24 ~ Wednesday, Apri! 29, 1992 —- North Shore News NORTH SHORE NEWS FEATURE FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS Immunize for prevention VACCINES WORK. the same way in pets as they do in people. When a safely altered (killed or . modified) bacteria or virus is in- jected into the animal, the im- mune system defends the body by producing protective antibodies. These circulate in the blood and protect against the threat of infec- tious diseases. Ask a Veterinarian DA. TERR? | DR. ELIZABETH CLEMETT RICHARDS Antibodies are specific for each disease. When the body produces erough antibodies to prevent disease, the animal is said to be immunized. Nursing puppies or kittens may receive some protective antibodies from their mother’s milk depen- ding on her vaccination status. These antibodies from the mother.-can interfere with the ef- fects of vaccination. Therefore, in the young animal, inultiple vaccinations at prescribed intervals are recommended. Most vaccines require boosters. Without them antibody levels may diminish and leave your pet susceptible. - The following vaccines have been developed to control the ma- jor infectious diseases that affect . your pets. . ese Canine (dog) Infectious Diseases Canine Distemper It is caused by a paramyxo virus, and is highly contagious. The disease causes a generalized infection by attacking many body organs. Symptoms are listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as discharge from the eyes and nose. In its final stages it may cause fever and paralysis. Death may occur one to three weeks after infection. Those animals that recover may have some residual damage. . Spread mainly through Infectious Canine Hepatitis This is caused by an adenovirus, and primarily affects the .dog’s liver. -- Symptoms: may. vary_in severity, ranging from mild infection to death. Animals that recover may be afflicted with chronic liver disease. Paryo Parvo is caused by the highly contagious parvo virus, and is infected feces. Symptoms can include high fever and listlessness, and often vomiting and diarrhea with blood. The disease can lead to’ shock and death. It can also affect the heart muscle in young puppies (myocarditis). Leptospirosis This is caused by an organism called a spirochete, and is trans- mitted in the urine of infected dogs, rats and wild animals. More prevalent in certain geographic areas, the disease at- tacks the kidneys and liver. Corona Caused by the corona virus, symptoms are similar to those of the parvo virus but not as severe in the adult dog. Tracheal Bronchitis (kennel cough) It is a contagious disease ‘that causes inflammation of. the trachea and bronchi. Characterized by a dry non- productive cough, bronchitis is caused by different viruses and bacteria — the most common be- ing parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and Bordatella. bran- chiseptica. eee - Feline (cat) Infectious Diseases Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) This is a highly contagious and devastating disease caused by the feline parvo virus spread by con- tact with infected cats and their secretions. Symptoms include depression and fever, lack of appetite as well as vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration, with a high mor- tality rate. Feline Viral Respiratory Diseases @ Rhinotracheitis (Herpes virus) intermittent @ Calicivirus These are widespread, highly contagious respiratory diseases. The severity - of the infection may vary; bue’the symptoms in- clude fever, sneezing and coughing, as well as loss of ap- petite, discharge from the eyes and nose, and ulcers and blisters in the mouth. After recovery, infected cats can become chronic virus carriers with problems often associated with stress. Feline Leukemia 44 Caused by a contagious virus, feline iewkemia is a common cause of cancer in cats. 3? Caused by a contagious virus, feline leukemia is a common cause of cancer in cats. It is also responsible for many other diseases because the virus suppresses the immune system. Symptoms vary depending on the body system affected. Cats that live in multi-cat households or are allowed to roam free are particularly at risk. There is no known relationship between feline leukemia and leukemia 2s it occurs in people. Rabies All warm-blooded animals can be affected by this virus, including humans. It is transmitted through saliva usually by a bite wound from an infected animai. The virus attacks the nervous system, resulting in a fatal disease. In many cases, vaccination is required for travel outside of Canada. eos If your pet is not in good health when it is vaccinated, the body will not be able to mount an ade- quate immune response and the vaccine may not be effective. It is therefore important that your pet be fully examined prior to vaccination. This space has been sponsored by STONG'S io assist the SPCA in finding homes ’ for these animals available for adoption. For more information, please cali SPCA 922-4622. “DEIRDRE” Deerhound X Approx. 2 yrs. SFM CATERING TO YOUR PETS EVERY NEED S “BENJI” Poodle X Terrier N/M approx. 2 yrs. “SANDERS” Cocker Spaniel X M 7 mos. JESSICA” Bik. Lab X SFM approx. 10 yrs. A full selection of Pet Foods including NO-NAME & PRESIDENT'S CHOICE 15% OFF REGULAR PRICE CASE LOT WEST VANCOUVER 2491 MARINE DRIVE LYNN VALLEY 1199 LYNN VALLEY RD. DEEP COV E 415 NORTH DOLLARTON HIGHWAY | Recognizing the signs of iliness takes close de ° _ a attention to your cat: IT IS-important to recognize when your cat is sick. The following signs may indicate that your cat is ill and should be taken to your. veterinarian. @ Vomiting and diarrhea. All cats have occasional vomiting and diarrhea, but if this occurs frequently, your cat requires attention. : @ Runny nose and/or eyes, plus sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. ® Not eating or drinking. @ Sleeping excessively, especially if connected with not eating. © Straining to pass urine or stool, or urinating in abnormal places. @ Drinking excessive!y. - La Pooche Hut ace 2951 Lonsdale, North Van All Breeds of Dogs & Cats - * Bathing * Clipping Service ® Grooming Open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 985-2232 550,000 peopie werk hard ito | protect Canada’s endangered species. “ For more intormation contact: & % Conecian Widiife *- 41673 Caring Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K2A 324 (643) 725-2104 adverti Most major manufacturers offer co-operative advertising plans. This means your purchases may have earned dollars with which can pay all or some of your newspaper ad costs. It costs nothing but a phone cal! to find out about all available co-op advertising dollars you qualify for. Pal VOns 08 WORT ane west maCoUNED @ Weight loss, either gradual or rapid. : @ Swelling or lumps anywhere on the body. : @ Foul smelling breath. : @ Excessive scratching or hair, . loss. o © Limping, or diffi culiy- ‘walk- . ing and jumping up or down. ©. ° «|. @ Breathing more. rapidly than : = usual, or with diffi culty, even when at rest. . @ Black, flaky discharge i in the ears or specks of, black in:the : hair, especially when associated with scratching. ° PET SITTIN IN- YOUR HOME x cag heat Z m - leave in their. F fan an copa roundings: 3 , bom “Boked x looked "alter wil I ‘ faraili acy fie PET-PALS. 230-5514." Co-op Advertising 989-0511