I have included this article on vaccinations since a client e-mailed me the results of a titre tests done on a five month old puppy. The pup got two rounds of shots and then rather than the third set of shots a titre test was done. The following are the test results:
SER CDV SN Serology 1: 2048 (Distemper)
SER CPV HI Serology >=1: 16384 (Parvo)
- Canine parvovirus titres of less than 1:8 (<1:8) indicate lack of immunity and susceptibility to infection with field virus. Titres of 1:16 – 1:32 indicate limited protection against field virus. Titres of 1:64 and higher indicate probable protective immunity; higher titers indicate better protection.
Canine distemper titres of less than 1:2 (1:2) indicate lack of immunity and susceptibility to infection with field virus. Titres of 1:2 – 1:16 indicate limited protection against field virus. Titres of 1:32 and higher indicate probable protective immunity; higher titers indicate better protection.
The third set of shots will be done and another titre test to ensure the level of antibodies for Distemper and Parvo are up to the correct levels.
Parvovirus Vaccination (Parvo)
Parvovirus (also known as Parvo) is a serious, highly contagious viral infection of dogs that causes vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvovirus is transmitted through contact with the stool of an infected dog or contaminated environment. Puppies are most susceptible to parvo infection and fatalities are extremely common.
Very often, young puppies die suddenly from heart failure. This sudden death occurs before any gastrointestinal symptoms of parvovirus appear. More often, however, dogs develop a pronounced fever, become extremely depressed, and vomit. Bloody diarrhea is the most common symptom of parvovirus infection. Dogs become dehydrated, anemic (as a result of blood loss), and die quickly. Other gastrointestinal diseases may mimic parvovirus, however most are not as severe.
Vaccination against parvovirus is the best protection. Like Distemper, Parvovirus vaccination should begin at 6-8 weeks of age. Repeat vaccinations should be administered every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Recent information regarding Parvovirus infection may extend this recommendation to 20 weeks and even longer for certain breeds. Regular booster vaccinations are strongly recommended to ensure proper immunity.
Having your dog vaccinated by a veterinarian insures protection against parvovirus infection. Only your veterinarian knows the most efficient vaccination strategy for prevention of parvovirus infection
Canine Distemper Vaccination
Distemper is a common, highly contagious and often fatal disease found in dogs, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink and ferrets. The disease is most often seen in young, unvaccinated dogs, as well as older dogs who have not been vaccinated regularly. The period between exposure to the virus and symptoms is approximately five to nine days. Symptoms of distemper are extremely variable. All of the symptoms or any combination of symptoms may be present. Usually the first signs of the disease are fever, no appetite, fatigue, and vomiting. These symptoms are usually followed by diarrhea, coughing, thick yellow-green discharge from the nose and eyes, and pneumonia. Eventually the dog may develop convulsions.
Treatment for distemper is mediocre at best. There is no known medication that destroys the virus. The treatment is aimed at preventing secondary infections and keeping the dog warm and hydrated. Antibiotics are usually given for pneumonia and diarrhea. If the dog manages to recover from distemper, he or she is often left with permanent neurological problems. Vaccinations against distemper should begin at six to eight weeks of age. Repeat vaccinations should be administered every three to four weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Regular booster vaccinations are strongly recommended to ensure proper immunity.