Canine Vaccines
Bordetella
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough", is a highly contagious respiratory disorder in dogs. It is characterized by bouts of nonproductive (dry) coughing lasting from days to even weeks. The most common agent thought to cause "kennel cough" is the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica.
This vaccine is needed annually for any dog that will be kenneled, goes to doggy day care, or puppy classes, and is suggested for those that visit the groomer.
Canine Distemper/Parvo (DA2PP)
Distemper, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza and Parvo are regularly given as a combination vaccine. This vaccine is also referred to as, DA2PP or the "distemper/parvo" vaccine, for the two most important components.
Distemper is a contagious viral disease between dogs that was fairly common in the United States until the introduction of effective vaccines in the 1960’s. In some parts of the world, it remains an important and devastating disease.
Canine parvovirus (sometimes called CPV or “parvo”) is a relatively new disease that struck the canine population in 1978. The classic signs are vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, CPV has aroused a great deal of public interest.
This vaccine is highly recommended for all dogs and is usually boostered every 1-3 years.
Lyme
Lyme Disease (not Lyme's Disease) is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. Once in the blood stream, it is carried to many parts of the body but is especially likely to localize in joints.
Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian whether this vaccine is recommended based on the number of deer ticks your pet comes in contact with and your ability to control ticks with products such as Frontline Plus.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects all warm-blooded animals. Regardless of the initial site of virus introduction into the animal, the virus eventually invades the central nervous system and ultimately leads to death.
Rabies is required by Pennsylvania state law for all dogs and is mandatory for the licensing of dogs. If boostered in a timely fashion each rabies vaccine can last up to 1-3 years.
Feline Vaccines
Feline Distemper (FCVRC)
Feline Chlamydia psittcae, Viral Rhinotracheitis, and Panleukopenia are often administered in a combination vaccine commonly referred to as the "feline distemper" vaccine, FCVRC or the "upper respiratory" vaccine.
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), also known as Feline infectious enteritis, Feline distemper, feline ataxia, or cat plague, is a viral infection affecting cats. Once contracted, it is highly contagious and can be fatal to the affected cat.
The feline distemper vaccine is highly recommended for all cats and is usually boostered every 1-3 years.
Leukemia (FeLV)
Leukemia is a cancer in cats that most often is caused by infection with the Leukemia virus. Therefore, this is a contagious cancer, from cat to cat. We recommend that all cats being introduced into a household with existing cats be tested prior to contact with your cats so they cannot bring this deadly disase into your home. If all cats in a household test negative for the virus there is no need to vaccinate. However, all cats that go outside or have any risk of exposure to cats that may have the disease should be vaccinated.
The feline leukemia vaccine must be boostered yearly and is about 80% effective in preventing the disease.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects all warm-blooded animals. Regardless of the initial site of virus introduction into the animal, the virus eventually invades the central nervous system and ultimately leads to death.
Rabies is required by Pennsylvania state law for all cats that are in contact with people for more than 3 hours a day. Keep in mind that all house cats are required to be vaccinated, even if 100% indoors. Our cats can occasionally escape and wild animals (think bats, mice, etc.) can invade our homes so it's important to keep our cats protected.
If boostered in a timely fashion each rabies vaccine can last up to 1-3 years.