Vaccine Descriptions

Names:

DHPP= Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo

FDRC = Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia

B= Bordetella

L = Leukemia

R= Rabies

FIV = Feline Immunodefficiency Virus

Descriptions:

Rabies

A fatal infection affecting the central nervous system. The virus is transmitted primarily through saliva from biting. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to this viral infection. Learn more about rabies from the CDC.

Feline Panleukopenia

Also known as feline distemper, this highly contagious, widespread disease can appear suddenly, causing fever, appetite loss, weight loss, depression, severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration and death. Some adult cats may recover, but it is often fatal in both kittens and adults.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Caused by a herpesvirus, this respiratory disease affects the upper air passages and lungs. It produces fever, sneezing, coughing, appetite loss, eye and nose irritation and discharge. Very young kittens sometimes die from severe secondary bacterial infection. It is common for cats that survive a case of viral rhinotracheitis to become chronic carriers, spreading infection to other cats they contact.

Feline Calcivirus

A respiratory infection that is usually not fatal by itself, but sets the cat up for more serious infections. The signs are similar to FVR and ulcers may appear on the tongue and in the mouth. It can cause viral pneumonia. Cats may remain carriers for several years.

Feline Leukemia Virus

A highly contagious and devastating viral disease that is a major cause of death in cats. The virus suppresses the immune system and leaves cats susceptible to other infectious diseases. Cats transmit FeLV to one another through saliva, so cats allowed to roam free are at greatest risk. Click here for more detailed information.

Feline Immunodefficiency Virus

This is a serious disease in cats, caused by a virus infection. It's also a complex disease, of which leukemia (cancer of white blood cells) and cancerous tumors are only a small part. Various other related but non-tumorous diseases are also involved. Click here for more detailed information.

Canine Distemper

A widespread, often fatal disease. It is closely related to the measles virus. It spreads from dog to dog through respiratory secretions and aerosol exposure. It can often cause vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia and severe brain damage.

Canine Hepatitis

A contagious viral disease that can cause sudden death. It is spread through feces and urine. It can also cause central nervous system signs (seizures and comas) as well as liver damage.

Canine Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a highly contagious intestinal virus that cuases vomiting and profuse, watery, foul-smouling diarrhea. Puppies can die without aggressive treatment. The virus is spread through the fecal oral route. Rottwilers, Doberman Pinschers and Pitbulls are more susceptible to infection.

Bordetella

Most commonly caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is an upper respiratory disease that causes a chronic, persistent cough. It can prime your dog for other infections as well. It is very contagious but almost never fatal. Dogs that are kenneled with many other dogs and that are stressed are most likely to develop kennel cough.

Canine Parainfluenza

Can cause the same things as Bordetella (see above).