Parvovirus Infection

Parvovirus causes a severe and often fatal gastroenteritis which can be confirmed in increasing numbers of dogs in the Merseyside area over the last 12 months.

There have been a number of cases in young dogs that have been fully vaccinated in accordance with the vaccine manufacturer's guidelines.

It is thought that this is partly due to the fact that there are a decreased number of vaccinated dogs in the area, allowing the disease to re-emerge.

How Can We Help?

The WSAVA is an international veterinary association that has provided "Current Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats (2010)", advising that a further "booster" vaccination against parvovirus should be given to all puppies when they are approximately 16 weeks old to ensure better protection against the disease.

Whilst it is extremely important to socialise puppies with people, other dogs and their environment it should be balanced against the risk of infection.

We advise that following completion of the initial vaccination course at 10 weeks old, puppies are kept away from areas heavily used by other dog walkers and stray dogs until they have received a 16 week parvovirus booster.

Warbreck House Veterinary Centre will offer a 16 week parvovirus "booster" vaccination to all puppies at a cost of £14.30.  This is significantly more cost effective than the considerable distress and cost of treating a very sick animal with parvovirus.

A booster vaccination is required every year to keep your pet fully protected.

This practice currently uses Nobivac vaccines & Eurican vaccines.

Kittens

At our practice we start vaccinating kittens at 9 weeks, with a second vaccine at 12 weeks of age. There should always be a 3 week gap between the 1st and 2nd vaccines. Once the vaccine course is complete, your kitten can go outside after 10 days.

Our current vaccines will cover your cat against cat flu, feline enteritis and feline leukaemia.

Although your kitten will be fully vaccinated, we advise that you do not allow your kitten out until it is at least 6 months of age and is neutered.

This practice uses Purevax vaccines.

Rabbits

The two diseases we vaccinate against in rabbits are Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.

Rabbits are given a single injection to vaccinate against Myxomatosis from 6 weeks of age. Your rabbit will be fully vaccinated two weeks later and this vaccine lasts 6 months.

We suggest that your rabbit is vaccinated around May / June, as this is just prior to the Myxo "season".

Rabbits can be vaccinated against Viral Haemorrhagic Disease from 10 - 12 weeks of age, using a single injection. Onced vaccinated, you only need to booster against VHD annualy.

Boosters

We recommend all pets have annual boosters.

For cats and rabbits this will involve a full booster with all of the vaccine components each year.

For dogs, protection against some diseases will last longer than 12 months. Dogs therefore receive a full booster at 15 months and the following 2 years will receive a booster for parainfluenza and leptospirosis only,  followed by another full booster.

If your pet is overdue for a booster, it is best to speak to one of our veterinary surgeons about restarting their vaccines.