week 11- Vaccines & Special patient care

What should be discussed with the client when booking the first visit?

Costs, what to bring (vaccine history, stool sample if needed).

Why does patient age matter for vaccination?

Vaccination protocol differs with age due to immune response and maternal antibodies.

What are some vaccine guidelines?

2022 AAHA Canine, 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline, 2015 WSAVA, CVO 2014 Legislative Overview.

What factors can inactivate modified live vaccines?

Sunlight, heat, freezing.

How should vaccines be stored and shipped?

Store in fridge, ship on cold packs.

Why must only the provided diluent be used for reconstitution?

pH is specific to each product.

How should vaccines be mixed?

Mix when needed, gently invert, do not shake.

What are the risks of multiple-dose vials?

Potential contamination.

What is the proper dose for single-dose vials?

Full dose unless otherwise stated by a DVM.

What are common routes of vaccine administration?

IM/SQ for systemic immunity, IN for local and systemic immunity.

Why should different vaccines not be mixed together?

Safety is unknown.

Why should the site of vaccine administration be recorded?

For tracking and monitoring reactions.

How long do vaccines take to become effective?

Up to 2 weeks.

Why shouldn't sick animals be vaccinated?

May be ineffective or harmful.

What conditions might prevent vaccination?

Malnourishment, heavy parasitic load, immunosuppression.

Who decides if a sick animal can be vaccinated?

DVM.

What is an antigen?

A foreign substance that elicits an immune response, typically a protein.

What is an antibody?

A blood protein that counteracts an antigen to protect the animal.

What is a monoclonal vaccine?

Produces immunity against a specific pathogen.

What is a polyvalent vaccine?

Produces immunity against multiple pathogens.

What are characteristics of killed (inactivated) vaccines?

Contain killed antigens, store well, require boosters, safest but less effective, may contain adjuvants.

What are characteristics of live-attenuated vaccines?

Contain weakened organisms, provide strong immunity, no adjuvant, potential risks include abortions and mild disease.

What is passive immunity?

Immunity acquired from placenta or colostrum.

What is active immunity?

Immunity developed through disease exposure or vaccination.

What is unknown about passive immunity?

Amount received and duration of protection.

Why might maternal antibodies render a vaccine ineffective?

They interfere with immune response.

When is the first core vaccine typically given?

Around 6 weeks of age.

Why is the first vaccine short-lived?

Initial antibody generation is temporary.

How often are boosters given?

Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then annually or every 3 years.

What do boosters do?

Increase memory cells, produce longer-lasting antibodies.

When is the rabies vaccine typically first administered?

Over 12 weeks of age.

Why do young animals have poor immune response to rabies vaccines?

Maternal antibody interference.

What are the core canine vaccines?

Rabies, DA2PP/DHPP (Distemper, Adenovirus 1 & 2, Parvovirus, Infectious Tracheobronchitis).

How is rabies transmitted?

Saliva via bite.

What are clinical signs of rabies?

Acute behavior change, aggression, ataxia, seizures.

What are the two forms of rabies?

Excitative (aggressive, self-mutilation, seizures) and Paralytic (paralysis starting in head/neck).

How is rabies diagnosed premortem?

It cannot be diagnosed premortem.

What is the difference between 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines?

3-year contains an adjuvant.

What factors influence rabies vaccine requirements?

Local laws and clinic protocol.

How is canine distemper spread?

Direct contact, discharge from nose and eyes.

What are signs of canine distemper?

Fever, hyperkeratosis of footpads, muscle twitching, seizures.

What is the treatment for canine distemper?

Supportive care (IV fluids, antipyretics, seizure management).

How is infectious hepatitis spread?

Saliva, urine, feces.

What are clinical signs of infectious hepatitis?

Anorexia, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, increased thirst.

What is the treatment for infectious hepatitis?

IV fluids, blood transfusion if severe.

How is parvovirus spread?

Oral/nasal contact, feces, fomites.

What are clinical signs of parvovirus?

V/D, lethargy, fever, anorexia.

What is the treatment for parvovirus?

IV fluids, antiemetics, supportive care.

How is kennel cough spread?

Oral/nasal contact, fomites.

What are the main etiologies of kennel cough?

Parainfluenza virus, Adenovirus-2.

What is the primary clinical sign of kennel cough?

Harsh, dry cough.

What is the treatment for kennel cough?

Cough suppressants, supportive care PRN.

What are non-core canine vaccines?

Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Why is leptospirosis a concern?

Can cause kidney/liver failure, zoonotic.

Why is Lyme disease a concern?

Can cause chronic arthritis, prevention should include tick control.

What are the core feline vaccines?

Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).

How is FVR spread?

Oral/nasal/ocular contact, environment.

What is the etiology of FVR?

Herpesvirus.

What are clinical signs of FVR?

Conjunctivitis, sneezing, rhinitis, fever, salivation.

How is calicivirus spread?

Oral/nasal/ocular contact, environment.

What is the etiology of calicivirus?

Calicivirus.

What are clinical signs of calicivirus?

Oral ulcers, conjunctivitis, sneezing, fever, salivation.

How is feline panleukopenia spread?

Fecal-oral, fomites.

What is the etiology of feline panleukopenia?

Parvovirus.

What are clinical signs of feline panleukopenia?

Fever, anorexia, depression, V/D, leukopenia.

How is FeLV transmitted?

Oronasal, urine, feces, mammary glands, in utero, bite wounds, grooming.

What is the etiology of FeLV?

Retrovirus.

What are clinical signs of FeLV?

Immunosuppression, anemia, lymphoma.

What are non-core feline vaccines?

Chlamydiosis, Bordetella.

Why is the chlamydiosis vaccine not always used?

Provides incomplete protection, may cause adverse effects.

Why is the Bordetella vaccine rarely used in cats?

More common in shelters, transmission can occur between cats and dogs.

Who should vaccine reactions be reported to?

Vaccine manufacturer, CFIA, Health Canada - Veterinary Division.

What are common causes of vaccine reactions?

Adjuvants, cell culture proteins.

What are mild vaccine reaction signs?

Local swelling, pain, fever, lethargy (subsides in ~1 day).

What are moderate vaccine reaction signs?

Facial swelling, urticaria (hives).

What are severe vaccine reaction signs?

Anaphylaxis.

What are treatments for anaphylaxis?

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine, IV fluids, oxygen.

What is the gestation period for dogs and cats?

~63 days

When do caloric requirements begin to increase during pregnancy?

~35 days into pregnancy

What nutrients increase during pregnancy?

Protein, fat, carbohydrates

What are the key characteristics of a whelping box?

Warm, isolated, quiet, draft-free, plenty of water access

How long does Stage 1 of parturition last?

12-24 hours (may last up to 36 hours in first-time mothers)

What happens during Stage 1 of parturition?

Uterine contractions (not yet visible), cervical dilation, temperature drop 1-2°C, restlessness, nesting, loss of appetite, clear watery vaginal discharge

What behaviors may be seen in Stage 1 of parturition?

Restlessness, nesting, need for reassurance, panting in some cats

What happens during Stage 2 of parturition?

Passage of puppy/kitten, straining and uterine contractions, membrane rupture, delivery within 5-30 minutes, serous to hemorrhagic or green vaginal discharge

How long does it take to deliver a puppy/kitten once Stage 2 begins?

5-30 minutes

What happens when the head is out during Stage 2?

One or two more contractions should complete delivery

What happens during Stage 3 of parturition?

Passage of fetal membranes and placenta, mother clears mouth/nose, bites umbilical cord, eats placenta

What is the interval between kitten/puppy births?

10-60 minutes

How long does parturition typically last?

Usually completed within 24 hours

What post-parturient care is recommended?

Free access to fresh food and water, neonatal care, low-grade fever for 1-2 days, vaginal discharge for up to 8 weeks

When should a veterinarian be called during labour?

20 minutes of strong contractions with no birth, 10 minutes of intense labour with no visible kitten/puppy, mother is lethargic, mother has a fever, blood loss from vulva for more than 10 minutes, more than 4 hours between births, failure to go into labour within 24 hours of temperature drop, over 70 days gestation

What are the maternal factors of dystocia?

Pelvic canal anomalies, uterine inertia

What are the fetal factors of dystocia?

Oversized/anatomical issues, malposition

What are the clinical signs of metritis?

Fever, purulent foul-smelling vaginal discharge, anorexia, decreased milk production

What is another name for eclampsia?

Milk fever

Is eclampsia common in queens?

No, it is uncommon in queens

What causes hypocalcemia in eclampsia?

Calcium loss in milk (common with large litters), inadequate calcium intake

What are early signs of eclampsia?

Nervousness, restlessness, poor nursing, stiff/painful gait

What happens if eclampsia progresses?

Muscle spasms, seizures, coma