At Heritage Veterinary Clinic we offer two types of vaccinations for dogs. C3 vaccination covers Parvovirus, Distemper and Canine Infectious Hepatitis. A C5 vaccination covers those in a C3 vaccination plus additional cover for Bordetella and Canine parainfluenza virus.
Canine parvovirus causes explosive bloody vomiting or diarrhoea mainly in young, rapidly growing puppies. It is highly contagious and can live in the environment for months to years. Most detergents and disinfectants fail to destroy the virus. Because of its high resistance, a young dog may become infected in an area that hasn't had a dog visit for a very long time.
A dog becomes infected after ingesting contaminated faeces. The virus then travels via the bloodstream and reaches the small intestines destroying and collapsing the lining of the gut. The virus then travels out of the gut in the diarrhoea. The dog becomes very depressed, anorexic , develop a high fever, bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. Without supportive care the dog will become severely dehydrated, develop shock and sepsis which can lead to death.
Canine Distemper is caused by a Morbillivirus. The virus is readily destroyed by UV light, drying and heating, and most ammonium disinfectants. Distemper is spread by contact by aerosol droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. The greatest incidence of the disease is in dogs 3-6 months of age but can occur in any age of dog. It may be caught from foxes.
Canine Distemper causes a range of signs including mild upper respiratory infection and fever, infected dermatitis, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea to severe neurological signs. Treatment is supportive where mild and moderate clinical signs are present. However, once neurological signs, such as twitching, altered behaviour or seizures appear, treatment is unsuccessful.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis is caused by a Adenovirus. It is a very resistant virus which can last several days to weeks in the environment. Spread is by contact through mouth and nose. The virus main targets are the liver, kidneys and eyes. Most clinical signs are from liver failure, kidney failure and uveitis of the eye. If the kidney is affected then the dog may develop protein leaking in urine. Three possible outcomes can occur when the liver is infected: acute fatal liver disease, chronic hepatitis and complete recovery.
Bordetella and Parainfluenza virus are part of the canine infectious tracheobronchitis complex commonly known is Canine Cough or "Kennel" Cough. Although it is called "Kennel" cough, a dog can become infected outside of a boarding kennel. Infection occurs when a virus is coughed by an infected dog and inhaled by another dog in the area. The bacteria and virus attach to the windpipe causing damage to the lining making is more sensitive. The coughing is often paroxysmal and may end with a retch or gag. The cough is easily elicited by pressing the windpipe. With a damaged windpipe, other secondary invaders can attach and cause a worsening of signs. Vaccination is not 100% protective because there are several bacteria and viruses that can attach to the windpipe causing damage. However, vaccination is still advised to reduce the chances of severe damage leading to a chronic cough. In severe cases, a pneumonia with fever and nasal discharge can occur.