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Beginning September 1st we have introduced a new vaccination protocol for both dog and cat patients. These changes have come about because of research from the veterinary colleges, especially the Canine and Feline Virus Research Institutes at Cornell, and improvements made by the manufacturers of vaccines. This year we have also seen cases of Leptospirosis caused by new strains of the organism. This disease requires intensive care and is often fatal even with treatment or can leave a pet with permanent damage to the kidneys or liver.
FOR OUR FELINE PATIENTS, WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING VACCINES:
FELINE DISTEMPER, RHINOTRACHEITIS & CALICI VIRUS - two or three vaccines at monthly intervals as a kitten, followed by a vaccine one year later, and then a booster every three years.
FELINE LEUKEMIA - should continue to be given only to cats going outside, or living in a colony with other cats of unknown leukemia status. All cats whether living indoors or outdoors should be tested for leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus as kittens or when first brought into your home. Two vaccines about one month apart after eight weeks of age, followed by a vaccination one year later and then boosters every year.
RABIES - first vaccine given after 12 weeks of age, a booster one year later, then every three years after that.
FOR OUR CANINE PATIENTS, WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
CANINE DISTEMPER, HEPATITIS, PARAINFLUENZA & PARVO VIRUS - a temporary vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with the first adult vaccine at 10 to 12 weeks, and the second at 14 to 16 weeks of age. A separate Parvo virus vaccine should be given between 5 and 6 months of age. A vaccination is given one year later followed by revaccination every three years.
LEPTOSPIROSIS - a vaccination which will protect against four varieties of Leptospirosis should be started at 3 months of age followed by a second vaccination 4 weeks later and a booster vaccine yearly.
RABIES - an initial vaccine after 3 months of age, with a second vaccine a year later followed by a booster every three years.
BORDETELLA - only dogs going into obedience classes or dogs going into a boarding kennel should receive this vaccine. There are a series of two vaccinations one month apart, followed by a yearly booster.
LYMES DISEASE - at this time it is not necessary to vaccinate dogs unless your pet will be traveling to an area where Lymes disease is prevalent affecting both people and dogs.
All pets should receive a yearly well pet examination. Individuals with chronic diseases or on continual medication should be examined at least twice yearly or as determined by your pet’s doctor. The Center for Disease Control recommends testing a stool sample from your pet twice yearly to protect against the spread of intestinal parasites to people. Dogs should be tested for Heartworm, Lymes disease and Ehrlichia in the spring and go on heartworm preventative medication until December 1st. Flea control should be started in May and continue until at least two killing frosts in the fall.
As with any questions regarding your pet’s health, do not hesitate to call us to have your questions answered.