Vaccinations

What do we recommend vaccinating against?

Distemper Virus (“core” vaccine)

This can affect dogs of any age and is spread by all bodily secretions e.g. saliva. The virus results in fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing and seizures. There is no specific treatment, but intravenous fluids can help to prevent dehydration and medication can control seizures.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (“core” vaccine)

This is spread by contact with the saliva, urine, faeces, blood or nasal discharge of infected dogs. There are two versions of the virus – one causes a kennel cough type infection and the other causes hepatitis (infection of the liver), which results in jaundice, vomiting and diarrhoea. There is no specific treatment, but the symptoms themselves can be treated. Most dogs recover from this disease, however it can be fatal.

Parvovirus (“core” vaccine)

This is the most common of the core virus diseases that we see in practice. It usually affects puppies and is spread by contact with infected faeces. The disease results in severe vomiting and diarrhoea. The disease is usually fatal, but some puppies can survive if treated early, after intensive supportive treatment which can be extremely costly.

Leptospirosis (“non-core” vaccine)

This disease is caused by a bacterium. It is spread by contact with infected urine or contaminated water sources. The two main strains in the UK are carried by dogs and rats and it can also be spread to humans. The disease results in fever, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and jaundice. Severe infections in dogs can result in kidney and/or liver failure. Treatment is supportive, but those dogs that recover remain carriers for months. This vaccine is classed as “non-core” because not all areas of the UK are heavily infected, however it is present in Northants and we would advise any dog which goes outside and has access to water, fields or rats/wildlife to be protected. We offer a basic L2 vaccine or more comprehensive L4. We would discuss with you which is more appropriate for your dog.

Kennel cough (“non-core” vaccine)

Is useful for dogs that are likely to visit kennels, dog shows, parks, training groups etc where they would mix with lots of other dogs. It is caused by several pathogens including parainfluenza virus and bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. Typical clinical signs are a harsh hacking cough, often bringing up white froth and owners report the dog sounds like it has something stuck in it’s throat. Dogs often have a high temperature and a tender, sore throat and the disease is very contagious between dogs but can also be airborne. It is treatable with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

What are “core” and “non core” dog vaccinations?

“Core” vaccines cover Distemper Virus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis & Parvovirus (referred to as DHP)

Immunity to these lasts for at least 3 years. At Higham Vets we do not believe in over vaccinating our pets, therefore we give you the option of an immunity blood test (Titre test) when the “core” vaccination is due to establish if it is truly required at this point (in line with the WSAVA guidelines).

“Non-core” vaccines cover Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough

These vaccines only last for up to 1 year. Currently there is no blood test to assess immunity levels thus we always recommend an annual booster.

Are there side effects from vaccination?

In practice we generally see very few side effects. The most common is a diffuse swelling at the site of the injection which may occasionally be painful and last for a few days after the injection, but will spontaneously resolve – studies classify this statistically as "very common" (up to 1 in 10 animals). Severe reactions such as hypersensivity/immune-mediated reactions/anaphylaxis are "very rare" (less than 1 in 10,000 animals).

In most cases, we feel the low risk of a side effect is by far outweighed by the benefit of preventing a serious, and often fatal, disease by vaccinating.

Do all dogs need vaccinating?

Vaccinating your pet is a personal decision based on your pets' individual lifestyle and exposure risk. We consider the risk of disease is far greater than the risk of a side effect from a vaccine and so would advise any pet which could be exposed to distemper, heptatitis, parvovirus or leptospirosis bacteria should be vaccinated. Dogs living in areas with a high prevalence of disease are at particular risk as are those that spend time off the lead near lakes/fields where they may come into contact with rat urine (transmits Leptospirosis).

When should I vaccinate my puppy?

1. At 8 weeks old your puppy should have her first vaccination.

2. At 12 weeks old (once maternal protection has waned; according to WSAVA guidelines) your puppy should have her second round of vaccinations.

3. From 16 weeks old we offer a blood test (titre test) to check your puppy has formed immunity to the “core” diseases. The only reason her primary course may not have worked is if her mother's antibodies have blocked her from forming her own immunity. The statistics are approx 20% of puppies will not be sufficiently immune. If this test is negative then a third vaccine should be given.

When can my puppy go outside?

We advise that puppies can be taken out 1 week after their second vaccination (so at 13 weeks old). However owners should be aware that after 2 vaccinations not ALL puppies will be fully immune. Approximately 20% will not be, so this is where the blood test at 16 weeks of age can be useful to make sure they’re not outdoors for too long without full immunity.

Why do I need annual vaccination renewals?

“Non core” vaccinations only offer immunity for up to 1 year. Because there is no test available to measure their ongoing immunity level (plus immunity formed to bacterial diseases is different and shorter-lived to the longer term immunity formed to viral diseases) we recommend an annual booster for “non core” diseases to ensure your dogs are always covered. Remember they will also have a complete health check at the same time.

Why do I need three-year vaccination renewals?

“Core” vaccinations last for at least three years. During your health check we will offer you a blood test to check your dogs immunity levels to assess whether/when further boosters are needed for DHP.

What are the consequences of missing my dog’s vaccination renewals?

If the Leptospirosis vaccine is late by more than 2 months your dog will no longer have immunity to the disease and be at risk. He will need to restart a course of two injections at much greater expense than having the single booster. If Parvovirus (referred to as DHP) (core vaccine) is late your dog will no longer have immunity to the disease and be at risk. However a single injection is still sufficient to restore immunity.

Will you notify me when my vaccination renewals are due?

We will send you email and text reminders at the end of the month before your vaccine is due. Please make sure we have your correct mobile and email details so your reminder doesn't get lost.

If my dog has never been vaccinated is it to late to start?

It is never too late to start vaccinations, but your dog will need a primary course of 2 injections, much like a puppy, before it is fully covered and can go to annual boosters.

What do we recommend vaccinating against?

Feline Infectious Enteritis (panleucopenia) (“core” vaccine)

This virus is spread by the faeces and urine of infected cats. If a pregnant cat is infected it can result in kittens born with brain damage. The virus damages a cat’s immune system and results in fever, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. Older cats are more likely to survive than kittens, which sadly frequently die. There is no specific treatment, just supportive care.

Feline Herpes Virus (“core” vaccine)

This is spread by discharge from the nose/eyes and from saliva of an infected cat and is a common cause of “cat flu”. Kittens are most commonly affected where the virus results in fever, sneezing and discharge from the eyes and nose. And In severe cases it can cause permanent damage to their eyes. Adults are less severely affected, but may become carriers of disease. Treatment is supportive. Once a cat has had Feline Herpes Virus it is infected for life and may suffer flare ups.

Feline Calicivirus (“core” vaccine)

This is spread by direct contact with affected cats, or by air-borne transmission. It is another cause of “cat flu” and symptoms and treatment are very similar to those caused by Feline Herpes Virus. Vaccination prevents infection against some strains of the virus, but not all. However symptoms are much milder in cats that have been vaccinated compared to unvaccinated cats.

Feline Leukaemia Virus FeLV (“non-core” vaccine)

This is spread by saliva through cats fighting, grooming or sharing food/water bowls. It may also be spread from a mother cat to her kittens via her milk. Infected cats may not show symptoms; however it can result in leukaemia and lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). There has been an association between giving this vaccine and the development of a tumour known as “injection site sarcoma” where adjuvant is present in the vaccine. This is why we prefer to use a high quality brand of vaccine called PureVax which is free from adjuvant. The tumour is rare, however we do only recommend vaccinating “at risk” cats and again stress not to over-vaccinate and not to give the vaccine every year (even at risk cats would only be given leukaemia vaccine every other year). At risk cats include breeding animals, cats that go outdoors and those in multi-cat households.

What are “core” and “non core” cat vaccinations?

“Core” vaccines cover Feline Infectious Enteritis, Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus

At Higham Vets we do not believe in vaccinating against every virus every year if this is not required and always offer the option of an immunity blood test (titre test) when the vaccinations are due to establish which, if any, are truly required at this point (in line with the WSAVA guidelines).

Immunity to Herpes Virus and Calicivirus will generally only last for one year so we always recommend an annual booster.

Immunity to Feline Infectious Enteritis, however, can last for at least 3 years, so an immunity blood test (titre test) is available to establish if your cat requires this vaccine when it is technically due. Please ask us about this test when coming for your booster.

Frequency of vaccination against Feline Leukaemia virus (FeLV) depends on the cats lifestyle, usually no more than every 2-3 yrs.

“Non-core” vaccines for Feline Leukaemia virus last for up to 2 years and occasionally 3. Do we offer titre test for this? There is no titre test for leukaemia. Do we recommend boosters at year 1,2 or 3? The cat's individual lifestyle will denote how often they need vaccinating for FeLV.

Are there side effects to vaccinating?

In practice we generally see very few side effects. The most common side effect is transient apathy and anorexia for 24hrs post-injection. Occasionally a small local reaction may occur at the injection site but this will resolve spontaneously within 1-2 weeks. In exceptional circumstances, a hypersensitivity reaction may occur but this would be extremely rare.

In most cases, we feel the low risk of a side effect is by far outweighed by the benefit of preventing a serious, and often fatal, disease by vaccinating.

Do all cats need vaccinating?

All cats which have an outdoor lifestyle should be vaccinated. Any cat which visits a cattery or meets other cats should also be vaccinated. If you are not sure whether your cat needs vaccinating we can discuss this to assess your individual cat's lifestyle and exposure risk.

When should I vaccinate my kitten?

1. At 8 weeks old your kitten should have her first vaccination.

2. At 12 weeks old (once maternal protection has waned; according to WSAVA guidelines) your kitten should have her second round of vaccinations.

3. From 16 weeks old we offer a blood test (titre test) to check your kitten has formed immunity to the “core” diseases. The only reason her primary course may not have worked is if her mother's antibodies have blocked her from forming her own immunity. The statistics are approx 20% of kittens will not be sufficiently immune. If this test is negative then a third vaccine should be given. Please ask us about this blood test at your second vaccination; we can even time it for the same time as your kitten gets neutered therefore not requiring any additional appointments for your convenience.

When can my kitten go outside?

We advise that kittens can be let out 1 week after their second vaccination (so at 13 weeks old). However owners should be aware that after 2 vaccinations not ALL kittens will be fully immune. [Approximately 20% will not be, so this is where the blood test at 16 weeks of age can be useful to make sure they’re not outdoors for too long without full immunity.]

Furthermore to avoid unwanted pregnancies we advise not letting them out until after they have been neutered and recovered from the surgery. This can be performed from 12-16 weeks old.

Why do I need annual vaccination renewals?

Every year we recommend a booster to ensure immunity to Herpes Virus and Calicivirus is maintained. Remember all vaccinations are accompanied by a complete health check at the same time. We will answer all your questions to help you devise a suitable immunization plan.

Why do I need three-year vaccination renewals?

Every three years we recommend a booster to ensure immunity to Feline Infectious Enteritis is maintained. To avoid over-vaccinating we can offer an immunity blood test (titre test) to check your cat’s immunity levels to assess whether his injection for Enteritis can be postponed to a later date.

If you have decided your cat's lifestyle requires protection from Feline Leukaemia, we would also recommend a booster every 2-3 years for this. Remember all vaccinations are accompanied by a complete health check at the same time. We will answer all your questions to help you devise a suitable immunization plan.

What are the consequences of missing my cat’s vaccination renewals?

If the flu jab (herpes and calicivirus) is late by more than 2 months your cat will need to restart the vaccination process. Instead of a single booster injection a course of 2 injections (more expensive!) will be required.

If Enteritis is late then a single injection is sufficient.

Will you notify me when my vaccination renewals are due?

We will send you email and text reminders at the end of the month before your vaccine is due. Please make sure we have your correct mobile and email details so your reminder doesn't get lost.

If my cat has never been vaccinated is it to late to start?

It is never too late to start vaccinations, but your cat will need a primary course of 2 injections, much like a kitten does, before it is fully covered and can go on to annual boosters.

What do we recommend vaccinating against?

Myxomatosis

This is a virus spread by flies, mosquitoes, fleas or direct contact with an infected rabbit. It is very common in wild rabbits. Signs include fever, swollen eyes, lethargy and inappetance. In unvaccinated rabbits it is fatal.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease 1 (RHD1)

This virus is spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected rabbit. It causes internal bleeding and organ damage and is almost always fatal (90% mortality). Signs are often difficult to spot before sudden death, but include fever, difficulty breathing and blood from the nose or mouth. Usually affects rabbits over the age of 8-10 weeks old.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (RHD2)

Rabbits infected with RHD2 do not show the signs common with RHD1, so diagnosis is very difficult and can only be confirmed by post mortem examination. Clinical signs include prolonged/vague illness, jaundice, anorexia and weight loss. The mortality rate is lower and more variable (5-70%, with an average of 20%) and mortality also varies from breed to breed. Beware as this strain affects rabbits from birth to seniors.

What are “core” and “non core” rabbit vaccinations?

Myxomatosis, RHD1 & RHD2 are all considered “core” diseases that all rabbits need vaccinating against.

Sadly there are currently no titre tests (immunity blood tests) available for rabbits.

Immunity to Myxomatosis & RHD1 will generally only last for one year so we recommend annual boosters.

Immunity to RHD2, however, only has a short period of effectiveness and requires boosters every six months.

Are there side effects to vaccination?

In practice we generally see very few side effects. A small, non-painful swelling at the injection site is commonly observed within the first 2 weeks after injection, but if occurs will resolve spontaneously. In very rare cases (less than 1 in 10,000 animals) local skin reactions such as necrosis, scabs, crusts or hair loss may occur. The myxomatosis vaccination cannot prevent the disease if the rabbit has already been exposed to the virus – in this case clinical signs would develop within 3 weeks.

In most cases, we feel the low risk of a side effect is by far outweighed by the benefit of preventing a serious, and often fatal, disease by vaccinating.

Do all rabbits need vaccinating?

We would advise that all rabbits should be vaccinated at least against myxomatosis, as even rabbits which never leave the house can become infected from a fly coming in through your window! If they spend any time outdoors or at rabbit boarding we also recommend the RHD1 and RHD2 vaccines.

When should I vaccinate my rabbit?

1. From 5 weeks old your rabbit should have her combined Myxomatosis & RHD1 vaccination.

2. From 10 weeks old your rabbit should have her RHD2 vaccination.

What are the consequences of missing my rabbit’s vaccination renewals?

If late for booster by more than 1-2 months your bunny could become infected with a viral disease. However, a booster can be given at any time.

Will you notify me when my vaccination renewals are due?

We will send you email and text reminders at the end of the month before your booster is due. Please make sure we have the correct mobile number and email details to prevent your reminder from getting lost.

If my rabbit has never been vaccinated is it to late to start?

It is never too late to start vaccinations. However sadly there is no way of testing prior to vaccination whether the bunny has already been exposed to any viruses. If they have the vaccine offers no protection and they would still develop the disease. But given the mortality rate of the viruses we protect rabbits against, it is still a good idea to get vaccinated.