Canine Rabies in Guyana. Consequently, there is no need to vaccinate dogs against rabies. However, if the dog is going overseas, then countries like Canada, the USA and Great Britian will expect that the dog would have its rabies shot.
There are two types of rabies vaccine on the market for dogs. One stems from modified live viruses (MLV) and the other is prepared from inactivated viruses. As already explained, vaccines made from MLV offer a better, longer-lasting immunity. Some manufacturers make a vaccine which produces an immunity which lasts for one year; others produce a ‘3-year’ vaccine.
The vaccination schedule against Canine Rabies is as follows:
• First vaccination at three-six months of age.
• The second vaccination at age one. Thereafter, the vaccination should be annual (or every three years – according to the strain of virus used).
Vaccination against feline diseases
The vaccine most used by veterinarians is a three-in-one combination vaccine containing modified live viruses relating to Feline Rhinotracheitis (caused by a type of herpes virus), Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (‘feline distemper’) diseases. The first two are primarily respiratory infections and are colloquially called ‘feline influenza.’ The vaccination which I and some other vets use contains, in addition to the three mentioned above, a component which protects cats against a disease (Chlamdia – psittaci) which attacks the conjunctiva of the eye.
The vaccination schedule: Healthy cats nine weeks of age or older should receive two doses three-four weeks apart.
Cats less than nine weeks old should receive one dose every three-four weeks until they are at least 12 weeks old; thereafter annually. If your cat is pregnant, do not have her vaccinated.
Have a pleasant and productive week.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
