Why Vaccinate Your Pet?

 

Vaccines are designed to protect animals against bacterial and viral diseases.  The duration of immunity may vary due to many factors.  After establishing sound immunity during the first month of a pet's life, we at Meadows Animal Clinic assess your pet's risk factors and will recommend an appropriate health care plan with the judicious use of vaccines as necessary.

Common diseases we vaccinate against include:

• Rabies: a fatal viral infection of the nervous system, attacks all warm blooded animals including humans. There is no cure, and vaccination is the only protection. Most transmissions occur from the bite of a contaminated animal.

• Feline Panleukopenia: also known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious virus, easily transmitted from cat to cat, and can be fatal. Can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

• Feline Respiratory Disease: often caused by multiple viruses and bacteria, this is highly contagious from cat to cat and is widespread.

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV): a form of cancer, this is a highly contagious virus and is one of the leading killers of cats.  A blood test may be necessary before vaccinations.  Affected cats are immuno-compromised and subject to other infections that can be fatal.

• Canine Distemper and Adenovirus: widespread, contagious, and deadly to dogs.  Affects the respiratory and nervous systems.

• Canine Leptospirosis: a bacterium that initially affects the kidneys and may lead to fatalities. The bacteria are carried mainly by wild animals, particularly raccoons.  There have been several reported cases in Boulder County.

• Bordatella:  a key contributor, along with Parainfluenza, to Kennel Cough. This is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs that causes a persistent, dry, hacking cough.

• Canine Parvovirus and Coronavirus: highly contagious, life threatening viral intestinal infections in dogs.