Vaccine Definitions

Below are descriptions and recommendations of the vaccines we offer here at Sutton Animal Hospital. Some vaccines require boosters when initially given. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets and lifestyle vaccines are recommended in certain instances. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask for more information on any of the vaccines listed below.

Canine Vaccines

Core Vaccines

Rabies : Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and central nervous system. It is transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Once contracted, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies vaccination protocol is determined by each state and it is a Massachusetts law that all pets are vaccinated against rabies, whether or not they go outdoors. The first rabies vaccine is given after 12 weeks of age.

DAPP: is a combination vaccine that protects against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus. It is often referred to as a canine distemper vaccine. 
        - Canine distemper is a widespread, highly contagious, and often fatal
disease.
        - Canine adenovirus type-1 and type-2 causes infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively. Hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage and death. Type-2 (respiratory) is an important factor in kennel cough.
        - Canine parainfluenza is another cause of kennel cough. It is often a mild respiratory infection in older dogs, but can be severe in puppies or dogs with compromised health.
         - Caine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can cause dehydrating diarrhea in dogs. Parvovirus has a high mortality rate in puppies. 
  
Leptospirosis: is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of other infected animals, including wildlife such as deer, skunks and raccoons. It can lead to kidney damage. The disease is easily spread to other pets and humans. Leptospirosis is sometimes combined into one vaccine along with
DAPP.

Lifestyle vaccines

Lyme: is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is very prevalent in our area. Symptoms range from no signs to lethargy, appetite loss, limping, lymph node swelling, and painful joints. Dogs  show signs from 2 - 6 months post infection. 

Bordetella: is a bacterial infection that can contribute to kennel cough. This infection can occur alone or in conjunction with other infections. This vaccine is
recommended for all dogs that go to boarding, grooming, or are around a lot of
other dogs. This vaccine is commonly referred to as the kennel cough vaccine. Some pet business require this vaccine to be given every 6 months, please check their requirements.

K-9 Influenza: is a highly infectious disease easily spread through direct contact, airborne or by touching contaminated surfaces. It is a relatively new virus therefore many dogs have no natural immunity. Symptoms are a persistent cough lasting several weeks, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite. It is usually mild but can progress to a more severe infection or pneumonia. We recommend the vaccine to those dogs that are in contact with other dogs on a regular basis.

Feline Vaccines

Core Vaccines

Rabies: Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and central nervous system of mammals, including people, and is  transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Once contracted, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies
vaccination protocol is determined by each state and it is state law that all pets are vaccinated against rabies, whether or not they go outdoors. The rabies vaccine is given after 12 weeks of age. 

FVRCP: is a combination vaccine that protects against panleukopenia (distemper), viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. It is often referred to as a feline distemper vaccine.
       - Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) is the most widespread of all cat diseases and is extremely contagious. It can cause high death loss, particularly in kittens. Symptoms can be fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
       - Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms include sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, eye inflammation and nasal and eye discharge.
        - Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a serious respiratory disease that can occur in conjunction with FVR. Symptoms are the same as FVR, but it may also cause ulcers on the tongue.

Lifestyle Vaccines

FELV: (Feline leukemia) is a viral disease which can show varied symptoms, Some infected cats show no symptoms while other cats have persistent infections that may be fatal over time. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected cat. Cats that spend time outdoors and/or in contact with cats of unknown vaccination status should be vaccinated.