Importance of Vaccination and Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2) Infection

Back in 1980, the World Health Organization announced that smallpox had been completely eradicated globally. Similarly, Wild poliovirus has also been eradicated except in two Asian countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan. This disease is still endemic in both countries. The credit of successful global eradication of these diseases goes to vaccination development and drives. Vaccination helps in triggering an immune response against the disease. 

A vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies that identify, attack and destroy viruses and other disease-causing organisms. This provides protection against future infections. 

Just like humans, animals also need immunity against diseases that can be transmitted from one animal to another. Vaccination can provide complete protection against the disease or at least lessen the severity of the disease. 

Widespread use of vaccination can prevent the spread of highly contagious and deadly diseases. This also provides you with a sense of peace as your dog is not carrying any deadly disease that can spread quickly. This improves your pet’s and your quality of life. 

Following reasons specify the importance of puppy vaccinations in Ireland:

1. Pets vaccination in Cork protects your pet from a range of illnesses.

2. You can avoid costly treatments.

3. It prevents diseases that can be passed from one animal to another and also from animals to humans. 

4. Vaccination can completely eradicate a disease. For example, rinderpest, a viral disease infecting cattle has been eradicated.

5. The eradication of disease with vaccination can also save unvaccinated animals.

6. Authorities also make puppy vaccinations in Ireland mandatory for household pets.

Does vaccination provide complete protection?

Vaccinations in Ireland is an effective way to prevent future diseases. You must follow the vaccination schedule. There are risks associated with all types of medical treatments including vaccination. However, puppy vaccinations in Ireland protect your pet against diseases that can be fatal. Moreover, most pets experience no side effects after vaccination. Serious side effects are very rare. 

The immune system of puppies and kittens is not fully mature. This increases the risk of getting infectious diseases. Antibodies present in mother’s milk provide natural protection. However, this protection is not forever. The amount of these antibodies is decreased but the immune system is still not fully mature. 

Many times these antibodies interfere with the immune response triggered by vaccination. This is the reason why a series of vaccinations is required in puppies and kittens.

Pets vaccination can prevent most viral diseases. Canine adenovirus type 2 causes respiratory disease with signs including retching and dry, hacking cough. Treatment for the disease includes the administration of antibiotics and supportive care. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) and protect your dog from this disease. As it is a contagious disease, the risk of exposure is high in places like dog parks, grooming salons etc.  

When a dog is infected by the virus, this disease has an incubation period of 3 to 10 days. In many cases, the infection resolves without treatment. Still, vaccination is important as the infection causes pneumonia in some cases. 

Symptoms  

The following are the symptoms of Canine Adenovirus Type 2 Infection: 

a). Gagging and retching 

b). Dry, hacking cough 

c). Fever 

d). Nasal Discharge 

e). White, foamy discharge while coughing

f). Conjunctivitis 

Diagnosis and Treatment 

First of all, the vet evaluates the signs. After that, the vet asks some questions to learn about possible exposure. For example –

1. Have your dog come in contact with an infected dog?

2. Did you take your dog to a boarding facility or dog park? 

Treatment for CAV-2 infection includes supportive care. The dog is given antibiotics, fluids and rest. 

Prevention

You can prevent this infection with the vaccine for CAV-2 infection. Keep in mind that the vaccine does not provide complete protection against the infection. However, your dog will not get the severe form of the infection. It will not be more than a milder infection.    

Vaccine for the CAV-2 also protects against canine adenovirus type 1 infection. This is a potentially fatal infection causing infectious canine hepatitis. Here are some other ways to prevent this infection: 

a). Isolate your puppy until the completion of the vaccination series.   

b). Keep your puppy away from sick and unvaccinated animals.  

c). Avoid taking your puppy to a facility where your puppy is likely to be exposed to the infection.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *