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Care of your dog: Vaccinations
Dogs should be vaccinated against all of the serious but
preventable viral diseases that are present in south eastern
Australia - Parvovirus, Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, and
Parainfluenza (the viral cause of Kennel Cough). This
combination is known as a "C4 vaccination". For added
protection, a "C5 vaccination" may be given instead of a C4.
The C5 vaccination inoculates against Bordatella
bronchiseptica, a bacteria that makes Kennel Cough
worse. A C5 vaccination is often required if your dog boards
in kennels.
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Disease
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Clinical
signs
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Characteristics
of disease
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Prevention
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Canine
Distemper
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Signs
vary, but may include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting,
depression, muscle tremors and
paralysis.
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Dogs of
any age can be affected by this virus, with young
puppies at greatest risk.
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Vaccination
recommended
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Infectious
Hepatitis
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Signs
include fever, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting
and diarrhoea. Severe cases are rapidly
fatal.
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Dogs of
any age can be affected, but most severe cases
occur in dogs less than two years of
age.
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Vaccination
recommended
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Canine
Parvovirus
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Signs
include sudden death in young pups, bloody smelly
diarrhoea, abdominal pain and uncontrollable
vomiting.
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Most
severe in the very young and very old but dogs of
all ages may be affected.
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Vaccination
recommended
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Kennel
Cough
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Hacking
cough. Not usually fatal, but can be severe and
prolonged.
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Dogs of
any age can be affected.
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Vaccination
recommended
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The recommended vaccination schedule for puppies starts at
6-8 weeks of age when using the vaccines stocked by the Diamond
Valley Veterinary Hospitals. This first vaccination is then
boosted at 12 weeks of age. Because the immunity gained from
these initial vaccinations weakens over time, we recommend
annual booster vaccinations to provide the best protection
throughout the life of your dog.
After receiving a
vaccination, your pet may appear a little "off-colour" for a
day or so, and there may be some swelling and tenderness
around the site of the injection (much like humans after
receiving a tetanus booster!). Occasionally, vaccine
reactions can be more serious. Please contact us immediately
if you are concerned about your dog after
vaccination.
If you are not sure
about your dog's current vaccination status or would like to
discuss vaccination further with one of our staff, please
visit
us or give us a call.
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