Canine DiseasesDogs get sick....
IntroductionDogs get sick. Dogs get sick from parasites, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungus. In some cases, these diseases and infestations are fatal unless caught early and treated. Sometimes they sow the seeds of death or debilitation years down the road by causing chronic illness or damaging organs. Fortunately, veterinary researchers have developed drugs and treatments that reduce the occurrence and effects of many diseases and parasites, but they do not eradicate the scoundrels – they only hold them at bay. Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and coronavirus are major viral diseases affecting dogs. Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and a type of kennel cough are bacterial diseases. These infections are not limited to dogs – all are found in other animal populations and rabies, Lyme, and lepto also infect people. Each of these diseases can be prevented by judicious vaccination of puppies and adult dogs.
Types of VaccinesVaccinations work by priming the pump, that is, they stimulate the dog’s immune system to produce specific antibodies to fight a subsequent attack by the disease. Vaccines come in two forms: modified live formulas that include a weakened form of the disease and killed or inactivated formulas that have an additional substance called an adjuvant added to boost the immune response. Each has its advantages. Modified live vaccines can cause swift development of long-lasting immunity but may produce mild cases of illness. Killed vaccines are more stable, have a longer shelf life, and do not produce mild infections, but the protection may not last as long.If the mother dog is vaccinated, her puppies will get some immunity from colostrum, her first milk. Because it is difficult to determine when that immunity wears off and vaccinated immunity kicks in, puppies generally get a series of shots. After the initial puppy shots, veterinarians recommend a booster at one year of age and subsequent boosters every six months, year, or three years, depending on the disease and its prevalence in an area. Vaccines can be given separately or in combination. Some dogs have had reactions to vaccinations, and some dog breeders, owners, and veterinarians question whether puppy immune systems can be overloaded with too many vaccines administered too close together or whether annual boosters are necessary for many dogs. Researchers trying to answer these questions have determined that some dogs are protected for more than a year by some vaccines, and some veterinarians recommend three-year intervals for older dogs that aren’t exposed to other animals that may carry the diseases. However, the work is in its infancy and, while some veterinarians and universities have modified their vaccination recommendations as a result, none have backed away from vaccines as the first line of defense to these debilitating or deadly diseases. [For more detail information on Types of Vaccines see: The Production & Types of Vaccines [For more detail information on How Vaccines Work see: How Vaccines Work in the Body [For more detail information on Immunisations see: Vaccinations...Too Many, Too Often?
Heartworm DiseaseHeartworm is an insidious disease that has spread to virtually all parts of the US and many parts of Canada since the early 1970s. It is spread only by mosquitoes; thus, areas heavily populated by these insects tend to have a greater incidence of heartworm disease. Heartworm can strike both dogs and cats, although it is much more commonly seen in dogs. As its name implies, heartworm lives in the blood of a dog's or cat's heart and adjacent blood vessels. The adult heartworms living in the heart produce offspring, called microfilariae, which circulate in the infected animal's blood. When a mosquito "bites" an infected pet, it sucks out blood containing the microfilariae. After about two weeks in the mosquito, the microfilariae become infective larvae. This step is necessary for the transmission of heartworm. When the mosquito bites another pet, the infective larvae are transmitted. Canine Heartworm Veterinary research has resulted in medications and procedures that have improved the treatment of canine heartworm disease. Prompt detection and early treatment are vital to a successful cure. Highly effective diagnostic testing and preventive medications have been developed in recent years. It is necessary to have a heartworm test prior to using a preventive. Severe or fatal reactions may occur if preventives are given to dogs with heartworm disease, or may create diagnostic confusion at a later date. A small amount of blood is all that's necessary for a preliminary heartworm screening test that is very accurate in detecting the presence of heartworm. In many regions, this may be the only test needed before starting a preventive program. If the dog shows heartworm symptoms or has visited a known heartworm problem area, additional tests are recommended before a preventive or treatment program is started. Common blood screening tests can verify the presence of heartworms. Radiographs or X-ray films and other sophisticated laboratory tests are used to detect heartworm disease. Canine heartworm disease symptoms include:
As a safeguard, many veterinarians recommend annual or biannual screening tests even for dogs that are on heartworm preventives. In known heartworm areas, or if dogs are traveling into these areas, veterinarians usually prescribe preventive medications. This medication prevents the larvae from developing into adult heartworms. Prescribed medications must be given as directed. Today, the majority of dogs with heartworm disease survive. Most are cured by medications. Some require surgery. Prompt detection prevents needless suffering. Feline Heartworm Although heartworm is seen less frequently in cats, the disease poses a much greater danger. The outcome is often fatal. There currently are no drugs approved for fighting heartworm in cats. Cats can be treated with canine medications, but this can lead to dangerous side effects, including lung failure and death. Another approach to battle the disease is by treating the symptoms, with hopes of the cat outliving the worms (heartworms live within a cat for about two years). However, this approach can result in sudden death as the worms exit through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. There are no consistent clinical signs of heartworm in cats. Common clues include coughing and rapid breathing. Other signs include weight loss and vomiting. However, all of these signs are also common in other diseases. Diagnosis is difficult for veterinarians and may include outside laboratory tests, radiographs, and ultrasound studies. The good news is that there are heartworm prevention drugs available for cats. If you live in a heartworm infested area, or plan on visiting a heartworm area with your cat, your veterinarian can prescribe a preventive medication. These drugs are given once monthly and are very effective in cats and kittens. Research continues into all phases of heartworm disease. For the latest advice, consult your veterinarian. [For more detail information on Heartworm Disease see: Protect Your Pets
The Danger of TicksIf you have a dog, chances are you are familiar with ticks. You're also familiar with the many commercials and advertisements that encourage you to purchase products to get rid of ticks or prevent them from feeding on your pet. We place a lot of importance in preventing ticks in our pets because ticks are more than just blood-sucking arachnid parasites; along with mosquitoes, ticks are responsible for transmitting many diseases in dogs. Some of these include: Ehrlichia. This is the most common disease transmitted by ticks in dogs. Ehrlichia is caused by a rickettsial organism and is characterized by anemia, low platelet counts, bleeding, fever, lethargy, neurologic disease and multiple leg arthritis. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This is another rickettsial disease transmitted by ticks. Most commonly diagnosed between April and September, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is characterized by fever, neurologic disease, breathing difficulty, bleeding disorders, heart rhythm irregularities, anemia and organ failure. Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is a well-known and not fully understood disease transmitted by ticks. The organism responsible for disease is Borrelia burgdorferi and is usually transmitted by the deer tick. Signs associated with Lyme disease include multiple leg arthritis, weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy and fever. Relapsing Fever. This is an uncommon disease caused by a bacterial infection of Borrelia. Signs of this disease lead to the common name, intermittent and relapsing fevers, lack of appetite and lethargy. Canine Hemobartonella. This disease is not fully understood and may be transmitted by fleas and ticks. Hemobartonella is a parasite that attaches to the red blood cells. In dogs, most affected animals show no signs of illness. Rarely, anemia may result from excessive breakdown of affected red blood cells. Babesia. This disease is usually associated with racing greyhounds in Florida. It is primarily a tropical disease caused by a protozoal parasite that affects red blood cells. Once infected, the red blood cells are destroyed, resulting in anemia, jaundice, fever, bleeding and low platelet counts. Hepatozoonosis. This disease is caused by a protozoan parasite and is uncommon in the United States. Affected dogs show signs of fever, weight loss, muscle inflammation and pain, bloody diarrhea and discharge from the eyes and nose. Tularemia. This bacterial disease is also transmitted by ticks and is most often associated with rabbits. Dogs affected with the bacteria Francisella tularensis will show signs of fever, draining abscesses and may succumb to a bacterial blood infection. Remember when buying something for your dog, you need to take numerous things into consideration before you make your purchase, such as: your dog's breed, dog's age (puppy, adult, senior,) dog's size, dog's health, where you plan on using this item for your dog, (what part of the house, inside or outside,) and how much do you plan on spending. For more detail information about Ticks on Dogs see: Companion Animal Parasite Council For detail information on Ticks in North Carolina see: Information on Ticks For information on Tick Prevention for your dog see: Tick Prevention
RabiesThe rabies virus is fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies vaccination is required by law at local or state levels because the disease is fatal to humans as well as dogs, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, skunks, cats, and other mammals. Some veterinarians use three-year rabies vaccine; those in areas with disease outbreaks give boosters every year for maximum protection.
DistemperThe American Veterinary Medical Association (1) considers canine distemper to be the greatest single disease threat to the world’s dog population. Canine distemper virus is fatal to 80 percent of the puppies and 50 percent of the adult dogs that contract it. Symptoms include congested lungs, nasal discharge, gunky eyes, coughing, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it attacks the nervous system, often causing partial or complete paralysis and seizures. Distemper is highly contagious. Dogs can get the virus through the air, by direct contact with urine, feces, or secretions from infected dogs, and by contact with kennels, bedding, toys, or other objects that may hold the virus. According to AVMA, “Some veterinary medical scientists estimate that practically every dog that lives to be a year old has had contact with the virus at some time. ... Distemper is so prevalent and the signs so varied that any sick young dog should be taken to a veterinarian for a definite diagnosis.” Most distemper cases appear in dogs less than six months of age and in old dogs that have not been routinely vaccinated. Once the dog is infected, there is no cure. Treatment is supportive; i.e., fluids are given to prevent dehydration and symptoms are treated, but the disease must run its course. Dogs that recover from distemper may develop hardened foot pads and nose leathers and have vision and nervous system problems throughout their lives. In addition to these consequences, puppies may also have mottled teeth from damage to developing enamel. Distemper can be prevented by vaccination. Some university studies indicate that immunity lasts longer than a year after inoculation, but pet owners should discuss frequency of vaccination with their veterinarian. Generally, older dogs that remain at home may not need annual boosters, but dogs that spend time in training classes, grooming shops, day care centers, or boarding kennels; dogs that participate in public events; and dogs that compete at shows and trials should be vaccinated. The North Carolina State University (2) published a vaccination protocol in 2001 that “highly recommended” vaccination against distemper with a modified live vaccine but noted that, because some studies indicate that dogs are still protected for five years or more when challenged by the disease, “a booster vaccination of every three years among adult dogs is reasonable.”
ParvovirusDistemper develops over a course of days, but parvovirus can overwhelm a dog within hours of the first symptoms and result in death within 48-72 hours. Found throughout the world, parvo is a highly contagious disease that attacks the intestinal tract, the white blood cells, and sometimes the heart. It is spread through contact with the feces of infected dogs and can be carried on shoes, crates, equipment, or on the hair or feet of infected dogs. One infected dog at a show, a canine expo, a charity walk, a shelter, a boarding kennel, or any other event or facility where dogs congregate can spread the virus to hundreds of unprotected dogs. Symptoms of parvo appear five-to-seven days after exposure and include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Feces are generally light gray or yellow-gray and may be streaked with blood. Puppies under the age of six months are most susceptible to the disease. If the virus attacks the heart, puppies can die within hours or live for a few weeks or months. Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers appear to be at higher risk for parvo than other breeds. As with distemper, there is no treatment that kills the virus. Instead, nursing care consists of replacing fluids lost in diarrhea and vomiting, keeping the dog warm, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and dosing with antibiotics to prevent secondary infection. Because parvovirus can live for months in an infected area, thorough cleaning of all surfaces is necessary to eradicate the disease in a kennel or home. Household bleach is an effective cleansing agent. Vaccination against parvo has dramatically reduced incidence of the disease. The NCSU protocol “highly recommended” vaccination with a modified live virus vaccine and noted that dogs are still protected against parvo when challenged by the disease as much as seven years later. [For more detail information on Parvovirus see: CANINE PARVOVIRUS: WHAT IS IT?
Infectious Canine HepatitisHepatitis is also known as canine adenovirus type 1 or CAV-1. It is inhaled or ingested by the dog, enters the bloodstream, and targets the liver, kidneys, eyes, and the cells lining the inner surface of the blood vessels. Some cases barely show symptoms; puppies may have a slight fever or be slightly lethargic and recover quickly. Some cases are quick and deadly; puppies show fever, tonsilitis, reddened mouth and eye membranes, colic, then shock and death, sometimes within 24 hours. The in-between manifestation of the disease is the one most commonly described. The early symptoms are similar to the other forms; some puppies recover within a week, but others develop internal bleeding, central nervous system involvement, and liver disease. There is no cure, only supportive treatment. Vaccination against this disease is actually done with a modified live or killed product made from CAV-2, the other adenovirus that affects dogs. The NCSU protocol recommended vaccination with CAV-2 but noted that dogs challenged with the disease as much as seven years after vaccination were still protected.
Osteosarcoma: Canine Bone CancerOsteosarcoma is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog, usually striking the leg bones of larger breeds. Osteosarcoma usually arises in middle aged or elderly dogs but can arise in a dog of any age with larger breeds tending to develop tumors at younger ages. Osteosarcoma can develop in any bone but the limbs account for 75-85% of affected bones. Osteosarcoma of the limbs is called "appendicular osteosarcoma." Osteosarcoma develops deep within the bone and becomes progressively more painful as it grows outward and the bone is destroyed from the inside out. The lameness goes from intermittent to constant over 1-3 months. Obvious swelling becomes evident as the tumor grows and normal bone is replaced by tumorous bone. Tumorous bone is not as strong as normal bone and can break with minor injury. This type of broken bone is called a “pathologic fracture” and may be the finding that confirms the diagnosis of bone tumor. Pathologic fractures will not heal and there is no point in putting on casts or attempting surgical stabilization. [For more detail information on Osteosarcoma see: Bone Cancer in Large Breed Dogs
Lymphoma (Lymphosarcoma)CancerCells derived from the bone marrow that mature and take part in cellular immune reactions are called lymphocytes. When lymphocytes undergo transformation and become cancerous cells, they may invade the bone marrow and cause lymphocytic leukemia, or they may invade the organs of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, thymus, spleen) and form solid tumors within these organs called lymphomas (also called lymphosarcomas). Lymphomas may originate from T-lymphocytes (lymphocytes processed by the thymus gland which take part in hypersensitivity and immune-rejection) or from B-lymphocytes (lymphocytes independent of the thymus which play a role in circulating antibody production). Lymphocytic cancers are the third most common tumor-type occurring in the dog. Of the different forms of this kind of cancer, lymphoma is the most common, accounting for 5-7% of all tumors seen in the dog and affecting as many as 24 out of every 100,000 dogs. Lymphoma occurs in all breeds but may have a higher incidence in Boxers, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers and Scottish terriers. There is no evidence that either sex has a higher risk for development of lymphoma, although some evidence suggests females that develop lymphoma may have a longer survival duration than males similarly diagnosed. [For more detail information on Lymphoma Cancer see: What is Lymphoma?
Nasal CancerCancers of the nasal passage increase with increasing age in dogs. Males are slightly more likely to get this type of cancer than are females. Long-nosed breeds have the greatest risk of getting this type of cancer while short-nosed breeds have the lowest risk and mixed breeds and medium-nosed breeds have an intermediate risk. Dalmatians would be considered a long-nosed breed. Since the nose acts as an initial filter for incoming air, it is suggested that long-nosed breeds more efficiently filter out airborne carcinogens with their nose and deposit them in the nasal cavity. This leads to more contact of the carcinogen with the lining of the nose and induces formation of cancer. Long-nosed breeds with a smoker in the house were twice as likely as control dogs to get nasal cancer. There was no increased risk for medium- or short-nosed dogs living with a smoker. Moreover, the risk for getting nose cancer in long-nosed breeds increased with increasing number of packs of cigarettes smoked in the home Nasal Tumors in Dogs Nasal tumors are a very uncommon tumor of older dogs, accounting for only about 1-2% of canine cancers. The cause is unknown, but environmental carcinogens and chronic nasal irritation may play a role. They typically occur in older medium to large breed dogs. Symptoms are sneezing, snorting/snoring, progressive nasal discharge, and bleeding. Seizures are a less common symptom but can occur. While it is not impossible for a young dog to develop a nasal tumor, it is far down on the list of differentials. Much more common causes of sneezing in the younger dog include allergies, nasal/sinus infection, and foreign bodies (such as a seed pod or other object caught in the nasal passage). If symptomatic treatment does not resolve the signs within a few weeks (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamines), or if the signs progress, further evaluation is warranted, such as a nasal scope, nasal flushing, and nasal radiographs (X-rays). [For more detail information on Nasal Cancer see: Nasal Neoplasia in the Dog and Cat [Visit the following site to view more inforamtion on: Nasal Adenocarcinoma [Visit the following site to view more inforamtion on: Canine Nasal Mites [Click here to further develop a better understanding of: Nasal Mites
Kennel CoughThis common name for respiratory disease in dogs covers the actions of several infectious agents, including Bordatella bronchiseptica, a bacteria, canine adenovirus-2, and canine parainfluenza virus. The parainfluenza virus is related to the canine distemper virus. Symptoms of these diseases range from a dry hacking cough to inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes, and trachea. CAV-2 also produces pneumonia in 10-20 percent of the affected dogs. Kennel cough agents are highly contagious, especially in kennels or shelters where canine immune systems are stressed, leaving dogs susceptible to pre-existing infections or new attacks from infected dogs. Good kennel ventilation helps prevent these infections from taking hold, but vaccination is the only sure preventive. A combined kennel cough vaccination contains CAV-2, parainfluenza, and Bordatella in one dose of nose drops. While the diseases usually present symptoms no more severe than a bad cold, vaccination is recommended if dogs are to be boarded or will come in contact with large numbers of dogs.
Valley FeverValley Fever (VF), or Coccidioidomycosis, is reaching epidemic proportions affecting both people and dogs. Dogs, in fact, are even more susceptible than humans, by virtue of their closer proximity to the ground where Valley Fever spores live. VF is a fungal infection contracted by inhaling soil-dwelling spores. When soils containing the fungus are disturbed and dust is raised, spores may be inhaled with the dust. Soil is disturbed by things like construction, digging (by dogs or humans), and wind. Dogs, known to dig and to stick their noses right into the dirt, have potential to breathe in many, many spores at a time. The microscopically small spores are found in the arid soils of the low desert regions of the southwestern U.S. In recent years, we've seen explosive population growth in Arizona and an associated increase in new home construction and extreme disturbance of the soil. The increase in the number of cases of VF seems to closely correspond to the increase in population. VF infections are more likely to occur during certain seasons. Many dogs in this part of the country become infected with VF, but do not become visibly ill. In most cases, only a mild respiratory inflammation occurs as the dogs’ defense mechanisms wall off the organisms. However, very young puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems are at much higher risk to develop a more serious case of VF. In severe cases, the disease can spread throughout the lungs and invade other organs with the fungal infection. Once the spore has been breathed into the lungs, the spore transforms itself into a larger, multi-cellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and will eventually burst, releasing lots of small endospores. These develop into new spherules, and the cycle repeats again and again. This is how the fungus can be spread from the lungs through the bloodstream to other organs. Valley Fever is not contagious to other pets or family members! A person with VF cannot infect another person or a dog; a dog with VF cannot infect another dog or a person! VF is classified as either Primary or Disseminated disease. Primary disease, or the initial infection, is limited to the lungs and may go away on its own, or the dog may become sick enough to require medication. Early symptoms often seen in the initial stages of Valley Fever are dry, harsh cough, fever (anything over 102 is considered a fever), depression, and lack of appetite. Symptoms typically occur about 3 weeks after infection. In dogs, VF commonly spreads to other parts of the body. When this happens, the dog has what is referred to as Disseminated disease, which means that there are fungus cocci throughout the body. These dogs will almost certainly die without treatment. In disseminated disease in dogs, the bones and joints are the most frequent targets and lameness is the most common symptom. Other symptoms of disseminated disease include lack of appetite, lethargy, persistent fever, and weight loss. Occasionally, the fungal infection may reach the brain, and seizures can result. The diagnosis of Canine Valley Fever is made by the history you give your vet, the symptoms the dog is having, and results of blood tests which measure the levels of VF antibodies produced by the dog’s immune system. Other diagnostic testing may be required, including but not limited to other blood tests, x-rays of the chest and/or any painful or swollen bones or joints, repeat antibody testing, etc. Noticing the symptoms is the key to saving your dogs life. It can start out in different forms. One being that it involves the respiratory tract/pulmonary system (lungs and airways) or cutaneous (pertaining to the skin). The Pulmonary form may be a mild infection with symptoms typical of a common cold. Coughing, lack of appetite, etc. If the primary form goes unnoticed and untreated the infection can continue to develop and disseminate to other areas, such as bones, joints, nervous system, kidney and liver. The cutaneous form is very uncommon. A skin lesion most commonly a firm hard mass with a central ulcerated area forms. For more detail information on Valley Fever see: Valley Fever in dogs and other animals? More information on Valley Fever: Valley Fever Connections. Understanding Valley Fever and its roots: Valley Fever Center for Excellence.
LeptospirosisLeptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread in the urine of wild and domestic animals and capable of causing illness in humans as well as dogs. Several species of the bacteria produce disease in dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. A more generalized form of the disease can cause elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, pneumonia, and intestinal inflammation. Chronic kidney problems can result. Antibiotic therapy is effective in fighting the bacterial invasion and supportive nursing (replenishment of fluids, administration of diuretics to flush the kidneys and prevent kidney failure, blood transfusions if necessary) is required. Lepto vaccines, however, are not recommended unless there is a disease problem in the area. The vaccines help lessen the severity of the disease but do not prevent it (3) and may not be effective for more than six months. Furthermore, puppies and small dogs can have adverse reactions to the vaccines. Therefore, many veterinarians do not recommend inoculation against leptospirosis. However, if a lepto outbreak occurs and veterinarians do recommend vaccination, dogs should be inoculated against all four strains of the disease unless the particular strain is identified.
Lyme DiseaseLyme is a bacterial disease spread by ticks. Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Some dogs have antibodies to the disease, indicating that they have been exposed, but they show no symptoms. Treatment is with the antibiotic tetracycline. A vaccine is available but is not widely recommended because the disease is self-limiting and protection is limited to no more than six months following inoculation. Lyme disease is more serious for humans than for dogs. Thus it is important to eliminate ticks by removing them from the dog and using appropriate chemical and biological controls. [For more detail information on Lyme Disease see: What is Lyme Disease(Borreliosis)?
CoronavirusThis virus causes diarrhea and vomiting and can be confused with parvovirus. The mode of infection is direct contact with an infected animal or its feces. Some dogs have antibodies but no symptoms; others lose their appetite, have smelly diarrhea, and are lethargic and dehydrated. Treatment involves replacing lost fluids and controlling vomiting and diarrhea. A vaccine is available but not widely recommended. The NCSU guidelines noted that the disease is not widespread enough to justify routine vaccination of all dogs.
Vaccine AlternativesThere are no proven vaccine substitutes. Some dog owners who use alternatives to modern medicine use nosodes, but there is no evidence that these concoctions can successfully prevent disease. There is some evidence, however, that they can help dogs recover from the disease when they get sick. Some owners fear that their dogs will experience adverse reactions to vaccines, but these reactions are rare. Those who worry about overloading a dog’s immune system with multivalent (multiple vaccines in a single shot) inoculations can ask their veterinarian to purchase monovalent (single) vaccines for distemper and parvo and give the shots at different times. Some dog owners have their dogs tested to determine a level of immunity and make vaccination decisions based on the results. The test is done by drawing blood and checking it for titers, a measurement of the antibodies present in blood serum. A titer must be run for each disease, and the tests are far more expensive than the vaccination. Titers quantify the dog’s reaction to the vaccination but do not necessarily indicate that the dog would be protected against an active case of disease.
ConclusionResearchers are designing and conducting studies to determine true protection levels for various vaccines. According to the NCSU guidelines, challenge tests have shown that vaccination with modified live virus vaccine for canine distemper has protected dogs from the disease five to seven years after inoculation. The guidelines also note that dogs vaccinated against parvovirus and hepatitis did not develop these diseases when challenged up to seven years after inoculation. Dog owners obviously face some choices when deciding on a vaccination program for their pets and show dogs. There’s no doubt that serious diseases such as distemper and parvovirus are best prevented because many victims die and those that live can face lifelong health problems. There’s also no doubt that those who use services such as day care centers, boarding kennels, and grooming shops must abide by the vaccination requirements of those establishments. Thus owners must weigh the consequences for each of their dogs, ask questions, discuss alternatives with their veterinarians, and decide accordingly.
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