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| Sunday, 16 October 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Protect your pets with vaccinations
Just like humans, pets too need to be vaccinated. Vaccination is considered the most effective and preventive method of several fatal illnesses such as rabies and parvo. There are two types of vaccinations; annual vaccinations and vaccinations given under special situations. The latter is given only if there is a special requirement, and not on a regular basis. The tetanus injection is a classic example of special vaccinations. As we mentioned earlier, illnesses such as rabies and parvo (various animal diseases caused by viruses) are not only fatal to our pets but for humans too. In order to prevent such illnesses, our pets need to be vaccinated annually. Because a pet vaccinated for rabies will still have a possibility of carrying the disease with them, these are illnesses that one cannot be completely immune to. Have you heard about vaccine failures? A vaccine failure is a serious situation where your pet is not vaccinated according to the correct methods. This is a common situation in Sri Lanka because many people who do not have the proper qualifications and sufficient knowledge vaccinate animals.
There are three important factors that need to be taken into consideration before vaccination; quality of the vaccine, the methods used for the vaccination and the health condition of the pet.The quality of the vaccination is based on factors such as correct transportation and storage methods. If the vaccine is not transported or stored according to specified methods, it is not considered as a quality vaccine. Using disposable syringes and the route used for the vaccination comes under the second factor. Always make sure your pet is vaccinated under these conditions. The third factor or the health condition of the pet is significantly important. Never vaccinate a pet with active clinical illness. Another important factor is avoiding the contamination of vaccines with traces of disinfectant or spirit. Avoid antibiotics for at least three days following vaccination. Never vaccine female animals who are pregnant. They are protected by their maternal antibodies hence the litter too will be immune during the first couple of weeks. Also avoid vaccinating animals in heat. Parvo, DHL (Distemper, Hepatitis and Leptosipiros) and Rabies are the three main vaccinations given to animals. The first dose of parvo can be given when the animal is six weeks old and the second dose should be given in 12 weeks. The vaccination should be continued annually.
Pet can be given a DHP+L a combined vaccine for DHL and Parvo. This can be given in 12 weeks. DHP+RL protects the animal against all five illnesses and is a single vaccine. But these vaccines are expensive than the others. However, consulting your veterinary surgeon before vaccinating your pet is an important factor. |
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| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
Two weeks ago, we discussed the correct methods of bathing our pet
friends. Dr. D. A. U Samankumara B.V.Sc of Kirindiwela Animal Clinic will
today tell us some important facts about vaccinating pets. 
Not vaccinating your pet is better than a vaccine failure because your
pet might fall ill and have many side effects in the long run during a
vaccine failure situation. Therefore, always stress your veterinary
surgeon to vaccinate the animal himself/herself. 
The first DHL dose can be given when the animal is eight weeks old and
the second, in 14 weeks. The rabies vaccine should be given when the
animal is 16 weeks old. Puppy DP can be given when the animal is four
weeks old. 
