Here at Compassion Veterinary Center, we believe thorough wellness & preventative care is integral to a pet’s long and happy life. However, we also know that one size doesn’t fit all, which is why we tailor preventative care to meet the lifestyle and needs of each individual family and pet. Below is some general information on diseases that we vaccinate our pets for. In addition, we also recommend consistent heartworm and flea & tick prevention.
Immunization
Canine & Feline:
Rabies, one of the world’s most publicized and feared diseases, is always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the nervous system, and is transmitted chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.
Distemper is among a very contagious and fatal disease of the respirator tract, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system. It is transmitted through contact with bodily and airborne secretions.
Canine Only:
Canine adenovirus, type 2 is associated with infectious hepatitis and infectious tracheobronchitis. It is spread through bodily and airborne secretions.
Parainfluenza is a common and highly contagious cause of infectious tracheobronchitis. It is an airborne disease.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious, aggressive, and often fatal gastrointestinal virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, feces and other objects that have traces of the virus.
Leptospirosis is an infection that is contracted through skin contact with infected water, soil, mud or the urine of an infected animal. It can be transmitted to humans.
Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites. It is difficult to diagnose in dogs because they do not show the same symptoms as humans. The most common sign described is that the dog is “walking on eggshells.” Although not one of the core vaccines, lyme disease is very prevalent in the Frederick, MD area, and is recommended as part of the vaccine protocol.
Bordetella is associated with respiratory disease (kennel cough). It can be transmitted to cats, rabbits, and humans. It is highly contagious and transmitted through the air and direct contact. Typically, we only strongly recommend this vaccine for dogs that will be boarded or taken to doggy day care or in any other situation where they will be in direct contact with several other pets.
Feline Only:
Leukemia virus is a retrovirus that can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.