Why?
Vaccinations reduce the chance and severity of infections and make recovery quicker however they cannot stop an animal from becoming infected by a virus. The benefits are that they are generally less unwell than an unvaccinated animal and more resistant to the development of disease.
CATS:
1. FELINE ENTERITIS (Panleucopaenia) is an acute, highly contagious infection of the intestine characterised by vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and is often fatal.
2. CAT FLU is caused by two viruses leading to CHRONIC upper respiratory tract infections, with the exotic breeds being more susceptible. The viruses are:
FELINE RHINOTRACHEITIS or HERPES virus is characterised by eye and nose discharge, sinusitis, sneezing, loss of appetite, dehydration, difficulty breathing, hypothermia or fever.
FELINE CALICIVIRUS is characterised by severe mouth ulceration, fever and loss of appetite.
3. FELINE LEUKAEMIA is a very contagious viral infection leading to immunodeficiency and cancer in cats. Infected cats are highly susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and are prone to develop leukaemia which is often fatal.
4. FELINE CHLAMYDIA is often a chronic infectious disease characterised by conjunctivitis, upper respiratory disease and pneumonia. It is reported to occur in up to 20% of cats in Australia. Transmission of this organism to humans has been reported.
A new inactivated vaccine which is very safe and effective is available to protect your cat against these diseases. The new vaccine has been widely used in the USA, UK and Europe and is now available in Australia.
Your kitten requires a series of injections to protect him or her from potentially fatal viral diseases - cat flu and feline enteritis. They need the three boosters because maternal antibodies interfere with their responses to vaccination, and these antibodies wane at different rates in different kittens. We recommend vaccinating against feline leukaemia virus at the 2nd and 3rd vaccinations
DOGS.
Vaccination of your dog is important to ensure protection against a number of serious infectious diseases.
1. CANINE DISTEMPER is an acute, very highly contagious viral infection which is often fatal. The infection results in severe respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous system (brain) disease.
2. CANINE HEPATITIS is a serious viral disease which targets the liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. The infection may result in death, however, some patients may recover with chronic liver or eye abnormalities.
3. CANINE PARVOVIRUS is an extremely infectious viral disease in dogs characterised by an acute illness with vomiting, dysentery, dehydration, shock and septicæmia. Parvovirus is usually fatal in puppies, while older dogs have an increased chance of recovery. In some dogs the infection may cause complete heart failure.
4. KENNEL COUGH is a very contagious infection in dogs of all ages. There are two organisms which are primarily responsible for Kennel Cough:
CANINE BORDETELLA (which is similar to Whooping Cough in humans),
CANINE PARAINFLUENZA virus.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease leading to severe coughing, loss of appetite, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Vaccines which are very safe and effective are recommended for your dog.