Vaccines Flashcards
What is a vaccine?
Biological agents administered to a healthy animal inorder to give that animal immunity to a specific disease or condition. They generally contain minute doses of deactivated microorganisms that in their live state could cause illness or disease.
Why do puppies need vaccines?
When puppies are born they are partially protected from external infections due to the antibodies in their mother’s milk, however this only works for the first few weeks of life. After that they need the extra protection from the vaccines.
What age do puppies get vaccinated?
The initial vaccination is a two stage process. The first vaccine is usually given at 7 to 8 weeks of age with the second vaccine given 2 weeks later. The puppy will not be fully protected until a week after the second vaccine.
What are dogs vaccinated against?
- canine parvovirus
- canine distemper
- canine parainfluenza virus
- infectious canine hepatitis
- leptospirosis
- kennel cough (optional)
What are the symptoms of canine parvovirus?
- vomiting
- depression
- loss of appetite
- dehydration
- watery diarrhoea often with blood
What is canine parvovirus?
This virus enters the blood stream and attacks rapidly, dividing cells in the lining of the intestines, bone marrow and blood cell producing tissue.
How is canine parvovirus passes on?
It’s is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with infect dogs and their faeces but can also be contracted from sniffing an area where infected faeces had been months earlier. This virus can survive outside the body for up to a year and is resistant to some disinfectants. The incubation period is 5 - 7 days.
