VACCINATIONS
As a practice, we feel that prevention is better than cure. For both our dogs, cats and rabbits, there are vaccinations readily available to help prevent the spread of diseases that once took a toll on the companion animal population.
Therefore, we recommend a yearly vaccination for your pet. A vaccination appointment is also the ideal time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have and to undertake a thorough annual health check.
DOGS
For dogs, yearly vaccinations will provide cover against these diseases:
Distemper
This infectious, and often fatal, disease can cause symptoms such as fever, coughing, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting and diarrhoea and eventually, cracked footpads and noses. Some dogs may suffer from neurological symptoms such as seizures.
Hepatitis
Attacks the liver, kidneys and lungs and signs often include coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea and pale gums. Fortunately, the disease is relatively rare, as it progresses rapidly and can cause death within 24-36 hours. Some dogs recover but will then shed the virus for many months, posing a threat to other dogs.
Parvovirus
This potentially fatal virus is highly contagious and very persistent - regional outbreaks are relatively common. Dogs of all ages can become infected, but puppies are particularly susceptible. Parvovirus often causes vomiting and diarrhoea, which is generally bloody. Infected dogs are also lethargic and refuse to eat or drink.
Leptospirosis
This is a condition that can be passed on from animals to humans, caused by bacteria picked up from watercourses and the urine of other infected animals. It targets the internal organs and signs vary from flu-like symptoms to severe abdominal pain.
Contagious Cough
Once known as kennel cough, which created a misunderstood conception that this illness can only be contracted in kennels. Contagious cough can be picked up through any contact with infected dogs, such as on your daily walks. The disease is spread via infectious agents passed on in airborne droplets - Parainfluenza is one such component, as is Bordetella. The main signs are a harsh hacking cough, accompanied by gagging and retching. Vaccination is administered with a spray up the nose or as a subcutaneous injection.
Rabies
Fortunately, the UK is rabies-free, but if you plan to travel abroad with your dog a rabies injection is required by law.
Dogs require a primary vaccination course of Nobivac DHP & L4 from 8 weeks of age. We then vaccinate 4 weeks later. We advise, dogs can social with other vaccinated dogs after 1 week, but we advise that the dog should wait 2 weeks before introduced to outdoor areas. Yearly vaccinations are given a year after the 2nd primary vaccination.
With this, we allow 3 months leeway for it to be done.
CATS
For cats, yearly vaccinations will provide cover against these diseases:
Feline Panleukopenia
This often-fatal disease can affect cats of all ages, with kittens particularly at risk. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. This virus is passed on in the faeces and can persist for a long time in the environment.
Cat Flu
Easily transmitted from other infected cats and cat bowls, several organisms are involved, and regular vaccination is required to help keep them at bay. The signs of Cat Flu can be like those of a human cold – runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat - whilst some cats develop fever and mouth ulcers.
Feline Leukaemia virus
This viral disease can cause severe damage to the immune system and may also cause tumours. It is spread through close contact such as grooming, fighting and sharing food and/or water bowls. There is no effective treatment and vaccination is the only way to ensure that your cat is not at risk.
Rabies
As required. Fortunately, the UK is rabies-free, but if you plan to travel abroad with your cat a rabies injection is required by law.
Cats require a primary vaccination course of Nobivac Tricat Trio & Felv from 8 weeks of age. We then vaccinate them 3-4 weeks later. We advise cats shouldn’t go into the outside environment for 2 weeks after the 2nd vaccination. Yearly vaccinations are given a year after the 2nd primary vaccination. With this, we allow 3 months leeway for it to be done.
RABBITS
For Rabbits, we vaccinate routinely against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.
Myxomatosis
This is a deadly, highly infectious, and sadly all-too common viral disease. It causes rapidly progressing swollen eyes, nose, and genitals and in almost all circumstances is untreatable - vaccination is therefore vital to prevent your pet contracting this awful disease. It is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes and fleas, so even if you have an indoor bunny, it really is important to vaccinate every year.
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease
It is a highly infectious and often fatal condition that largely affects wild rabbits but can also be spread to domestic rabbits. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is the infectious virus responsible, which attacks the rabbit’s internal organs causing them to haemorrhage. This is a very life-threatening condition that can take hold very quickly, so it’s important to be aware of this disease if you are the owner of a pet rabbit. As this disease is highly contagious and has no cure, it’s very important to vaccinate all domestic rabbits yearly. This will protect your rabbit and help to prevent future outbreaks.
Rabbits can be vaccinated with Our Nobivac Myxo-RHD 2 Plus vaccine from 5 weeks of age (however to obtain a 12-month immunity it is recommended to be done at 7 weeks of age).
Yearly vaccination boosters are required to maintain the level of immunity against these life-threatening diseases.
If your rabbit previously been vaccinated with the older vaccination protocol, at their yearly booster, you may be advised that 2 weeks later, another booster vaccination is required. Please contact us if you have any queries about rabbit vaccinations.