Rabbit calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, or RHDV*) is one of two viruses introduced into Australia to control wild rabbit populations (the other being myxomatosis). It causes extreme internal haemorrhaging and can lead to death within 1-2 days.

The first strain of RHDV was introduced in to the wild rabbit populations of Australia in 1995 from the Czech Republic, and has since diversified and evolved. As a result, many wild rabbits have developed immunity to calicivirus, with a number of non-pathogenic strains giving cross protection against the pathogenic strains.

RHDV strains currently present in Australia:

• RHDV 1 – Original virus released in 1995 (also known at the Czech strain).
• RHDV1A – Variant of type 1 isolated in Sydney in 2014.
• RHDV1 K5 – Variant of type 1 found in Korea (Australian release planned in March 2017).
• RHDV 2 – First recorded in Europe in 2010, and in Australia in 2015.
• RCV A1 – Non-pathogenic virus present in wild populations.

In Australia, we are currently only able to vaccinate against RHDV 1 with the Cylap® RCD Vaccine.

*You may often see rabbit calicivirus referred to as RHD (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease), RCV (Rabbit Calicivirus), and RCD (Rabbit Calicivirus Disease) depending on which country you’re in.

Symptoms of RHDV1 (and variants) include:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Neurological problems
• Anorexia

What is the Korean Strain (RHDV1 K5)?

In 2014, the Australian government investigated a number of calicivirus strains not present in Australia, in an attempt to find one that would be effective against the wild rabbits that have immunity to the current Australian strains, particularly the non-pathogenic RCV-A1. They found that the Korean RHDV1 K5 was the most effective.

On the 29^th April 2016, the Australian government announced that RHDV1 K5 was approved as a Restricted Chemical Product by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) and would be scheduled for a controlled release. Read the media release HERE.

RHDV1 K5 is a variant of the RHDV1 virus released in 1995. The existing RHDV1 vaccine (Cylap®) is hoped to be effective against RHDV1 K5. An initial study completed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries compared the mortality of a small number of vaccinated and unvaccinated rabbits that were subsequently infected with a high dose of RHDV1 K5. All of the rabbits vaccinated with the currently available vaccine survived and did not show any clinical signs; none of the unvaccinated rabbits survived. But while the vaccine is expected to be effective, suspicious deaths, particularly in vaccinated rabbits, should be investigated.

Read more on the RHDV1 K5 roll out HERE, or contact your local state and territory representatives:

What is RHDV2?

There has been some confusion between the new variant RHDV1 K5 (to be released in March 2017) and the discovery of RHDV2 in 2015, but these are completely different forms of the virus.

RHDV2 is a calici-like virus that was discovered in Europe in 2010, and is significantly different to previously known strains, including those in Australia. This new form has been found to cause death in a small percentage of rabbits previously vaccinated with the Cylap® vaccine. It is also able to infect rabbits at a younger age (as young as 4 weeks old), and some rabbits experience a more prolonged death (weeks vs days) than previously seen in other forms of calicivirus.

The Australian government rejected the use of RHDV2 based on information from European studies; however an Australian strain was discovered in wild and farmed rabbits in 2015. It is not yet known whether it is the same as the European strain, or just a relative. As such, we do not have enough information as to how it will affect vaccinated rabbits, and what studies are available show erratic results.

The Australian RHDV2 was first detected in the ACT, and subsequently in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

Clinical signs of RHDV2 differ from other strains, and include:

• Pyrexia
• Seizures
• Hypoglycaemia
• Anaemia
• Kidney and liver problems
• Death

How Can I Protect My Rabbit?

The pathogenic strains of calicivirus are considered highly contagious and can be transmitted via: direct contact with infected rabbits; fomites (objects or materials that can carry the virus e.g. bedding, clothing etc.); and other animals/insects (birds, flies, fleas etc.).

Vaccination is still the best way to protect your rabbits from all forms of calicivirus. The Australian Veterinary Association has recently revised their recommended vaccination protocols as follows:

Kittens: 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of age; then every 6 months for life.

Adults: 2 vaccinations, 4 weeks apart; then every 6 months for life.

Please be aware that this protocol is considered “off-label” – Cylap® is not registered for 6-monthly use or in rabbits younger than 10 weeks, and is not registered for use against RHDV2. Please make sure to discuss this with your veterinarian before administering.

Vaccinations should only be administered to healthy animals, and like all medications, carry the risk of side effects. These are usually minor, however, with extreme reactions being very rare. Pet Doctor will be implementing the new vaccination protocols as recommended by the AVA, but we greatly appreciate feedback and encourage you to discuss the risks/benefits with your veterinarian. These protocols may change as more information becomes available.

Other forms of prevention include:

• Insect screens around your rabbit(s) enclosure to keep our flies and other insects.
• Lots of disinfection – of people and equipment. Especially if there is movement between different locations (to and from shows, the vet etc.)
• Showering between visiting different rabbit colonies.
• Protect against fleas by using a preventative, such as Revolution.

 We all love getting spoiled on Valentine’s Day! And while chocolates and flowers make perfect gifts for humans, not all of these romantic presents are safe to have around our pets.

Chocolate is for humans

Whenever we ask clients if they know what foods are toxic to animals, chocolate is always the first to come to mind. But many don’t know why this delicious treat is so potentially harmful.

Chocolate contains cocoa, and cocoa contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs (and other animals) at certain doses as they are unable to metabolise it as quickly as us. The concentration of theobromine varies depending on the type of chocolate, but as a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine levels. For example, cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate.

The toxicity of theobromine is dose-related, meaning that the overall effect depends on the animal’s size, the amount of chocolate eaten, and the type of chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity may include: restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking/urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death.

Make sure to keep all chocolate at a safe distance from your pet. If your pet ingests any chocolate products, contact your vet immediately for the best course of action

Not all flowers are safe

Lilies are a popular choice of flower for Valentine’s bouquets as they are bold, beautiful, and fragrant… but unfortunately they are also extremely toxic, especially to cats.

The lilies of greatest concern are any from the family Lilium sp., which includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies, and any from the family Hemerocallis sp., which includes day lilies.

The most toxic thing is the flower itself, but all parts of this plant are potentially fatal. Cats can develop kidney failure after ingesting even the tiniest portion of this plant (or even the water they’re kept in). The gastrointestinal and nervous systems may also be affected. Contact your vet immediately if you think your cat has chewed on or eaten some lilies.

It is also important to keep in mind that animals can be affected by the pollen of any flower, just like humans. It may potentially irritate your pet’s skin and eyes if they come in to direct contact.

Not so sweet

A common ingredient in sugar-free lollies and soft drinks is xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Make sure to store any sweets in a safe place that adventurous pets can’t get to!

Don’t spill the champagne!

Australians like to celebrate special occasions with a glass (or few) of their favourite alcoholic beverage, however be careful of leaving drinks or open bottles lying around where your pets could reach them. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and a lack of coordination. If by chance your pet does consume alcohol, contact your vet immediately.

Unwrapping the presents 

Many of us like to give and receive gifts as a sign of love and affection. Once you’ve finished unwrapping your gifts, however, be sure to dispose of any ribbons and paper securely. Lots of animals (especially cats) love to chew and swallow these fascinating objects because of the smell, texture, and crinkly sound they make. If ingested, ribbons can become lodged in your pet’s throat and/or intestinal tract, causing blockages and necrosis (death) of the surrounding tissue.

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people, but however you choose to celebrate (and with whom), don’t forget that our pets deserve love and attention today too.

Happy Valentine’s Day, from all of the team at Pet Doctor ♥

During the summer months, your chances of encountering a snake are drastically increased. Snakes become more active in the warmer weather and, with over 6000 pets receiving veterinary treatment in Australia for snakebites each year, safeguarding your pets is extremely important. We’ve put together the following tips to make sure you’re prepared should you or your pets stumble across a slithery serpent this summer.

Be ready!

Snakes will usually try to avoid you and your pets, but while you will have the foresight to walk away if you spot one, dogs and cats will often try to investigate/harass the snake and get bitten as a result.

Making sure your property is safe and secure is the first step in keeping your pets safe. Reduce the risk of snakes entering your property by maintaining your outdoor areas: trim back overgrown grass and trees, keep paths and walkways clear, and store firewood away from your home, as snakes like to hide in these areas. If a snake is sited, seek professional assistance in locating and catching the unwelcome guest.

What to look out for…

If a snake bites your pet, identifying the kind of snake is extremely important for treatment. In South Australia, the most common types of snakes are tiger, brown, black, red-bellied black, and copperhead. Being able to tell the vet the kind of snake will save precious time and help in your pet’s recovery.

Wide-open spaces

When walking your dogs, stick to wide-open paths with minimal shrubs and grassy areas, as these are areas that snakes like to hide in. If you encounter a snake, remain calm and keep a good distance – snakes can strike up to half the distance of their own body length! Keep in mind, however, they will only strike if they feel threatened. Give the snake space and time to move on before passing by.

It is also important to steer clear of dead snakes, as their fangs can still be venomous after death.

What to do if your pet is bitten

If your pet is bitten, remain calm and seem immediate veterinary attention.  If they are bitten on or around the head and neck, remove the animal’s collar. Getting prompt help dramatically increases the chances of your pet making a full recovery.

When transporting your pet, keep them as calm as possible and reduce their movement to prevent the venom travelling further from the bite zone. Try to keep the area of the bite below the level of the heart.

Know the signs

As it is not always possible to monitor your pets, knowing the signs of a snake bite is very important. Generally, most animals will show symptoms between 1- 24 hours after being bitten.

Collapsing and vomiting are two of the most common effects of snakebites. Other signs include: dilated pupils, hind leg weakness, rapid breathing, drooling, blood in their urine, pale gums, and paralysis.

Don’t attempt any home treatments (cold packs, tourniquets, trying to suck the poison out etc.) as these just waste precious time. If your pet shows any of the above symptoms, take them directly to your closest veterinary clinic or emergency centre! Even if it’s not a snake bite, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Taking your pets on holidays? Here are 8 tips to keep you pets safe on your next travel adventure!

It’s holiday time! And everyone deserves a break, even our pets! If you are planning on taking your pets away with you this holiday period, make sure you take a look through our handy tips to make sure everyone stays safe and happy along the way.

1. Consider visiting your vet before you leave

See your vet before you leave to make sure your pet is in good health and is in fit condition to travel. It’s important to make sure their vaccinations and parasite control are up to date to avoid picking up any unexpected nasties.

2. Make sure their registration details are up to date

Unfamiliar places can be scary. If you are taking your pet to an unfamiliar location, make sure you take copies of their identification papers and/or that they are wearing up-to-date registration/identification tags just in case they become scared and escape. This way you have a greater chance of being reunited!  If your pet is microchipped, ensure all your contact details are up to date; if they’re not microchipped, consider getting this done before you go away.

3. Take regular breaks on long journeys

Long drives can be stressful for many animals. Take regular food and bathroom breaks on long journeys, and make sure your pets stay hydrated! It is also important to make sure that they feel safe and secure. Taking their familiar food /water bowl and bedding can help reassure them and give them the comfort of routine.

4. Check your accommodation is suitable

Make sure where you are staying is pet-friendly! Many caravan parks will allow only small dogs or dogs on leads so call in advance to check if your dog will be welcome. Having a secure yard area or tether for dogs so they can’t escape is strongly recommended. If you are planning on taking your feline friends away, make sure there is a secure place they can stay and not escape, preferably inside, as cats can become easily scared in new environments.

5. Maintain a regular diet

Maintain your pet’s regular diet as much as possible while on holiday. This will help keep them calm and happy, and avoid the onset of an acute illness due to a sudden diet change. Remember to take plenty of food with you as many stores do not operate regular hours during the holiday period.

6. Research your destination

Be respectful of the location you’re staying in, for the safety of your pets, other patrons, and the environment and local wildlife. Remember, dogs are not welcome everywhere and some destinations, such as beaches or camping grounds, have specific “on leash” areas.

Please note: Cats and dogs are banned from National Parks, Nature Reserves, and State Recreation Areas, as they are considered a threat to native wildlife.

7. Be prepared for the worst

First-aid kits are just as important for pets as they are for humans! Make sure you have the appropriate items in your first-aid kit to cater for humans and animals. You can pick up a copy of a first-aid manual for your pets from Pet Doctor or the Animal Emergency Centre at Magill.

8. Should you even take your pet?

Keep in mind that not all pets like to travel – usually due to anxiety or a proneness to motion-sickness. Consider leaving your pets at home in a safe and secure place with a familiar person, or placing them in a trusted boarding kennel. Considering their needs is vital for their well-being.

We’re coming to the end of another year, which means it’s time to celebrate! New Year’s Eve is synonymous with fireworks and loud celebrations – which is exciting and entertaining for us, but is often something many animals fear and dread. It’s important to take our pets in to consideration and be prepared, so take a look through our top tips to keep your pets as safe and happy as possible this New Year:

Get Ready!

As you make yourself up for a night out, make sure your pet is prepared as well:

• Consider walking your dog in the daylight hours. This will allow you dog to use up excess energy and hopefully sleep through the loud celebrations.
• If you know your pet is particularly affected by loud noises, consider skipping the celebrations and stay home. At the very least, make sure they have someone with them at all times to keep them safe and prevent any accidents. Every year we see animals (mostly dogs) that have been left home alone, only to climb fences or jump through glass windows in a bid to escape what has frightened them. This causes great physical and emotional damage to the animal, as well as to their owner’s home and wallet!
• If your pet requires medication due to anxiety and/or noise phobia, make sure to visit your vet in advance of the celebrations and have medication on hand. Don’t wait until your pet is already in a panic before contacting your vet, as by this time it’s already too late.
• Consider using products like Feliway or Adaptil to help reduce anxiety.

A Safe Place

Giving your pets a safe place to stay is one of the most important things to remember.

• Keep your pets inside once the sun goes down on New Year’s Eve; draw curtains to avoid bright flashes if you expect the fireworks to be close by.
• Provide additional blankets and pillows as a safe place for cats and dogs to hide in. Consider creating a blanket fort by draping a blanket over a table and filling it with comforting things such as cushions, toys, and things that smell like you.
• If you are having a party in your own home, allow your pets somewhere to escape from all the noise and confusion of a crowd. Guests often want to pet and cuddle pets without understanding that this can cause a great deal of distress.
• If your pet does find a hiding place, leave them be until the excitement is over – don’t try and force them to leave their save haven as this will only reinforce their fears.
• Try masking the sound of the fireworks by turning on the television or radio.
• Provide distractions to take your pet’s mind off their fears – give them their favorite toys or treats, play with them, give them a relaxing massage etc.
• Don’t forget the little guys! Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals are all susceptible to loud noises too. Make sure they are moved to a secure location and have adequate bedding and places to hide.

Prepare for the Worst

While we cannot stop a pet feeling anxious and afraid, we can help lessen the severity, hopefully reducing any destructive or self-harming behaviours. However, it is always recommended to be prepared for the worst:

• Always ensure that your pets are wearing up to date ID tags and/or that they are microchipped and registered with current contact details. If your pet manages to escape, this will help them to be reunited with you as soon as possible.

With 2016 drawing to a close, we would like to wish you and your pets all the best for the year ahead. Happy New Year!

It’s that time of the year again! The silly season is here and it’s time to celebrate. And what kind of celebration would it be without our beloved furry friends?

We humans just love including our pets in Christmas activities, and while it’s normal for us to indulge a little more around this time of the year, spoiling our pets can be harmful to their health. Here are some handy hints to make sure your pets stay safe this festive season.

Food

We’re probably all guilty of over-indulging during the holidays (and sneaking a few treats here and there to our pets too). Unfortunately certain foods can be very harmful for your pets.

• While plain meats can make good treats, marinade, sauces, gravies, and certain spices all contain potentially toxic ingredients and should be avoided.
• It’s true that chewing on bones is often recommended for good dental hygiene, but this applies only to the raw, meaty variety. Cooked bones should be avoided at all costs, as they can easily splinter and cause damage to your pet’s throat and stomach, and could potentially cause an intestinal impaction (blockage).
• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is extremely toxic to animals. If you intend to indulge your sweet tooth this season, keep any sweet treats out of reach of your pets.
• Corn itself is safe for animals to eat, but never give them the cob – these easily become stuck in the stomach or intestinal tract, causing extreme pain and can often lead to death if not surgically removed in time.
• Treating your pets with leftovers and fatty tidbits (e.g. roast meats or anything else they wouldn’t normally get in their diet) can lead to severe inflammation of the pancreas, called “pancreatitis”. This is a serious, potentially life threatening illness.

Decorations

Sparkling lights and hanging decorations are a feature of most households at this time of year. And while they make our houses shine and get us in the spirit, they can also pose a risk to our pets.

• Keep hanging or sharp/pointy decorations, such as tinsel and ornaments to the top of your tree. If ingested, tinsel can block and/or constrict intestines and cause major damage to your pet.
• Christmas lights may add that extra something to your tree, but make sure the electrical wires are well hidden and you pets can’t get to them – chewing cords can lead to electrocution. Again, placing them higher on the tree is recommended.
• Make sure your Christmas tree is stable. Many injuries occur because adventurous animals (mostly cats) like to climb in the branches, causing the tree to fall.
• Consider placing your Christmas tree in a corner where you could fence it off, or raise it on a platform to remove the temptation to climb/play in and around it.
• Gifts placed under the tree can be all too much for some! Elevate presents out of reach from mischievous paws to avoid any presents being opened early (especially the edible kind).

Guests

Spending time with our loved ones is the best part of the holidays. But unfamiliar people can cause distress for your pet.

• Being aware of how your cat or dog is feeling around unknown people or animals is important. If they seem distressed, move them to a quiet place for some alone time.
• Consider walking your dog before your guests arrive. This will mean they will be ready for a snooze, away from all the action!
• Be conscious of how much noise you and your guests are making. Loud music and raised voices often lead to distress and anxiety in animals, so please keep note of their body language and be considerate of their mental health.

Pet Doctor would like to wish you and your pets a happy and safe Christmas.

Adelaide is starting to heat up! While spending more time out in the sun is a good thing for your pet’s health and wellbeing, as the days get longer and hotter, it’s also important to keep our pets safe from the harsh conditions.

As the temperatures rise, all pet owners should be aware of the increased risk of heat stroke (or heat stress) – one of the most common and most dangerous conditions for animals. Recognising the signs and being able to act quickly could save your pet’s life.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature is elevated above normal range. For cats, a normal core body temperature is generally between 37.7 – 39.1°C and for dogs between 38.3 to 39.2 °C. Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs do sweat! But this is predominantly through small sweat glands around the paw pads, and is inefficient in extreme conditions. A dog and cat’s primary method for cooling down is panting with an open mouth, which allows moisture to evaporate from the tongue and lungs.

Preventing Heatstroke

The best way to prevent heat stroke in your pets is to provide an appropriate environment for them, and/or to take immediate action when symptoms are shown. The key things to remember are:

• Provide a shaded, cool, and well ventilated area for your pets at all times.
• Always make sure your pet has access to fresh drinking water.
• Keep your pets indoors on extremely hot and humid days.
• Monitor small animals closely as they are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.
• Reduce exercise in extreme conditions and consider walking dogs in the early morning or late night (don’t walk them on hot concrete or sand as this can burn the sensitive pads on their feet).
• Never leave animals in vehicles during extreme weather conditions.
• Provide access to “cooling mats” if available.

Know the signs

While heat stroke can affect animals in many different ways, some of the most common signs that your pet is suffering include:

• Excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Increased body temperature
• Dehydration
• Restlessness
• Redness in gums
• Anxiety and mental confusion
• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Reduced production of urine (or none at all)
• Rapid heart rate.
• Weakness/lethargy

What you can do

Heat stroke is a very serious and possibly life threatening condition. If you recognize any of the signs, it is important to take action immediately.

• Assist your pet in cooling their core temperature – place them in a cool, shallow bath; cover them in water from the hose; or drape a cool, damp towel over them. Once your pet is wet, maintain airflow with a fan. Be careful that you’re not dropping the temperature too suddenly, however, as this can also be detrimental to their health.
• Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water
• CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. Veterinary care is often required to treat cases of heatstroke. Vets can help to administer fluids and medication as required, provide supplemental oxygen, maintain blood pressure, support organ functions, and help with overall recovery. If you’re unsure about whether you think your pet may be suffering or not, vets are also an invaluable source of information and advice.

Summer is almost upon us! The days are long and the weather is warm. It’s the perfect time of the year to get outside and spend time with your animals – but it’s important to remember the safety and well-being of your pets during this time, when sensitivity to heat is at a higher level than usual. Extreme weather conditions can severely impact the health of your four-legged friends.

Take a look at some of the most common heat-related risks for dogs and cats, and how you can keep your pets safe this Summer:

Heatstroke

Lazing around in the sun is something that our pets just love to do. But it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke.

• Heatstroke occurs when your pet’s core body temperature is elevated above normal range. Dogs and cats have a greater risk of getting heatstroke, as they only perspire a small amount through their paws and nose.
• Symptoms of heatstroke include: difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, dizziness, vomiting, increased body temperature, dehydration and anxiety.
• Protect your pet against heatstroke by providing adequate shade, plenty of water, and keep them inside (where possible) during extreme heat.
• If you recognise any of the signs of heatstroke in your pet, contact your vet immediately.

Sunburn

It’s true – animals can get sunburned, just like humans! Excessive exposure to the sun can seriously damage your pet’s skin and can even result in skin cancer.

• The most common areas for sunburn to occur include: nose, ears, mouth, eyelids, and underbelly.
• Preventing sunburn on animals doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Ways to protect your fury friends against the sun include: using a pet-specific sunscreen, keeping you pets indoors on extremely hot days, and ensuring your home’s outdoor spaces have adequate shade to protect your pets from sunlight.
• If you pet suffers from sunburn, contact our team for advice on the most effective way to treat the affected areas.

Exercise

Keeping your pet active is an important part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. However, when the heat hits, this can be a difficult task.

• Consider walking your dog in the early morning or late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Dogs’ paws burn easily on hot pavement, and in some cases, even on hot sand at the beach. Avoid walking your dog on pavement, cement and sand on hot days; choose a nice shaded grassy park instead!

We’re finally starting to see some warmer weather and most of us can’t wait to get outside – including our pets! While this is certainly a good thing – more time outside leads to better enrichment and exercise – it does come with its risks. While parasites are commonly seen by our vets all year-round, the increased warmth brings nasty internal and external parasites out in force. As our pets spend more time outside, they become increasingly at risk of becoming infested if not on a suitable preventative.

Which Parasites Concern My Pet?

Fleas, Ticks & Mites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are the most common external parasites found on dogs and cats, but they can also affect birds and pocket pets (guinea pigs, rabbits, mice etc.). More than just being annoying, they can be extremely contagious and cause disease and discomfort for animals – and people!

Did you know it can take as little as 7 seconds for flea pupae to hatch and jump onto a passing animal? They feed on blood and can quickly pass from animal to animal (and will even bite people given half a chance). One adult female flea can lay thousands of eggs in her life-time, meaning that the fleas you see crawling on your pet are about 5% of your infestation – 95% of the problem are the eggs and larval stages that live in the environment (i.e. your home). Read more…

Fleas can cause your pet to experience allergic reactions, skin irritation, and intense itching. They also transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum). Luckily, fleas are simple to prevent and control when using monthly preventatives (e.g. Revolution, Frontline Plus, Nexgard) and surface sprays.

The biggest concern with ticks is the variety of diseases that they carry and transmit to both pets and humans. Lyme disease is one of the more common of these, with symptoms including fever, inflammation, and lameness. Other diseases include typhus, fever, and tick paralysis. In South Australia we don’t usually see paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus), but they are common in the Eastern states so it’s important that your pet is on a tick prevention when travelling and/or camping. It’s also important to check your pets daily for any potential stow-aways. Read more on how to check for ticks…

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is an extremely serious condition and can be transmitted to dogs and cats via mosquito bite. These worms can infest and damage your pet’s heart and lungs and can be ultimately fatal if not treated early enough. Prevention is key to keeping your pet safe, and preventatives are easy and safe to use. Read more…

Intestinal Parasites

Regular worming is extremely important, but is often overlooked. Puppies and kittens are usually born with worms, contracted in-utero or via their mother’s milk, and should be dewormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age. After this age, deworming should be done every three months for the rest of their life.

In Australia, dogs and cats can get infected with hookworms, roundworms, whip worm and tapeworm.  The microscopic eggs and larvae can end up on pet’s feet from anywhere, and then they become infected when they lick and clean their feet. If your dog licks their bottom and then licks your or your child, or if your child pets your dog and doesn’t wash their hands, he or she can become infected with these parasites.

Cats get infected with hookworms, round worms and tapeworms by eating prey they’ve caught.  Even indoor cats can have worms, if they ingest things like geckos, mice, insects, or fleas. Up to 50% of dogs and cats are thought to be carriers of gastrointestinal parasites.

Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your pets happy and healthy. Vaccines help prevent the spread of many deadly and highly contagious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis. Though there is much debate about the need for annual vaccination and how many your pet needs, most veterinarians agree that vaccines are essential to your pet’s health.

Understanding Vaccines

Vaccines help prepare the body’s immune system to fight of invading disease-causing pathogens. They contain antigens that, when introduced in to the body, trick the immune system into creating antibodies so that, if your pet is ever exposed to the real disease, the immune system now recognises and is prepared to fight off or reduce the severity of the illness. Puppies have a natural immunity which they acquire through their mother’s milk, however this immunity wears off over time so pups need vaccinations to help boost their immune system.

The Vaccination Guideline Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends that vaccines be defined as core, non core or not recommended, and our veterinarians follow these guidelines.

Core Vaccinations

Core vaccines should be administered to all animals to protect them against severe, life-threatening diseases that have a global distribution.

Dogs: (C3) canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus (hepatitis), and canine parvovirus.

• Parvovirus: highly contagious disease contracted through contact with infected animals and faeces; attacks the intestinal lining and causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea which can lead to extreme dehydration and death. Doberman and Rotteweilers are particularly susceptible.
• Distemper: highly contagious, with no cure; mostly affects puppies and attacks multiple systems in the body, including the respiratory and nervous systems.
• Hepatitis: highly infections, contracted through contact with infected dogs and bodily fluids (urine, faeces, saliva etc.); infects the liver and kidneys and can lead to death.

Cats: (F3) feline panleukopenia virus, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus.

• Panleukopenia: also known as “feline parvovirus”, highly contagious and can be fatal. Contracted through contact with infected cats and bodily fluids, attacks the intestinal tract and severely suppresses the immune system.
• Calicivirus: highly contagious respiratory disease, spread through contact with infected eye, nasal, and oral discharges; along with feline herpesvirus, one of the most common causes of “cat flu”. Kittens, older cats, and immunosuppressed cats are at the greatest risk; most often seen in stray cats, shelters, and environments with overcrowding.
• Herpes: highly contagious upper respiratory disease; most common in kittens, older cats, and cats in stressed/overcrowded environments (e.g. animal shelters and multi-cat households). Once your cat becomes infected with the feline herpesvirus, they will have it for life and may experience recurrent episodes when stressed.

Non-core Vaccinations

Non-core vaccines are required by only those animals whose geographic location, local environment or lifestyle places them at risk of contracting specific infections.

Dogs: parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Leptospira interrogans.

Cats: feline leukaemia virus, Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccines may also be classified in this group, however they’re strongly recommended for outdoor cats.

• Feline immunodeficiency virus: the feline equivalent to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), FIV weakens/suppresses the immune system, leaving the body open to attack by other diseases. Transmitted through saliva (usually bite or scratch wounds from an infected cat), there is no treatment or cure for FIV – prevention is key here. Outdoor cats are most at risk as they are more likely to come in contact with feral cats who carry the disease.

Frequency of Vaccinations

When your pets are young, there is a standard schedule of vaccinations that need to be met during their first year of life. After this initial course, the core vaccinations should be administered every 1 – 3 years based on your veterinarian’s recommendations. This will be determined by your pet’s age, medical history, environment, and lifestyle.

If your dog is being placed in to a kennel (or kennelled regularly), or is in regular contact with other dogs (via shows, grooming, etc.), some of the non-core vaccinations will need to be kept up to date as well. Kennel cough vaccinations, especially, need to be given yearly regardless of your core-vaccination schedule.

Even if your pet’s vaccination schedule is every three years, an annual health check by a veterinarian is still essential to keep your pet healthy. When you think about it, an annual vet check is the equivalent of a human heading to the doctor’s office once every 5 – 7 years! A lot can happen in this time, and it’s important that we detect any problems early to provide effective treatment options and a healthier pet. Senior pets are recommended to see a veterinarian at least twice yearly because, like people, their health problems increase in severity and frequency with age.

If you’re concerned about over-vaccinating your pet, there is a test that can be done to determine whether a particular vaccination is necessary. These are called “titer tests”, and they measure the amount of antibodies in the body and can give us an idea of whether a booster may be needed or not. Ask your vet about titer testing at your next visit.

Are Vaccinations Safe?

Vaccinations mildly stimulate the body’s immune system in order to create antibodies to protect your pet from infectious diseases. As with any medical procedure, there is always a chance of side affects. Most pets show no ill-effects from vaccination, however some may experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness around the injection site, to mild fevers and allergic reactions. It’s important to talk to your vet about your pet’s medical history before it is vaccinated to reduce any risks. If you suspect your pet is experiencing an allergic reaction to a vaccine, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Keep in mind that vaccines have saved countless lives, and the risk of major side effects is much lower than the risk of contracting the actual diseases. Your vet is there to protect and look after your pet’s health and will not bring unnecessary risk to them while they are in their care. If you have any concerns or questions about your pet and their vaccination status, don’t hesitate to call and ask questions.

References: http://www.ava.com.au/policy/66-vaccination-dogs-and-cats