Dog Vaccines – vaccination schedule

Vaccines are now being divided into two classes. ‘Core’ vaccines for dogs are those that should be given to every dog. ‘Noncore’ vaccines are recommended only for certain dogs. Whether to vaccinate with noncore vaccines depends upon a number of things including the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential exposure of the dog to an animal that has the disease, the type of vaccine and how common the disease is in the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.

The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents’ Report on Cat and Dog Vaccines has recommended that the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parvovirus-2 and rabies.

Noncore vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are causes of ‘kennel cough‘), and Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease). Consult with your veterinarian to select the proper vaccines for your dog or puppy.

AVMA Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs

Component	Class	Efficacy	Length of Immunity	Risk/Severity of Adverse Effects	Comments
Canine Distemper	Core	High	> 1 year for modified live virus (MLV) vaccines	Low
Measles	Noncore	High in preventing disease, but not in preventing infection	Long	Infrequent	Use in high risk environments for canine distemper in puppies 4-10 weeks of age
Parvovirus	Core	High	> 1 year	Low
Hepatitis	Core	High	> 1 year	Low	Only use canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) vaccines
Rabies	Core	High	Dependent upon type of vaccine	Low to moderate
Respiratory disease from canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)	Noncore	Not adequately studied	Short	Minimal	If vaccination warranted, boost annually or more frequently
Parainfluenza	Noncore	Intranasal MLV – Moderate Injectable MLV – Low	Moderate	Low	Only recommended for dogs in kennels, shelters, shows, or large colonies; If vaccination warranted, boost annually or more frequently
Bordetella	Noncore	Intranasal MLV – Moderate Injectable MLV – Low	Short	Low	For the most benefit, use intranasal vaccine 2 weeks prior to exposure
Leptospirosis	Noncore	Variable	Short	High	Up to 30% of dogs may not respond to vaccine
Coronavirus	Noncore	Low	Short	Low	Risk of exposure high in kennels, shelters, shows, breeding facilities
Lyme	Noncore	Appears to be limited to previously unexposed dogs; variable	Revaccinate annually	Moderate

A possible vaccination schedule for the ‘average’ dog is shown below.

Dog Vaccination Schedule
Age	Vaccination
5 weeks	Parvovirus: for puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Check with your veterinarian.
6 & 9 weeks	Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
12 weeks or older	Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).
12 & 15 weeks**	Combination vaccine Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult (boosters)§	Combination vaccine Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law).
*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. **Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian. § According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit. Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac II ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six months with Intra-Trac II ADT.

Researchers at the Veterinary Schools at the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, and University of Wisconsin suggest alternating vaccinations in dogs from year to year. Instead of using multivalent vaccines (combination vaccines against more than one disease), they recommend using monovalent vaccines which only have one component, e.g., a vaccine that only contains parvovirus. So, one year your dog would be vaccinated against distemper, the next year against canine adenovirus-2, and the third year against parvovirus. Then the cycle would repeat itself. Other researchers believe we may not have enough information to recommend only vaccinating every 3 years. Manufacturers of dog vaccines have not changed their labeling which recommends annual vaccinations. Again, each dog owner must make an informed choice of when to vaccinate, and with what. Consult with your veterinarian to help you make the decision.

Common dog dental problems

One of the most common dog owner complaints is bad breath. Although bad breath may seem fairly harmless, it is typically a symptom of more severe dental disease occurring in your dog’s mouth. Cavities are uncommon but periodontal or gum disease in dogs is not. In fact, canine periodontal disease is one of the most common and serious dog health problems-affecting approximately 80% of dogs by the time they are 3 years old.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. It often starts with mild tooth discoloration but without regular cleaning, this plaque builds up and minerals in the saliva harden the plaque into hard tartar that is very firmly attached to the teeth. Although many owners can visibly see tartar above the gum line, this is not what causes periodontal disease. It is when tartar starts digging into and under the gums that bacteria become trapped and start a vicious cycle of infection and damage to the supporting tissues around the tooth.

Plaque

Plaque is a soft film of bacteria and food debris that accumulates every day and sticks to the surface of a dog’s teeth. The mechanical forces of brushing easily remove plaque. If plaque is removed daily, a dog’s teeth and gums will stay healthy.

Tartar

If plaque remains stuck on the surfaces of the teeth, minerals found in a dog’s saliva will harden this plaque into dental calculus-called tartar-which is firmly attached to the teeth.

Gingivitis

When tartar starts to dig into and below the gum tissue, the gums become red, irritated and inflamed, resulting in a condition called gingivitis. Once tartar has dug into the gum line and created gingivitis, plaque bacteria are constantly being introduced below the gum line that results in varying degrees of gum infection.

Periodontitis

Plaque bacteria below the gum line secrete toxic substances that cause further tissue damage. These bacteria, as well as the inflammation and tissue damage they cause, often stimulate a dog’s immune system. The immune system brings in white blood cells and other inflammatory chemicals to try to destroy the bacterial invaders. Unfortunately many of the supporting soft and bony tissues of the tooth are damaged in this process-a condition called periodontitis.

Tooth root abscess

Once periodontal disease is established and there is active gingivitis and periodontitis, bacteria can gain deep access to the roots of the teeth. The bacteria are capable of slowly destroying the root of the tooth and its attachment to the jaw that deprives the root and tooth of its vital blood supply. This results in death of the affected tissue and again the immune system calls a tremendous number of white blood cells to the area that results in an accumulation of white blood cells-called pus or an abscess. Unfortunately the immune system has a very difficult time ridding itself of deep bone infection-called osteomyelitis-and usually surgical intervention by a veterinarian is required. Tooth root abscesses most commonly affect the large premolar teeth and a dog will often present with a painful soft swelling directly under the eye.

Loss of teeth

In these advanced forms of periodontal disease where the deep attachments of the teeth are lost, teeth will fall out or require removal because they are loose and causing difficulty eating and/or pain.

Organ damage from canine periodontal disease

In addition to local damage in the mouth, periodontal disease may also result in widespread organ damage. Organ damage from canine periodontal disease occurs when bacteria from the infected tooth roots and gums gain access to the blood stream (a condition called bacteremia). Studies have shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have more damage in their kidneys, heart muscle and liver than dogs without periodontal disease.

What are the signs your dog may have Periodontal Disease?

• Difficulty eating
• Drooling
• Pawing at the teeth or mouth
• Discharge from the nose
• Swelling under the eyes
• Bad breath
• Tooth discoloration or visible tartar
• Loose or missing teeth
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Weight loss or loss of appetite

It’s More than just bad breath

 

Many pet owners think their pet’s teeth are fine because they eat and drink normally, but over two-thirds of adult pets have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a painful infection that can ultimately affect the liver, heart and kidneys through spread of infection in the body! – John F Huff III,
VCA Board Certified Dental Specialist

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

The most common risk factor for periodontal disease is a lack of adequate dog teeth cleaning by owners. Daily tooth brushing is as important as regular professional cleanings performed by veterinarians. In fact, unless a dog owner performs regular teeth cleaning at home, periodontal disease will progress regardless of the care provided by your veterinarian.

Puppies with retained deciduous teeth (also known as primary teeth, baby teeth, milk teeth, or puppy teeth) may be at increased risk for the development of periodontal disease. Dogs who chew excessively or chew on hard objects or synthetic chew toys may also be prone to tooth damage that may result in periodontal disease. Some chronic medical conditions such as Diabetes or Cushing’s Disease also increase a dog’s risk for periodontal disease. If your adult or senior dog is affected by a chronic condition ask your vet about the best way to maintain his dental health.

How can you prevent Periodontal Disease in your dog?

The key to management of gum disease in dogs is prevention. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently and plaque is effectively removed daily, the gums will stay healthy. Prevention requires both at-home brushing as well as regular professional veterinary dental cleanings.

For best results, tooth brushing should start when your dog is a puppy. Young dogs will easily adjust to teeth cleaning at home. As dogs age and develop tooth and gum disease, there may be pain associated with brushing and they may be less willing to allow brushing. If your dog is completely unwilling to allow brushing, there are dental wipes that can help control plaque when rubbed twice daily against the teeth and gums.

In addition to daily tooth brushing, your dog will require dental cleanings by his veterinarian. Keep in mind that most dogs have evidence of at least some periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years of age. Therefore professional cleanings should begin at 1 year of age to prevent periodontal disease from occurring. Typically these cleanings will be performed once yearly, however, the frequency of these cleanings will depend on the success of the at-home dental care.

Talk to your VCA veterinarian today about the best way to maintain your dog’s dental health at home.

Parasites in Dogs

Parasites in Dogs: Worms, Fleas, Ticks, and Mites

• A dog could be infected with as many as 250 heartworms that are up to 16 inches long

• ---

• You can have ticks in

  your own backyard…
  anytime of the year!

• ---

• A dog with only 25 fleas gets bitten 600 times a day

There are many parasites that can be harmful to your dog’s health. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Worms in Dogs

Heartworms
Though they are one of the most dangerous parasites in dogs, heartworms are extremely preventable. They are transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs. Heartworm infection can affect many different organs of the dog but signs of heart and lung disease are most common.

Roundworms
Roundworms can be contracted in many different ways, frequently from a mother to her unborn puppy. Because there are so many ways for your dog to be infected with roundworms, they are very easy to spread. It is essential to keep your dog’s living area clean and prevent them from eating wild animals.

Hookworms
The name “hookworm” is derived from the hook-like mouth-parts these parasites use to anchor themselves on the lining of the intestinal wall. Puppies should be treated for hookworm at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks of age due to the high rate of hookworm infection in newborn puppies.

Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long, flat worms that attach to your dog’s intestines. Dogs commonly contract tapeworms from fleas, mice and other rodents and segments of the worms are often found in on your dog’s rear or in their feces. Though there are few symptoms associated with tapeworms, it is still important to treat them as soon as possible.

Whipworms
The whipworm is a common intestinal parasite in dogs. The parasites reside in the cecum, where the small intestine and large intestine meet. Whipworms can be difficult to diagnose because there are few signs of infection, so regular checkups are important.

Skin Parasites: Scabies, Ticks, Mites, and Fleas in Dogs

Scabies
Caused by a highly contagious skin parasite, scabies tend to burrow in your dog’s skin which can result in scabs and hair loss. Scabies causes severe itching which can lead to intense and prolonged scratching.

Ticks
They are found in grassy or wooded areas and can attach themselves to you and your pet as you pass by. Although a tick’s bite does not itself pose a direct threat to your dog’s health, it can transmit serious (and sometimes fatal) diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever.

Ear Mites
Barely visible to the human eye, ear mites live on the surface of ear canal skin. As these microscopic parasites feed in a dog’s ear canal, they cause intense itching. A dog suffering from ear mites may be seen repeatedly scratching at his ears or violently shaking his head. If you see dark flecks resembling coffee grounds in your dog’s ears, these are the mites’ droppings.

Fleas
Fleas can make any dog’s life miserable (and their family’s)! These small, blood-sucking insects like to feed on your dog and live anywhere your dog does. Fleas can quickly cause a long-lasting, major infestation in your home. Not only can fleabites cause discomfort, itchiness and severe skin reactions, they can potentially transmit tapeworms if accidentally ingested by your dog.

Other Internal Parasitic Dog Diseases

Coccidia
These tiny single-celled parasites, usually found in puppies, live in your dog’s intestinal lining. Dogs become infected with by swallowing soil that contains coccidia. Left untreated, the parasites can cause diarrhea, weakness and dehydration.

Three Ways to Protect Your Dog Against Parasites

Get your Dog Tested Regularly
While it’s fairly common for a dog to become infected with an internal or external parasite at some point, early treatment is crucial. A harmless parasite left untreated could eventually cause a life-threatening illness for your dog and pose a health risk to your family.

Focus on Prevention First
Preventative medicine is a much better option than costly treatments later. Getting your puppy or dog vaccinated and de-wormed regularly allows her immune system to thrive. Adult dogs also benefit from fecal examinations – which allow your veterinarian to diagnose parasites not controlled by monthly medications.

Bring your Dog in for an Annual Checkup
Bringing your dog to your veterinarian for regular parasite checkups is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog, and your family, healthy. We offer different programs specifically designed for your dog’s stage of life. Schedule an appointment to find out more.

Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccinations are critical to the well-being of your cat and to help protect them from potentially deadly infectious diseases. We recommend:

• Giving core cat vaccinations which include panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and rabies. These core vaccines are recommended for all cats and kittens. A feline leukemia cat vaccination may also be recommended.

• Starting a kitten vaccination schedule between 6 and 9 weeks of age to begin proper lifelong protection.

• Giving two physical examinations with kitten vaccinations every 3 weeks thereafter. This time interval allows for maximum immune response and therefore, the best protection.

• Boostering cats one year after the kitten vaccinations.

• Performing cat vaccinations thereafter every 1 to 3 years (or as recommended by your VCA veterinarian) depending on your cats lifestyle and risk factors

There are several non-core cat vaccinations available for protection against diseases such as FeLV, FIV, FIP, chlamydiosis, and bordetellosis in cats. These cat vaccinations are recommended only in special circumstances, dependent on the exposure risk of an individual cat to the particular infectious disease.

Although reactions and side effects of cat vaccinations are possible, they are rare. The very small risk of a vaccine reaction is greatly outweighed by the benefit of protection against serious disease. Call us or come in for more information on proper vaccination for your cat. Ask about our Best Care Little Bundles program which covers kitten vaccinations and other important healthcare items for your kitten.

Cat Vaccine Recommendations

– Provided by VetStreet.com

“What vaccines should my cat get?” This is a question veterinarians hear on a fairly regular basis. Because of advances in science and vaccine technology, and a growing body of information about infectious diseases, the answer you may have gotten 15 years ago is different from the answer you will get today.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, “medical decisions concerning vaccine selection and administration protocols are among the most complicated medical decisions facing veterinarians today.” Here’s why:

“The reasons are numerous and include, but are not necessarily limited to,

• continual changes in our understanding of the immune system

• changes in local/regional population susceptibilities to various diseases

• increased animal valuation with related liabilities

• longer animal life expectancies, and

• improved medical record systems, which allows for better tracking of the short, medium, and long-term effects of vaccine use/administration”

Other contributing factors that affect a veterinarian’s decision as to whether any given cat should receive a vaccine include:

• veterinary medicine’s constantly evolving understanding of infectious diseases,

• veterinarians’ concerns regarding the regulations behind vaccines (licensing, labeling, etc.), and

• veterinarians’ awareness of the risks associated with vaccines.

Much has been made of the risks of vaccination in recent years. Unfortunately, this debate has fueled a largely unwarranted backlash against vaccinations in general, which protect cats from dangerous (and sometimes fatal) diseases while also protecting humans from diseases (such as rabies) that are transmissible across species.

In light of the oft-politicized and sometimes emotionally charged discussion of vaccination, it’s crucial to remember that vaccines have played a significant role in enabling both humans and animals to live longer and healthier lives in a world rife with microbial pathogens.

Nonetheless, not all vaccines are appropriate for all pets. This is why a thorough evaluation of each individual patient’s potential for disease exposure and the risks/benefits associated with his vaccination are fundamental to deciding whether a pet gets vaccinated. Vaccination decisions should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian so they can be tailored to meet a cat’s individual needs.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ vaccination guidelines, the following vaccines are considered “core” (indispensable) vaccines for all cats in the United States:

• Rabies virus

• Panleukopenia virus (FPV)

• Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)

• Feline calicivirus (FCV)

For kittens, the rabies vaccine should be administered as a single dose as early as 8 to 12 weeks of age (depending on vaccine type and label recommendations). For adults receiving an initial rabies vaccine, one dose is considered protective. For all cats, a second dose one year after the initial vaccine is recommended. Following that, the vaccine should be administered every one to three years, depending on the product’s labeling.

The panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) vaccines are typically administered as a combination vaccine according to the following schedule: All kittens should receive two vaccinations three to four weeks apart between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks. Should the initial vaccination take place after 16 weeks, two vaccines three to four weeks apart are recommended. All kittens should receive a booster one year after vaccination and then at intervals of every three years.

The following vaccines are considered “non-core,” which is to say they are optional vaccines that cats can benefit from based on their risk for exposure to the diseases in question:

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

• Feline chlamydiosis

• Bordetella

The American Association of Feline Practitioners has categorized another group of vaccines as “not generally recommended.” This categorization does not mean that the vaccines are bad or dangerous. This designation simply means that widespread use of the vaccine is not currently recommended for pet cats. They are:

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)

• Feline giardia (no longer available as of this writing)

Vaccination remains one of the most important services your veterinarian offers, and although vaccination is a routine procedure, it should not be taken for granted. It also allows a regular opportunity for your veterinarian to perform a physical examination, which is very important for keeping your cat healthy. Protecting patients is your veterinarian’s primary goal, and developing an appropriate vaccine protocol for your pet is as important as any other area of medicine.

For more information on all these vaccines and the diseases they target, reference each of these vaccine’s individual discussions.

References

American Association of Feline Practitioners 2006 Feline Vaccination Guidelines

AVMA Vaccination Principles

 

Parasites in Cats: Worms, Mites, Ticks, & Fleas

• You can’t treat heartworms in your cat, you can only prevent them

• ---

• Ear mites are highly contagious and can move from cat to cat

• ---

• Some internal parasites can be transmitted to humans

There are many parasites that can be harmful to your cat’s health. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Worms in Cats

Heartworms
These tiny worms live inside the blood vessels, and travel to the cat’s lungs. Undetected, they can cause severe health problems and even death. They are transmitted through mosquito bites which means even your indoor cat could be at risk.

Roundworms
Known to cause life-threatening problems in kittens, these large bodied worms average 3-6 inches in length. They do not attach to the wall of the intestine, as some intestinal parasites do- instead they “swim” freely within the intestine. Known to cause abdominal discomfort and vomiting, roundworms are easily treated if detected early enough.

Hookworms
The name “hookworm” is derived from the hook-like mouthparts these parasites use to anchor themselves on the lining of the intestinal wall. So small, they are barely visible to the naked eye, but they feed on the tissue fluids and blood of their host.

Tapeworms
Cats commonly contract tapeworms via accidentally ingested fleas. Once the flea is digested by the cat’s intestine, the tapeworm is released into the cat’s system. Eventually segments of the worm pass in the cat’s feces and are visible to the pet owner.

Skin Diseases and Parasites in Cats

Ringworm
Surprisingly, ringworm is not a true worm, but rather a type of fungus. Usually, it doesn’t cause discomfort but it can be easily transmitted to other cats and even humans. Left untreated, it can weaken your cat’s immune system and make it easier for her to contract other, more serious, diseases.

Ticks
They are found in grassy or wooded areas and can attach themselves to you and your pet as you pass by. Although a tick’s bite does not itself pose a direct threat to your pet’s health, it can transmit serious (and sometimes fatal) diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever.

Ear Mites
As these microscopic parasites feed in a cat’s ear canal, they cause intense itching. A cat suffering from ear mites may be seen repeatedly scratching at her ears or violently shaking her head. If you see dark flecks resembling coffee grounds in your cat’s ears, these are the mites’ droppings. Contact your vet for ear drops.

Fleas
Fleas can make any cat’s life miserable (and their family’s)! These small, blood-sucking insects like to feed on your cat and live anywhere your cat does. Fleas can quickly cause a long-lasting, major infestation in your home. Not only can fleabites cause discomfort, itchiness and severe skin reactions, they can potentially transmit tapeworms if accidentally ingested by your cat.

Other Internal Parasitic Cat Diseases

Coccidia
Coccidia are not parasitic intestinal worms. They are microscopic parasites that live within cells of the intestinal lining. Because they live in the intestinal tract and commonly cause diarrhea, they are often confused with worms. In kittens and debilitated adult cats, coccidiosis may cause severe, watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting.

Three Ways to Protect Against Parasites in CatsGet your Cat Tested Regularly
While it’s fairly common for a cat to become infected with an internal or external parasite at some point, early treatment is crucial. A harmless parasite left untreated could eventually cause a life-threatening illness for your cat and pose a health risk to your family.

Focus on Prevention First
Preventative medicine is much better option than treatment later. Getting your kitten or cat vaccinated and de-wormed regularly allows her immune system to thrive, which most likely translates to your cat needing less care later. Adult cats also benefit from fecal examinations – which allow your vet to diagnose parasites not controlled by monthly medications. 

Annual Checkup to Stay Healthy
Bringing your cat to the veterinarian for regular parasite checkups is one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet, and your family, healthy. We offer different programs specifically designed for your cat’s stage of life. Schedule an appointment to find out more.

What is feline calicivirus ?

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a virus that is an important cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. This virus infects cats throughout the world, and can cause disease in both domestic and exotic species of the cat family. There are at least 40 different strains of FCV, and the virulence or severity of the disease caused by different strains may vary significantly.

Although several different viruses and bacteria can cause respiratory disease in cats, calicivirus is one of the more common infectious agents isolated in cats with a respiratory infection. Information about other infectious agents that can cause an upper respiratory infection in cats can be found in separate handouts in this series of client education materials (refer to “Feline Upper Respiratory Infection” or specific disease handouts).

What are the symptoms of a calicivirus infection?

The typical symptoms of an upper respiratory infection involve the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids), and discharges from the nose or eyes. The discharges may be clear or may become purulent (containing pus).

“….cats with a calicivirus infection often develop ulcers…”

In addition to these typical symptoms, cats with a calicivirus infection often develop ulcers on the tongue, hard palate, gums, lips or nose; cats with ulcers in the mouth will usually salivate or drool excessively. Symptoms that are not specific for an upper respiratory infection include anorexia, lethargy, fever, enlarged lymph nodes and blepharospasm (squinting).

Cats infected with FCV will show a great variability in symptoms, depending on the strain of calicivirus involved in the infection. In some cases, the only symptom of FCV may be oral or nasal ulcers, but usually there are other typical symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. Some strains of FCV may cause an infected cat to develop sudden painful lameness in one or more joints; this lameness occurs more frequently in kittens.

One very virulent strain of FCV, referred to as “Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus” or VS-FCV, causes severe generalized disease. With this strain of FCV, the initial symptoms involve the eyes, nose and mouth, but the infected cat quickly develops a high fever, severe depression, edema of the legs and/or face, jaundice, and symptoms of multiple organ disease. The VS-FCV strain is highly infectious, and the mortality rate is reportedly up to 67%. Fortunately, this particular strain of disease is very rare, with only a handful of outbreaks reported in the US since 1998.

We’ve Got Positive Cattitude! We help to make cat care easier for you – Get a Free Feline First Exam^* (for new clients).

How does a cat get a calicivirus infection?

Calicivirus is highly contagious, and infected cats can shed viral particles in saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes. If an infected cat sneezes, airborne viral particles can be sprayed several meters through the air. It is speculated that the virus may also be shed in urine or feces, but this is not considered to be a major source of infection.

“Susceptible cats can get an infection by direct contact with another infected cat or by environmental exposure to objects that have been contaminated with infectious secretions.”

The virus may survive for up to one week in a contaminated environment (and possibly longer in a cool, damp location). Susceptible cats can get an infection by direct contact with another infected cat or by environmental exposure to objects that have been contaminated with infectious secretions. People that have touched contaminated objects or an infected cat can also spread the virus to susceptible cats.

Although all susceptible cats may develop a calicivirus infection, symptoms tend to be more severe in young kittens. However, the VS-FCV strain appears to affect adult cats more severely.

How long does a typical calicivirus infection last?

Once a cat is exposed to calicivirus, it will go through an incubation period of 2-6 days before developing symptoms. If the infection is uncomplicated, it will typically last for 14-21 days, depending on the particular disease agent. During this entire time, the cat will potentially be infectious to other cats.

At a minimum, infected cats will shed virus in their bodily secretions for 2-3 weeks. Following apparent recovery from the disease, as many as half of all infected cats may develop a carrier state, in which they will continue to shed viral particles intermittently or constantly. In some of these cats the carrier state may only last for a few months, but in a small percentage of cats the carrier state may persist for life. Carrier cats may or may not show any symptoms of infection when they are actively shedding virus particles, and they serve as an important source of infection to susceptible cats. Female cats that are carriers of this virus can pass the infection on to their newborn kittens.

How is a calicivirus infection diagnosed?

In most cases, a presumptive diagnosis of a calicivirus infection is based on the characteristic clinical signs, especially if ulcers are present. A definitive diagnosis of FCV is not always necessary, but will be recommended for breeding animals or if an individual cat has an infection that is poorly responsive to treatment.

Diagnosis may be confirmed by collecting samples of cells and discharges from the mouth, nose or eyes and submitting these samples to a laboratory for specialized testing such as viral isolation, identification by a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test or immunohistochemical staining. If the infection has spread to the lungs, samples may be collected for examination by a procedure called a transtracheal wash. If a cat is showing sudden signs of lameness, x-rays may be recommended to rule out other causes such as an injury.

If a cat has persistent respiratory symptoms, your veterinarian will recommend additional diagnostic testing such as chest or skull x-rays, blood tests, or culture and sensitivity testing of abnormal discharges.

How is a calicivirus infection treated?

“Most cats with an uncomplicated calicivirus infection can be treated symptomatically at home.”

Most cats with an uncomplicated calicivirus infection can be treated symptomatically at home. Your veterinarian may prescribe an eye medication to be applied topically if your cat has a purulent eye discharge. Although viral infections do not respond to antibacterial drugs, broad spectrum antibacterial drugs may be prescribed in an effort to prevent secondary bacterial infections from complicating the disease, particularly in kittens. Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms of lameness. Cats that have persistent ulcers may benefit from treatments that modulate or support the immune system.

Cats with nasal or airway congestion may benefit from increased environmental humidification, such as being taken into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes several times per day. To minimize irritation from discharges, it is often helpful to wipe them away from the cat’s face or eyes with a moist tissue. Since cats with a respiratory infection will have a decreased sense of smell, they often have a decreased appetite – feeding a highly palatable canned food may help improve their appetite. In some cases, an appetite stimulant may be prescribed.

If a cat is dehydrated, depressed, or has a severe case of illness, your veterinarian will recommend hospitalization for more intensive treatment, including intravenous fluids and other supportive treatments.

How can calicivirus infections be prevented?

Since calicivirus is a highly infectious disease and apparently healthy cats can be carriers of the disease, it can be difficult to prevent your cat from exposure to the virus. Boarding facilities, humane societies, animal shelters, and cat shows are all places where susceptible cats can be readily exposed to calicivirus.

Preventing direct contact between your cat and other cats will greatly minimize the chance that your cat will pick up an infection, while following good sanitation and hygiene practices, such as washing your hands thoroughly before and after petting another cat will reduce the likelihood that you will spread the disease to your cat.

Susceptible cats can get an infection by direct contact with another infected cat or by environmental exposure to objects such as brushes, food bowls, litter boxes, cat toys, or blankets that have been contaminated with infectious secretions. Objects that have been contaminated with calicivirus can be disinfected by soaking for at least 10-15 minutes in a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 32 parts water).

“The standard ‘core’ vaccines that are given to cats include immunization against calicivirus…”

The standard ‘core’ vaccines that are given to cats include immunization against calicivirus and will help reduce the severity of disease and shorten the length of the illness if your cat is exposed. Kittens require several boosters of this vaccine between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks, and at least one other booster a year later. After this initial series, the vaccine will also need to be boostered on a regular basis every 1-3 years. It is particularly important to give your cat a booster vaccine before he or she is placed in a high risk situation such as boarding, grooming, going to a cat show, or otherwise being exposed to cats that could be potential carriers of calicivirus. Your veterinarian will advise you on the recommended booster schedule for your individual cat.

Are other cats in the household at risk of infection?

A cat that has an acute calicivirus infection will be infective to other cats during the incubation period and for at least 3 weeks after developing symptoms. A cat that is a carrier of calicivirus may always be infective to other cats (see question “How long does a typical calicivirus infection last?”). Cats that are unvaccinated, are young, or have chronic underlying problems are more susceptible, and may develop a serious illness. For most strains of calicivirus, adult cats that are more than 3 years old, or cats that have been adequately vaccinated will likely only develop a mild case of illness, which may resolve without treatment.

It is always prudent to isolate a new cat from the other cats in your household for at least 1-2 weeks to minimize transmission of calicivirus or any other infectious diseases.

Is my family at risk?

Calicivirus is very species specific and does not represent any risk to people or other species of animals.

Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH

Plan de vacunación para gatos

Plan de Vacunacion en gatos jovenes y adultos

Es importante vacunar a gatitos y gatos adultos correctamente contra las enfermedades más comunes

Las vacunas en los gatos

 Panleucopenia Felina
 Rinotraqueitis Felina
 Calicivirus
 Leucemia Felina
 Inmunodeficiencia Felina
 Peritonitis Infecciosa Felina
 Rabia Felina
 Clamidiasis felina

Existen un sinfín de enfermedades contra las que podemos vacunar a los gatos; el tipo de vacuna y pauta de la vacunación debe aconsejarla su veterinario, dado que dependerá de:

Edad y raza del gato. Si el gatito se ha destetado tempranamente, deberá vacunarse a las 9 semanas contra la Panleucopenia, Rinotraqueitis y Calicivirus, pero si tiene más de 3 meses, se le puede inmunizar contra un mayor número de enfermedades en la misma vacunación. Las enfermedades de mayor riesgo para los gatitos jóvenes son la Panleucopenia, la Rinotraqueitis y el Calicivirus, y son las primeras que deben administrarse. En cuanto a la raza, las razas braquicéfalas como el Persa, al tener una nariz más corta, pueden presentar un elevado riesgo a padecer Rinotraqueitis y Calicivirus, por lo que deben ser vacunados especialmente contra estas enfermedades víricas.-

Estado inmunológico del gato. Si el gatito estaba tomando la leche materna en el momento de adquirirlo, deberemos esperar unas semanas (2-3) hasta vacunarlo para evitar que los anticuerpos de la vacuna se solapen con los que le ha proporcionado la leche materna, pudiendo anular el efecto de ambas, quedando el gato sin protección alguna. También debe considerarse si la madre estaba correctamente vacunada y desparasitada, es decir, con un buen estado inmunitario, ya que ello será un seguro de las defensas del gatito. Si el gato está correctamente alimentado (y su madre), con un peso corporal correcto, es más probable que su estado inmunológico sea óptimo y, en caso de infección vírica o bacteriana, pueda hacer frente a dichas infecciones.

Zona geográfica en la que habite el gato. Determinadas áreas geográficas presentan una mayor prevalencia de enfermedades tales como Panleucopenia o Leucemia,… En zonas rurales, en las que no todos los animales están vacunados adecuadamente, o en áreas en las que existen gatos asilvestrados, el riesgo de enfermedades víricas es mayor, y la vacunación debe ser completa. Su veterinario habitual le recomendará el protocolo adecuado en función de cada situación concreta.

Hábitos del gato. Si el gatito debe convivir con otros gatos, ya sea porque se dedicará a competiciones de belleza o los que viven en criaderos, presentan un mayor riesgo de contraer enfermedades víricas, y su vacunación debe ser estricta y completa.

salivSi el gatito tendrá la oportunidad de salir al exterior de casa o de relacionarse con gatos del exterior (porque tenemos jardín o por vivir en una vivienda baja), es aconsejable evitarlo, ya que los gatos callejeros suelen ser portadores de virus de Leucemia, PIF, FIV, … y pueden contagiar a través de la saliva, sangre, etc. sus letales virus a nuestra mascota.

Los gatitos o gatos con un deficientes estado inmunológico deberán seguir unas pautas vacunales más completas para poseer suficientes defensas.

Los gatitos o gatos que acudan a exposiciones o se dediquen a cría o que convivan con más gatos (criaderos, residencias, …) deben ser especialmente inmunizados contra la Clamydia, PIF, ….

Los gatos que estén o puedan estar en contacto con gatos callejeros – no vacunados -, deben vacunarse frente las vacunas habituales incluyendo Leucemia y PIF.

Quién mejor puede aconsejar la pauta vacunal de un gatito o gato que su veterinario, ya que analizará las características individuales de cada gato y escogerá la que más le proteja.

Revacunaciones anuales de Triple vírica y/o otras enfermedades víricas

Fuente: http://www.affinity-petcare.com

S.E.C. (servicio de educacion para el consumidor)