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Vaccinations, Microchipping, Flea and Worm

Vaccinations

Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires puppies to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult dogs require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.

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Puppy Vaccination
Puppies are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives, however until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary in a puppy.  Parvo-virus: DHPPI - otherwise known as the parvo shot. Puppies recieve three Vaccinations spaced 4 weeks apart, with the last vacciation given at 16 weeks of age. 
Leptospirosis Bacterial disease:
Leptospirosis  two vaccinations for Leptospirosis spaced four weeks apart, these are usually given at the same time as the second and third vaccination of DHPPI (Parvo vaccination)
Kennel Cough Vaccines:
Kennel cough is  a bacterial disease that can infect dogs out and about in the park or from kennels where there is no vaccine policy. The current Kennel Cough Vaccine comes in three different forms - injectable requiring two doses four weeks apart, or oral as a single dose, or administered up the nose (intranasal) and is given awith the lepto and Parvo vaccine doses at 16 weeks old and then annually. All of the Kennel Cough vaccines last approximately one year, with repeat annual doses required.
Adult Dog Vaccination
The immunity from puppy vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, will provide the best protection for the life of your pet. Dogs are vaccinated for several different diseases and each one requires a different vaccination protocol. DHPPI - vaccination is repeated every few yearsLeptospirosis -  is repeated annually KC - Kennel Cough - usually last around 12 months. 

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination most dogs are fine and continue as though they have never been to the vets.  In rare occasions, they may be off-colour for a day or two, or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. This is a normal immune response to the vaccine.  Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice. Please give us a call to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your pet puppy or dog.  06 350 3950

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOGS THAT WE VACCINATE AGAINST

Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloodstained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care. It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk. Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.
Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.
Canine Kennel Cough
Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper.  There is a current vaccine that provides protection against these forms of this disease.  Another form of kennel cough also now exists in New Zealand.  This is caused by a mycoplasma bacterium and at present there is no preventative vaccine for this disease.    If your dog develops a persistant hacking cougn that sounds a little like croup in children, then you may have a form of kennel cough that requires antibiotic and anti-inflammatory trreatment. This disease can persist for several weeks so may require several weeks of treatment for resolution. Canine Coronavirus Canine coronavirus is another contagious virus and causes depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea especially in young dogs. Diarrhoea may last for several days in some cases. Although most dogs will recover with treatment, coronavirus has the potential to be fatal, especially if other infectious agents such as parvovirus are present.
Canine Leptospirosis
Canine leptospirosis is a serious disease risk in some areas and can cause high death rates. It is spread by the urine of rats and is usually transmitted to dogs by contaminated food and water. There’s an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as rubbish dumps or river bank areas.   Incidence can also increase after long periods of wet weather, when rat urine is washed from their dens into waterways and in winter when populations are forced to move or concentrate. Leptospirosis is an animal disease that can be passed to humans who may then suffer a persisting “flu like” illness.

Feline and Rabbit Vaccinations

At Central Vets & Pets all vaccine prices are inclusive of health checks!
Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires kittens to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult cats require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.
A Guide to Cat Vaccination Schedule.
Initial vaccination programs should provide at least two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart against some or all of the following; feline panleucopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis  at or after 8 weeks of age. Three vaccinations, 2-4 weeks apart, against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are recommended at or after 8 weeks of age. 
Kitten Vaccination. 
Kittens are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first couple of months of their lives, however until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary for a kitten. Kitten Vaccination course includes 2 doses 4 weeks apart starting from 8 weeks of age.
Adult Cat Vaccination. 
The immunity from kitten vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF CATS THAT WE CAN VACCINATE AGAINST.

Feline Enteritis/Feline Prvovirus (also known as Feline Panleucopenia)
A very contagious viral disease, especially in kittens. Pregnant cats may lose their young or give birth to kittens with abnormalities, quite often with brain damage. Common symptoms are depression, loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood and severe abdominal pain. hence protection against this disease is a must in order to ensure your kitten's good health. It is now regarded as one of the core vaccines under the AVMA guidlines for feline vaccination.
Feline Respiratory Disease Complex (Catflu)
this disease is a complex caused either by herpes virus or calicivirus in cats. it mainly affects eyes, nose and throat in kittens as well as adult cats. it is a very fast spreading viral disease and is highly contagious. since it is caused by virus and not bacteria, getting your kitten/cat immunised against the virus is the best way of prevention against the disease. Feline respiratory disease affects cats of all ages, especially young kittens, Siamese and Burmese cats. It is highly contagious and causes sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue ulcers. Fortunately, the death rate is low except in young kittens, but the disease is distressing and may persist for several weeks. Recovered cats can continue to carry and spread the infection for long periods, and can show signs of the disease again if they become stressedthese vaccines are now regarded as core vaccines under the AVMA guideline for feline vaccination.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline AIDS is a disease caused by infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and affects the cat’s immune system. Their natural defence against attack by other diseases may be seriously affected, much in the same way as human AIDS. This disease is not transmissible to humans. FIV is almost always transmitted by bites from infected cats. The virus that causes the disease is present in saliva. A vast majority of cats infected with FIV in New Zealand show little or no signs of infection, although,it can on occasion, display initial symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes. In the minority of cats where this disease progresses symptoms may occur such as weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye lesions, poor coat and chronic infections. Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections and diseases. As a result, the cat may die from one of these subsequent infections. This virus does occur in New Zealand however the strain found in New Zealand differs from the vaccination strain and the use of this vaccine may therefore have limitations regarding immunity in New Zealand.

Rabbit Vaccinations

Rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD), also known as haemorrhagic viral disease (RHVD), is a disease that kills rabbits. It was illegally introduced into New Zealand in 1997.  Thirty to eighty percent of animals exposed to the virus will develop the disease. Almost 100% of infected animals will die.
It is unsure how the virus is transmitted, but at this stage it is assumed that rabbits acquire this highly infectious virus by breathing it in, ingestion, direct contact or through infected urine or faeces. Insects are also able to carry the virus, so isolation from other rabbits is not enough to prevent this nasty disease affecting your rabbit.  The incubation period is 1-3 days and research has shown that rabbits younger than 8 weeks of age are usually resistant to the virus. There are three forms of the disease which, in severe cases, causes bleeding in the lungs, the windpipe, liver, spleen, kidneys and the heart. Rabbits who receive (Filavac)  Vaccination are covered for RHDV, but also the other current strains of rabbit calicivirus. Rabbits can be vaccinated from 6 weeks old, at which age they will require boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 3 months old. If vaccination commences at  3 months old, they will not require another booster that year. In order to maintain immunity, it is recommended that all vaccinated rabbits receive an annual booster. 
We currently stock and sell this vaccine.  Call us today to protect your furry friend on 06 3503950 or e mail us and one of our team will be in touch.

Vaccinations, Microchipping, Flea and Worm

Flea Control
This is a PREVENTATIVE PROGRAMME.  By preventing fleas from laying eggs in your carpet, bedding and garden, the life cycle can be broken.  This can reduce the number of treatments required over time and importantly prevent your pet developing allergies to fleas. Using products that actually work is important.  At Central Vets & Pets, all of our products are veterinary tested and therefore have been scientifically shown to kill fleas. Fleas are most often seen during the warmer months but as we keep our homes nice and warm throughout winter, we are more commonly seeing fleas all year round. Only a small part of the adult flea population actually lives on your pet. The fleas’ eggs and larvae live in the environment, especially in the carpet of your home.  Fleas can become dormant and survive for up to one year in a capsule that is activated by the vibrations of animals or humans walking past.  It is therefore very important to not only treat the fleas on your animal but also to treat the home carpets and the environments where your pets may go.
Some signs that your pet may have fleas include:
  • Scratching, biting and hair loss, especially at the base of the tail and rump
  • You may see fleas (especially over the rump and in the groin region)
  • It can be difficult to find the fleas, but is relatively easy to check for flea dirt.  Simply moisten a cotton ball, part your pet’s fur and place the cotton ball on the skin over the rump. If the cotton ball takes on black specs surrounded by a reddish area, this may be flea dirt and can indicate that your pet has fleas. 
Remember - humans have a body temperature of 36'C.  Pets have a body temperature of 38.5'C so fleas can easily tell who they have jumped onto by the difference in body temperature.  Luckily for us they prefer hotter animals so if you are being eaten by fleas in your house you probably have a significant burden in the carpet and they are, by mistake, feeding on the wrong host!!  Time to sort out this burden if this is happening. 
How? 
  • Wash your pet’s bedding using the hottest cycle
  • regularly vacuum/clean carpets.
  • There are different products available as follows;

  • Topical: These are products that are placed on the skin behind the head for cats or neck for dogs and include Advantage, Advocate, Bravecto Spot On, Broadline, and Revolution. All of these products last around 4 weeks and therefore require monthly re-applications. The exception here is Bravecto Spot On which will effectively kill fleas for 6 months post application.
  • Flea Shampoos are not recommended as are usually ineffective.

  • Oral: These products are eaten by the pet with subsequent flea control and include products such as Bravecto Oral, Simparica, Comfortis and Nexguard tablets. Again they last approximately 4 weeks with the exception of Bravecto in cats and dogs where it lasts 3 months.

  • Collars: - Flea collars also offer an effective means to prevent flea infestations on your pets.  Collars that we supply include the Seresto collar which remains effective against fleas for up to 8 months post opening.  

  • Environmental: Products such as Advantage and Advocate fall off the pet as they shed their coat and remain active where they land on the ground. These two products can therefore effectively help clean up the environmental flea burden. Sprays such as Indorex Flea foggers are also very effective at treating houses with foggers set off per room. This product will continue to kill fleas and their larvae for up to one year post treating the carpets and is a good way to kill any fleas that are brought into your home even when your pets are treated.
Flea Allergy:
Unfortunately there are no products available that can prevent every single flea bite from occurring.  A hungry flea will always manage to bite a treated animal and as such, some cats or dogs are super sensitive to the fleas saliva and in these animals a single bite can trigger a skin reaction called feline/canine allergic dermatitis syndrome or FADS / CADS.  This can be distressing to both the owner and animal itself but by using proven flea products the cycle can be broken over time decreasing the exposure of your pet to fleas. Breaking the cycle is the fundamental step that needs to be taken for correct flea control and as such require regular administering of these products. So as you can see there are many products available for preventing and treating flea infestations.  However they need to be used in a coordinated way to get the best bang for your buck as the flea life cycle is more complicated than it appears.
If you would like to discuss an effective flea treatment programme for your household, get in touch with Central Vets & Pets and one of the team will provide you with all the information and help that you require for this year. Please call us to discuss an appropriate flea control program for your pet.  06 350 3950 or e mail us on centralvetsandpets@gmail.com and we will be in touch to help.
In New Zealand there are intestinal worms that may have detrimental health effects on your cat or dog.

Intestinal Worms

Intestinal Worms Worming is one of the first health care issues pet owners need to address as pups and kittens are the most susceptible. As their name suggests, intestinal worms are parasites that live inside your pet’s intestines. These worms range in size from small to surprisingly large (up to 18cm in length). Regardless of their size however, they all have negative effects on the health of your pet. Most species of animal, as well as humans, can be infected with intestinal worms including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, fish, birds and reptiles.  In humans, worms from animals can cause disease therefore it is important that we break the life cycle of these worms and prevent exposure.
Common intestinal worms in New Zealand pets are:
  • Roundworm
  • Tapeworm
  • Whipworm
  • Hookworm
If your pet has a large number of worms it may find it difficult to maintain body condition and it can lose weight. In some cases it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even anaemia (a low red blood cell level). Occasionally, heavy intestinal worm burdens can cause death. Worms sometimes have complex lifecycles which involve a period of existence and development outside your pet. Understanding the life cycle of a specific worm is important so that strategies for treatment and prevention can be designed and implemented.  For instance, some tapeworms need to pass through fleas to complete their lifecycle, so flea prevention is an important method of controlling tapeworms. It is important to maintain a routine worming treatment for your pets, to reduce the incidence of infection and to reduce environmental contamination. There are many worming treatments available for the various worm infections that occur in our pets. These are available as tablets, spot-ons, or pastes. Re-infection is a common problem, particularly in pets that are in contact with a heavily contaminated environment. Another very important reason to worm your pets is to protect your family; as children in particular can become infected with certain dog and cat worms. Products Available: Oral: Tablets are available with Drontal, Milbemax and Nexguard the most commonly used products. Liquid wormers such as Panacur can be used in very young puppies and kittens and Ivomectin oral, injectable or topical is sometimes used in small furries like rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. Topical: There are many topical products that can be placed on the back of neck that will absorb through the skin killing intestinal worms. These include Advocate Spot On, Bravecto Plus, Revolution and Broadline.
All of these products are available over the counter at Central Vets & Pets.
Below are some tips to consider regarding worm prevention:
  • Promptly clean up pet faeces
  • Practice good hygiene, always encourage children to wash their hands regularly (especially after playing in dirt or sandpits, playing with pets or prior to eating)
  • Prevent children from playing where the soil may be contaminated
  • Keep your pet's environment clean
  • When walking dogs, please collect all faeces for disposal.
  • Regularly treat your pet for worms using a broad spectrum product such as Drontal or Milbemax.  This should be given to puppies and kittens every 4 weeks until 6 months old and then every 3-6 months after that. 
Every pet has a different requirement for being wormed. Please call us to discuss an intestinal worming program for your pet.  06 350 3950 or e mail us on centralvetsandpets@gmail.com and one of the team will be in touch.

Microchip Identification for Pets

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under your pet’s skin. This procedure can be undertaken during a normal consultation. The microchip itself is not a GPS location device in that it cannot be used to identify where your pet is located. Instead, it is embedded with a code that is unique to your pet and is the most effective form of permanent identification. In New Zealand the micro-chip number is registered on a national data base which means that if you take your dog on holiday, to say Gisborne and you live in Palmerston North and they run away, the Gisborne pound will know who the owner is and will call you to let you collect your dog. At Central Vets we always register your pet with the National Data Base so no matter where you are, your animal will be recognised and able to be returned back to your family. For dogs, registering their micro-chip number with the local council is now a legal requirement in New Zealand. In Palmerston North, it is now mandatory under a PNCC bylaw to de-sex and microchip your cat. This applies to all cats born after 1st July 2018. Registered cat breeders are exempt this law. This provides the owners with peace of mind that if their cat is found and taken to the council, they are likely to be returned rather than euthanised.  If a pet is ever lost and is handed in at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter a microchip scanner is passed over the animal to reveal the unique code. The vet or animal shelter can then refer to the database to identify the name, address and phone number of the owner, so they can be reunited. If your pet is not micro-chipped please give us a call on 06 3503950 to make an appointment to have one inserted, or email us on centralvetsandpets@gmail.com and one of our friendly team will call you back. If you find a lost pet please call us to arrange a scan, we can reunite micro-chipped pets with their worried owners.