Dr. John Feutz gave short seminars on “Vaccinations for Healthy Pets,” “Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention,” and “Nutrition for Life Stages” while puppies from PAWS Pet Adoption Center played in the background. (“Cash” is featured on their website. Dr. Marybeth Feutz met and fell in love with him at the event – go meet him and all his friends!!)

While some of the dogs played, others patiently waited their turn for playtime on the stage, and begged to be adopted.

People brought their dogs to hang out and participate in a Pet Pageant. Lucky for us, there were no dog fights and no veterinary attention was needed!

There was a full treat buffet available, with selections for both dogs and cats.Someone found a new favorite treat!

There were also dog agility demonstrations, and a pet photographer on hand to take professional portraits of the animals who came with their people to have fun.

We had a great time hanging out with the Pike County Farm Bureau. Thanks for inviting us!

• Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu” virus.  In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness.  Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in brids, horses, pigs, and people.  Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.  Currently 30 states have reported cases of canine influenza (the virus was first reported in Florida in March 2003).  At this time, Indiana has not yet had a confirmed case of canine influenza, however, the vaccine is now available at our clinic to help prevent spread of the contagious disease.

How contagious is canine influenza?

• Just like human “flu,” canine influenza is highly contagious.  In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus could become infected.  While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection.  Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.
• Since 2003, there have been numerous reports of influenza outbreaks in veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters.  Some of these outbreaks were traced back to the presence of one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility and infected many other dogs.
• Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs.

What are the signs of canine influenza?

• The most common sign is a persistent cough.  Some dogs have a soft, moist, “productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough (caused by any of a number of other viruses/bacteria).
• About 80% of dogs who show signs will have mild disease.  Signs in this case include: low-grade fever (102 to 104 degrees), nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that can last for up to a month.
• In about 20% of dogs, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104 to 106 degrees) and pnuemonia.  A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.

Is my dog at risk for infection?

Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza.  However, certain locations or activities can raise your dog’s risk of infection.  Review this list of questions to see if any of these places/activities apply to your pet.

Does your dog:

• Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store?
• Board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?
• Attend group training or “dog kindergarten”?
• Visit a groomer, dog park, or engage with other dogs on daily walks?
• Enter dog events?
• Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to your veterinary clinic?

If you answered “YES” to one or more of these questions, ask us what can be done to protect your dog from canine influenza.

How is canine influenza spread?

Canine influenza is spread the same way that human flu spreads – through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces. 

How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?

Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health.  A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared-for pet will have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection.  Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine – the first of its kind – was approved for use in the US.  The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.

Horses

The American Association of Equine Practices (AAEP) recommends a standard schedule of vaccines for your horses.

Foals should receive vaccinations for West Nile Virus. The first dose should occur at 3-4 months with a second dose following 1 month later (plus 3rd dose at 6 months in endemic area).They should also receive vaccines for Tetanus Toxoid. If your horse is from a non-vaccinated mare its first dose should be at 3-4 months with a second dose at 4-5 months. If your foal is from a vaccinated mare its first dose should be at 6 months, with a second dose at 7 months and a third dose at 8-9 months.

Foals should also be vaccinated for Encephalomyelitis (VEE, EEE, WEE). In high-risk areas, they should be vaccinated for EEE with the first dose occurring at 3 to 4 months and a second dose at 4 to 5 months and a third dose: 5 to 6 months. In low risk areas, vaccination depends on the vaccination of the mare. Foals from non-vaccinated mares should receive their first dose at 3 to 4 months followed by 2 more doses, each a month apart. Foals from vaccinated mares should receive their first dose at 6 months followed by 2 more doses at 7 & 8 months.

Foals can be vaccinated for influenza by an inactivated injectable vaccine.  Timing of vaccine by injection is determined by the vaccination of the mare. Foals from non-vaccinated mares should receive the first dose at 6 months followed by two more doses at 7 & 8 months, then moving to 3 month intervals. If your foal is from a vaccinated mare, it should receive its first dose at 9 months, its second at 10 months and its third at 11 to 12 months, then moving to 3-month intervals.

Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4) vaccines should be administered at 4 to 6 months with two more monthly doses and then at 3-month intervals.

Strangles is an injectable vaccine that should be administered first at 4 to 6 months followed by two more monthly doses (depending on the product used) with a fourth dose at 12 months.

Vaccinations of foals and weanlings for rabies depends on the vaccination of the mare. Foals born to non-vaccinated mares should receive a first dose at 3 to 4 months and a second dose: 12 months. Foals born to vaccinated mares should receive a first dose at 6 months, another at 7 months and a third dose at 12 months.

Potomac Horse Fever vaccines should be administered at 5-6 months with a follow-up a month later.

Intact colts intended to be breeding stallions should receive one vaccination for Equine Viral Arteritis at 6 to 12 months of age.

Yearlings require an annual booster for West Nile, Tetanus Toxoid and Rabies. Annual vaccinations for Encephalomyelitis (VEE, EEE, WEE) should be administered in the spring. Vaccination for Influenza & Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4) should occur annually. Potomac Horse Fever & Strangles vaccinations should occur semi-annually. Equine Viral Arteritis vaccine should be received on an annual basis for intact colts intended for breeding.

Performance Horses require an annual booster for West Nile, Tetanus Toxoid and Rabies. Annual vaccinations for Encephalomyelitis (VEE, EEE, WEE) should be administered in the spring. Vaccination for Influenza & Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4) should occur annually. Potomac Horse Fever vaccinations should occur semi-annually along with vaccinations for Strangles, if your horse is at high risk.

Pleasure Horses require an annual booster for West Nile, Tetanus Toxoid, Influenza and Rabies. Annual vaccinations for Encephalomyelitis (VEE, EEE, WEE) should be administered in the spring. Vaccination for Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4) is recommended annually. Potomac Horse Fever vaccinations should occur semi-annually along with vaccinations for Strangles, if your horse is at high risk. Equine Viral Arteritis vaccine should be received on an annual basis for intact colts intended for breeding.

Broodmares require vaccination for West Nile, Tetanus Toxoid and Encephalomyelitis (VEE, EEE, WEE) annually at 4-6 weeks pre-partum. The rabies vaccine should be given annually, but is not affected by the breeding cycle. The mare should also receive vaccination for influenza at least semi-annually, with 1 booster 4-6 weeks prepartum. They should be vaccinatied for Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4) in the fifth, seventh and ninth month of gestation (inactivated EHV 1 vaccine) with an optional dose at third month of gestation. Broodmares should also be vaccinated for Strangles semi-annually with one dose of inactivated M-protein vaccine 4-6 weeks prepartum. The mare should be vaccinated for Potomac Horse Fever semi-annually with one dose 5-6 weeks prepartum.

Rabbits

The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents’ Report on Cat and Dog Vaccines has recommended that the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza, canine parvovirus-2 and rabies.  Noncore vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are causes of ‘kennel cough’), and Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease). Consult with our veterinarians to select the proper vaccines for your dog or puppy.Our clinic also offers the new vaccine for canine influenza.  In dogs, a strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness.  Just like the human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious.  Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza.  Dogs at a higher risk for infection include: dogs that come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store; dogs who board at a kennel or go to a doggie daycare facility; dogs that attend group training or “dog kindergarten”: dogs that visit a groomer, dog park, or enter dog events.  The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. 

The first step to knowing what vaccines your dog needs is to know how old your dog is. 

Here is our common vaccination schedule beginning at 6-8 weeks of age:

6-8 weeks:  Your puppies first visit would include a thorough physical examination, 5-way combination  vaccine (canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, canine parainfluenza, canine coronavirus), intestinal parasite dewormer, and a complimentary one-month dose of heartworm/flea and tick prevention.

10-12 weeks: 5-way combination booster, intestinal parasite dewormer, canine bordetella

16 weeks – 5-way combination booster, Leptospirosis (include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs), and Rabies.

Adult (boosters) - 5-way combination vaccine, Leptospirosis, Rabies, Canine Influenza.

The recommendations for feline vaccinations vary depending on age and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to disease, whether the cat remains indoors or also goes outdoors, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit. These recommendations are consistent with the 2006 vaccination guidelines developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

The first step to knowing what vaccines your cat is eligible for is to know how old your cat is.  Our core kitten vaccinations include a combination vaccine for feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and chlamydia psittaci (initially given at 6-8 weeks and repeated at 4 week intervals until 4 months of age).  Kittens are also given rabies vaccines at 4 months of age.  Our clinic also offers the feline leukemia vaccination for cats/kittens at high risk for infection.  If a kitten is to be introduced into a household where other cats reside, we recommend testing the kitten for feline leukemia prior to introduction.  If the kitten tests negative for the FELV virus, the initial vaccination schedule requires 2 doses, given 4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. 

6-8 Weeks – Your kitten’s first visit will include a thorough physical examination; a RCPC combination vaccine for feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus, and chlamydia psittaci; intestinal parasite dewormer; and a complimentary one-month dose of heartworm/flea and tick prevention. 

10-12 weeks - RCPC combination booster, intestinal parasite dewormer, and Feline Leukemia (FeLV): for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.

16 weeks – RCPC combination booster, Rabies, and FeLV: for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus,

Adult (boosters) – RCPC Combination vaccine, FeLV and Rabies.