Special to The Enterprise

The American Animal Hospital Association has developed a guideline for vaccines in dogs. Understanding and following these guidelines can help keep dogs safe and healthy.

Four core vaccines identified by AAHA help control the diseases that are most prevalent and most dangerous: canine distemper virus, parvovirus, canine adenovirus, and rabies. Other vaccines are considered Ònon-coreÓ and are used in dogs that are at risk for certain diseases.

Canine distemper virus is a highly contagious disease that suppresses the immune system and can affect several different organ systems, including the gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological systems. Symptoms might be mild (cough, decreased appetite) but can progress (vomiting, weight loss, seizures) to the point of death.

Parvovirus is another highly contagious and highly pathogenic disease of dogs. The virus attacks the lining of the intestine, causing the cells to die, which leads to decreased absorption of nutrients and allows bacteria from the intestines to enter the bloodstream. The classic symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Dogs with parvovirus will usually die without treatment, and may even die despite receiving treatment.

Canine adenovirus is the causative agent of infectious canine hepatitis. This disease, while uncommon, can cause non-specific signs of illness (fever, depression, upset stomach) but can also kill rapidly.

The last core vaccine in dogs is to protect against rabies virus. Rabies is an untreatable fatal disease that affects the nervous system of all warm-blooded animals; as such, it can be passed from dogs to humans. Symptoms include both the well-known aggressive displays as well as possible paralysis.

One of the conditions that non-core vaccines can protect against is commonly called kennel cough. Kennel cough is not just one disease; rather, it is a similar collection of symptoms that can be caused by one of several types of pathogens. Vaccines are available for a few of these pathogens A dog that is around other dogs in close proximity (at the groomer, dog park, dog shows and boarding kennels) should be protected against kennel cough.

Other non-core vaccines include leptospirosis and Lyme disease. Leptospirosis is a potentially-lethal bacterial disease that is spread through contact with wildlife, livestock, or waterways where infected urine may have collected (such as agricultural ditches). Lyme disease is a bacterial disease spread through tick bites that can affect several different body systems. There is even a vaccine that can be given to dogs that are at risk for rattlesnake bites that can help neutralize the toxin in the venom.

A Ònon-coreÓ vaccine should not be considered unimportant; it is just a vaccine that not every dog needs, where all dogs should receive the core vaccines. Your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines are appropriate for your dog, and will provide specific information about how frequently they need to be given.

Ñ Keith Rode is a veterinarian at Woodland Veterinary Hospital and a graduate of UC Davis. For more information, call (530) 666-2461.

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