Also known as canine hepatitis, canine adenovirus 2 is a serious disease of dogs that severely damages their liver. Typically passed through stools and urine, this highly contagious virus can also cause respiratory tract illness, and can be fatal.  Vaccination is as for Distemper Virus above.

This highly contagious virus can affect all dogs, but is most devastating in puppies younger than 4 months old. Parvovirus is highly contagious, and commonly spread through contact with stools. It can survive on a surface for up to 2 years in the right conditions. Vaccination is as for Distemper Virus and Adenovirus 2 above, and therefore these 3 are typically combined into a single vaccine.

Rabies is a dangerous viral disease that is transmitted through saliva and bite wounds. The virus enters into your dog’s body and moves to the brain, where it festers for a month or two before causing major damage. Over the course of time, your dog can experience severe disorientation and personality changes, resulting in seizures and inevitably in death. Rabies is contagious to humans, therefore vaccination of all pets against this disease is mandated by PA state law. Puppies are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age, and boosted at one year. Adult dogs are vaccinated every 3 years.

Dogs become infected by leptospirosis via contact with infected urine or with water contaminated with infected urine. Alternatively, bite wounds, exposure to reproductive secretions, and even eating infected tissues can transmit this infection. The organisms quickly spread through the bloodstream leading to fever, joint pain, and general malaise. The organism distributes to multiple organs and causes major damage. The disease leads to kidney failure in 90 percent of patients (10-20% also have liver failure). Leptospirosis is present in our geographic region, therefore Dr. Fausel recommends that dogs with any sort of outdoor exposure be vaccinated against this disease. The vaccine is given as an initial series of two doses, administered 3 weeks apart. Yearly boosters are required.

Lyme Disease (caused by the organism Borrelia burgdorferi) is spread via the bite of a tick. About 90% of dogs will not exhibit any clinical signs of infection. When canine illness does occur, it does not begin to manifest for weeks to months after infection, at which point signs of arthritis are noted, often accompanied by fever, malaise, and loss of appetite. A dog’s most serious long-term potential regards glomerular disease. This is a type of kidney damage that occurs when the immune system is stimulated over a long time by a latent infectious organism or other immune stimulus. Lyme disease is rampant in our area, so Dr. Fausel recommends that dogs with any sort of outdoor exposure be vaccinated against this disease. The vaccine is given as an initial series of two doses, administered 3 weeks apart. Yearly boosters are required.

Kennel Cough, or infectious tracheitis, can be caused by many organisms. Two of the most common are Bordetella (a bacterium) and Parainfluenza virus. An infected dog sheds infectious bacteria and/or viruses in respiratory secretions. These secretions become aerosolized and float in the air where they can be inhaled by a healthy dog. Infections typically occur where many dogs may be in contact with one another, for example boarding kennels, grooming salons, veterinary hospitals, dog parks, and pet stores. The condition is usually mild to moderate, and self-limiting. Some cases however can progress to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Dr. Fausel recommends only those dogs at risk (as described above) be vaccinated. The vaccine is given as an initial series of two doses, administered 3 weeks apart. Yearly boosters are required.

Just like people, dogs can be affected by different strains of influenza, a highly contagious respiratory infection. Just as with kennel cough, these viruses are spread via aerosolized respiratory secretions that are inhaled by healthy dogs. The signs in both strains range from fever, listlessness, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose to life-threatening pneumonia, but typically it’s much like having kennel cough. Dr. Fausel recommends only those dogs at risk (as described for kennel cough above) be vaccinated. The vaccine is given as an initial series of two doses, administered 3 weeks apart. Yearly boosters are required.

Feline panleukopenia virus, commonly referred to as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and life-threatening disease of cats. This particular virus attacks the bone marrow, depleting infection fighting white blood cells, and the intestinal tract, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccination is as for FVR above, usually in combination with FVR and calicivirus (see below).

A common respiratory disease in young cats, feline calicivirus is frequently found in multi-cat facilities and shelters. This virus attacks your cat’s respiratory tract, including the lungs and nasal passageways. It often causes ulcerations of the mouth and intestines, and affects the musculoskeletal system. Vaccination is as for FVR above, usually in combination with FVR and FPV.

Rabies is a dangerous viral disease that is transmitted through saliva and bite wounds. The virus enters into your cat’s body and moves to the brain, where it festers for a month or two before causing major damage. Over the course of time, your cat can experience severe disorientation and personality changes, resulting in seizures and inevitably in death. Rabies is contagious to humans, therefore vaccination of all pets against this disease is mandated by PA state law. Kittens are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age, and boosted at one year. Adult cats are vaccinated every year. Dr. Fausel uses only Purevax feline vaccines.

Feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus, is a common infection of cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population. FeLV transmission most commonly occurs through close, social contact. Contact with saliva from infected cats is a primary mode of transmission, because the concentration of virus is high in saliva. But virus is also shed in blood, urine, feces, nasal secretions, and milk. Sharing food and water dishes, using the same litterbox, mutual grooming, and bite wounds are all possible methods of transmission. Infected queens can infect fetuses during pregnancy. Infected queens can infect neonates when the babies drink the infected milk. Dr. Fausel follows the American Association of Feline Practioners guidelines for FeLV vaccination: ALL kittens should receive a series of two vaccinations spaced 3 weeks apart, and a booster one year thereafter. Yearly vaccination is recommended for cats at risk: those that spend time outdoors, or in the company of a known FeLV positive cat.