C5 protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, Bordetella. Kennel Cough and Bordetella are highly contagious diseases and, although it is only rarely fatal, it causes a persisting cough which may last for weeks and at times can cause a pneumonia. Kennel Cough vaccines must be given if you intend to take your pup to boarding kennels or obedience classes. This vaccination is called the C5 vaccination.

How Vaccines Work
Vaccines work by exposing your dog's immune system to a small amount of the disease-causing agent (virus or bacteria) by injection. The viruses and bacteria contained in vaccines are inactivated or weakened, so they are not capable of causing the disease when given correctly. Some vaccines require two or more doses before the maximum level of protection is produced.

Following the complete vaccination program, the immune system produces antibodies and special cells that "remember" the viruses and bacteria contained in the vaccine. Thus, when your dog comes in contact with the real disease, the immune system will "remember" what was in the vaccine and rapidly eliminate the infection. Immunity wears off over time, so it is important to ensure that your dog receives yearly booster vaccinations for ongoing protection.

Following the vaccination, your dog may be quieter than usual and possibly have a reduced appetite for 1-2 days. There may also be some tenderness around the injection site (as with humans) in a small number of dogs. If you have any concerns about your dog after vaccination, please consult with your veterinarian for advice.

Diseases Protected By Vaccination

Canine Distemper
A fatal virus disease that can affect any dog, especially puppies. The earliest signs are a high temperature for up to three days, which goes and then returns in about a week. Fever, discharge from nose and eyes, vomiting, diarrohea and pneumonia may follow. Later in the course of the disease, may dogs experience muscle spasms, convulsions and progressive paralysis and may have permanent brain damage.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Highly infectious. Can cause a mild or severe disease, especially in dogs under two years of age. The virus is passed in the urine of infected dogs and can infect others for up to six months after the carrier dog recovers. Symptoms include loss of appetite, depression, diarrhoea (often with blood), tonsillitis and acute abdominal pain, due to an enlarged liver. When mild, the dog may only show lethargy and loss of appetite. If severe, death my occur within 24-36 hours. Corneal opacity ("blue eye") may follow infection.

Canine Parvovirus
This highly contagious and very hardy virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Usually passed on to other dogs when they contact the faeces of an infected dog. Parvovirus may survive for long periods outside the dog, and special disinfectant is required to clean the environment. Diarrhoea, often with plenty of blood, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain are characteristics of Parvovirus. The mortality rate can vary from 10-90% of affected dogs.

Canine Cough
Canine Cough is highly contagious and is transferred from dog to dog at common meeting places such as obedience classes, dog shows or kennels. Causes include a bacterium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and a virus, canine parainfluenza. A harsh hacking cough that often finishes with gagging may persist for several weeks. Sneezing and tonsillitis may also occur.

Copyright © 2002 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.