VACCINATION AND ANNUAL HEALTH CHECKS
 

Posted Saturday, June 23, 2007

Regular health check-ups are important for the long term health and welfare of all pets. Routine examinations allow us to take a pro-active role in preventive health care. Actual or imminent health problems will hopefully be spotted earlier and appropriate treatment or preventive action taken.

This is an ideal opportunity to discuss any aspect of your pet’s health or well being (for example teeth/weight problems) that are of concern to you. If appropriate, further investigation (for example blood tests/x-rays), may be suggested. It is, of course, possible to perform health examinations at times other than the annual vaccination. We often recommend more frequent check ups for pets with chronic problems (for example arthritis). Remember: one human year is equivalent to seven for a dog or cat!

Vaccination protocols

Puppies
Puppies are routinely vaccinated against distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, hepatitis and parainfluenza. These are very serious, infectious diseases, which can prove fatal if contracted. The initial course is two injections two weeks apart. The first injection can be given at eight weeks of age allowing your puppy to “socialise” from twelve weeks. Booster vaccinations are then given annually.
Dogs can also be vaccinated against kennel cough (Bordatella bronchiseptica). This is most effective if given one to two weeks before going into a “high risk” situation such as kennels, dog shows and such.

Kittens
Kittens are routinely vaccinated against the agents which cause “cat flu”, enteritis and feline leukaemia. These are very serious infectious diseases which can prove fatal. The initial course is two injections three weeks apart. The first injection can be given at nine weeks of age, allowing your kitten to “socialise” from fourteen weeks of age. Booster vaccinations are then given annually.

Rabbits
Rabbits can be vaccinated from six weeks of age against myxomatosis. They can also be vaccinated against viral haemorrhagic disease from twelve weeks of age. These are both very serious, fatal diseases and vaccination is highly recommended. Booster vaccinations are given annually.

The value of vaccination
It can be tempting to skip booster vaccinations for your pet. There are always plenty of other things making demands on your budget and aren’t boosters just an unnecessary expense? After all, aren’t all these diseases very rare now? This is a very risky strategy. The widespread reduction in the levels of these largely fatal diseases has arisen from the use of vaccination protocols and is only maintained by their continued use. Reduction in the use of vaccination protocols will lead to increased outbreaks. The annual cost of vaccinating pets is pence per week and is insignificant compared to the cost of feeding them. The cost is comparable to buying a can of pop or two cigarettes a week and isn’t even enough to cover the cost of a pint of beer a week!

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