Keep Your Pets Protected. Vaccinate as directed!

Keep Your Pets Protected. Vaccinate as directed!

 

Capitol Illini Veterinary Services has already diagnosed the Parvo virus this spring!

We would like to take this opportunity to remind our clients of the importance of preventing disease and to vaccinate puppies and adult dogs as directed.

If you are unsure on the recommended vaccine protocol, call us! 

217-483-6830 or 217-546-1541.

 Our certified veterinary technicians and doctors can explain and advise you on vaccine protocol.  We want to keep your pet protected!

 In order to stay protected against common and potentially fatal infectious diseases, 

all puppies need a series of vaccines to build up their immune system.

 It is important for a puppy to follow the vaccination plan closely.

 The younger the dog, the less immunologic experience they have

 and the more susceptible to infection they become. 

 For nursing puppies, nature has given them protection with

 their mother’s milk and nutrient rich clostrum. The colostrum contains

 antibodies that help keep the puppy protected from infectious disease that the mother has been vaccinated against or exposed to during her lifetime. These antibodies

wear off sometime during the dog’s first 4 months of life.

This is why a series of vaccines are needed.

During a puppies first 6 to 16 weeks of life, we recommend a series of Distemper (DHLPP) vaccinations.

 

We also recommend that puppies be restricted from public outdoor areas until their vaccination series is complete.

This is very important and is often overlooked.

Parvo virus can be found anywhere in the environment. It is hard to disinfect and is shed in extremely large numbers by infected dogs. The virus is shed through feces of an infected dog. Infection depends on several factors: Host vitality (health of the pet), immune

experience, vaccine status, virulence of the virus, number of viral exposures and environmental factors.

Treatment is costly however if your pet is diagnosed with Parvo, it is crucial for survival. Treatment is centered around supportive care. Due to the high risk of viral transmission to other dogs and the severity of the disease, hospital stays are normally required with IV fluids and close monitoring. Antibiotics and anti nausea medicines are a key component to successful treatment. It is important to monitor closely, evaluate blood counts and keep the infected dog well hydrated.  The gastrointestinal tract is where the heaviest of damage occurs. The barrier separating the digestive bacteria from the blood stream breaks down. Diarrhea becomes bloody and bacteria can enter the body, causing wide spread infection. The infection affects the bone marrow and the body’s immune system.  Due to the severity of this virus, at-home care is not recommended. Prevention through vaccination saves money, time of treatment and in some cases, the life of a beloved pet!

 

-Kacie

Capitol Illini Veterinary Assistant