WHY VACCINES?

Vaccines play an important role in protecting animals against illness and fatal diseases.  Vaccines are either modified live or killed and don't actually transmit the disease.  They stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that during subsequent exposures are readily manufactured to bind and destroy invading infectious agents.  Vaccines are not life-long and because they are made from a weakened or killed organism they need to be updated to booster the immune response.

Rabies  Rabies affects all warm blooded animals, including humans.  This virus attacks the brain and central nervous system and is fatal.  All cats should be vaccinated against rabies and it is required by law in some areas.  Kittens can get their inital vaccine at 16 weeks, with a booster in one year.  In some counties, including Vilas County, the rabies vaccine is recognized as a 3-year vaccine after the first two doses.  We recommend vaccinating yearly for rabies due to greater risk of exposure from dense wildlife populations.

Other Canine Vaccines

Lyme  Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called borrelia burgdorferi.  It is spread through the bite of a tick.  Infection normally presents a sudden onset of muscle stiffness or lameness.  This vaccine is recommended for any dog that may be exposed to ticks.  Puppies can begin the series at 12 weeks of age.  Initial vaccination must be boostered within 2-4 weeks.  It should be updated annually.

Bordetella  This vaccine protects against the most common bacteria associated with infectious tracheobronchitis or "Kennel Cough".  It is recommended for any dog that frequents boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, or has potential exposure to other dogs.  Puppies are to be vaccinated at 12 and 16 weeks of age and boostered yearly.

Other Feline Vaccines

Feline Leukemia  This viral disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats or through sharing contaminated dishes and litter boxes.  The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) impairs the cat's immune system, which can lead to infections and other diseases.  Feline leukemia is not related to human leukemia, but infected cats can develop some forms of cancer.  Cats that are infected with FeLV may not be actively ill, but are still potentially infectious.  This disease can lead to persistent infection with high mortality rates.  We recommend that any cat that goes outside or potentially can come into contact with other cats be vaccinated against FeLV.  Kittens can start vaccinations at 12 weeks of age.  Initial vaccine should be boostered within 4 weeks, with annual boosters.  Vaccination will not protect cats that have already been infected with FeLV.  Multiple-cat pet owners may want to consider having new cats tested for FeLV before allowing them to join their household.  A new pet would not be considered free of the disease until 2 negative tests have been performed with no potential exposure between tests.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)  This disease is highly contagious and is caused by a coronavirus this is spread by contact with an infected cat.  This disease can manifest itself as a mild upper respiratory infection or diarrhea that can progress to inflammation of tissues and organs.  A classic sign of FIP is peritonitis with abdominal swelling.  This fluid retention is not always present.  Once an infected cat starts exhibiting symptoms of the disease, the mortality rate can reach 100%.  We recommend that all cats that go outdoors, or who may be exposed to other cats, be vaccinated against FIP.  Kittens can begin a series at 12 weeks of age.  Initial vaccines should be boostered within 4 weeks, with annual boosters.