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V A C C I N A T I O N S

DOG/PUPPY VACCINATIONS

There are four crucial components to pup and dog vaccinations in Auckland.  Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper and Hepatitis .Healthy puppies should receive their first vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age.

Because of the effectiveness of dog vaccines against Hepatitis and Distemper probably the biggest threats are Parvovirus and Leptospirosis.

Locally the biggest threat is leptospirosis. It is a bacteria carried by the local rat population and unfortunately because of the ease of access to waterways rats are prevalent in this area especially. Dogs get leptospirosis by contact with urine or faeces from rats or less commonly by direct access to them.

(cats are naturally immune from leptospirosis). As we know dogs will explore by licking or tasting so it is very easy for them to get this disease. Leptospirosis leads to kidney and liver failure and is fatal in about 50% of affected dogs and  5% of affected people. You can get it from an affected dog or direct contact with rats or their urine or faeces. This disease did not exist in urban Auckland until the early 1990’s when it began to occur in dogs at an exponentially increasing rate .Fortunately vaccines against it were brought into the country and they are very good .I have only seen the disease in unvaccinated dogs and pups .Healthy puppies receive their first leptosporosis vaccine at around 9 weeks of age. Many dogs that come from overseas or from more southern cities in NZ have usually not been vaccinated against this disease so if you are a recent arrival bring your pets vaccine certificates into the clinic for us to check.

Dogs that go to parks, are boarded, go to the groomer, attend training, or go to doggie daycare should receive a vaccine that protects against respiratory viruses. We use a combination vaccine that protects against Bordetella (commonly referred to as Kennel Cough), Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus Type 2.

A new “vaccine” is available against the bacteria that cause tooth loss and severe gum disease in dogs. It stimulates antibodies against the bacteria that cause gum or periodontal disease and reduces tooth loss by 75%.We recommend this vaccine for all small breed dogs as they are very prone to severe dental disease which eventually causes problems elsewhere in the body.

CLICK HERE for more information on dental disease 

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CAT/KITTEN VACCINATIONS

Kittens and Adult Cats- Vaccinations

Due to the many recent discoveries and innovations in veterinary medicine, your pet can be protected from most major contagious diseases. Today, many immunizations and preventive treatments are available that did not exist just a few years ago

Feline Snuffles Vaccine (FVRCP) is a combination vaccine that protects against multiple diseases with one injection. Healthy kittens should receive their first FVRCP booster at 6-8 weeks of age. The vaccination protects cats and kittens against Panleukopenia (Feline Enteritis), Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Calicivirus (FCV).

The main threat to cats locally is the “Snuffles” combination of viruses. They encompass 96 strains in the wild and cause sneezing and coughing in mild cases. In moderate cases other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, pneumonia and severe painful conjunctivitis appear. In severe cases patients can get eye ulcers leading to blindness and mouth ulcers that prevent eating or drinking. Severe and moderate cases may die without robust treatment.

The tricky thing with the snuffles set of viruses is that 40-80% of kittens have already become carriers of at least one strain before they finish their kitten vaccination course!!! They pick the virus up from their mothers at birth or during lactation when her body is under most stress and starts to shed the virus. They in turn can shed the virus and develop symptoms when under stress from boarding, shifting house or territorial disputes with neighbours. Depending on the strain this occurs from 3-18 days after the event. By keeping your cat regularly vaccinated you keep the antibody levels high which means that only mild disease normally is experienced by affected cats.

Panleukopenia causes severe vomiting, diarrhea and death but is rare these days because of vaccination.

Feline Aids

How effective is the vaccine?

Almost all vaccinated cats are protected against the virus. There are five strains of FIV in cats .Two are in the vaccine and they have been shown to cross protect against another two. The fifth strain was not initially tested against as it is rare in the world generally but not uncommon in New Zealand .Fortunately recent studies have shown the vaccine to be effective against this strain as well.

What effects does the virus have in cats?

The same as people infected with Aids –susceptibility to infections. and eventual early death. Mouth infections (or gingivitis) are the most common initially and the virus is responsible for half of by far the most common type of cancer in the cat (lymphoma)

Should my cat get vaccinated?

Any cat that goes outdoors is potentially capable of getting infected by a bite wound and should be vaccinated. Cats that are totally indoor cats are not at risk and do not need this particular vaccine. Although boarding catteries do not require this vaccine for admittance, most catteries have communal exercise facilities so bite wounds are possible in this situation.

Is the virus a problem in this area?

Yes. In NZ in general 5-15% of cats may be affected (higher in tomcats). There are certainly FIV infected cats in all areas of Auckland and we see feline Aids patients regularly.

Why don’t they have a human vaccine?

The virus in cats has been in that species for longer and is more stable. The time to bring drugs to market for animals is also slightly quicker than for people.

What course do adult cats need?

The induction course in unvaccinated cats is 3 injections 2-4 weeks apart with annual boosters. In adult cats we suggest an on the spot blood test before vaccination as the vaccine makes it hard to identify affected cats later. We have a packaged price for the blood test and 3 initial vaccines.

What about boosters?

Cats require an annual booster which can be done at the same time as the usual vaccinations.

What course do kittens need?

Kittens may test false positive up to 6 months of age because antibodies from their mother may be present. We suggest testing and giving the first vaccine at neutering/spaying. We can give the second vaccine 2 weeks later at their post surgery check up. If you want your kitten vaccinated earlier, kittens testing negative after 8 weeks can start their course. If they test positive then retest later. If you vaccinate while the test is positive the vaccine may not work as protection from the mother may block the vaccine. One negative test is all that is required as the test is so sensitive.

What happens if my cat tests positive?

Positive results should be retested one month later. The test picks up 100% of affected cats but 1% are false positives.  Affected cats will take two months to become positive after a bite. Fighting cats should get tested 2 months after a bite wound and vaccinated if blood tests are clear. If your pet already has feline AIDS we will discuss appropriate treatment.

Remember once your pet has the virus it is too late to vaccinate. Because of the severity of the disease and the vaccines proven safety we recommend vaccination where there is any doubt

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