Parvovirus is a life-threatening viral disease which only infects dogs and is particularly dangerous to puppies. It attacks rapidly growing cells in the body, and so it attacks the gut lining, bone marrow (including the cells of the immune system) and the spleen.

Pups affected by the parvovirus ‘shrink’ (overwhelming dehydration), very quickly succumb to a severe gastroenteritis that will kill 95% of pups that are not treated with aggressive therapy. Parvovirus may be fatal in as little as 24 hours. Our article on parvovirus details this disease well, please have a read.

Parvovirus infection is something we consistently see in Dubbo, with severe outbreaks common as well. The virus can remain in the soil and environment for more than 5 years after contamination by an infected dog. Public parks and places where dogs congregate are common sources of this infection for dogs.

Hepatitis virus – a contagious form of liver disease, which is difficult to diagnose, and is probably seen more commonly than we realise, as a form of hepatitis (liver inflammation).

Distemper virus – a disease that affects the respiratory, nervous system and gastrointestinal system in dogs. It is less common in dogs now, but there are still cases being identified in foxes. It is the hope of the veterinary community that we will one day be able to eradicate distemper virus.

Canine cough (Kennel Cough) – a contagious cough that is not life threatening (other than to the very young, very old, and very sick) but is completely infuriating for the owners and the dogs that are unlucky enough to get it. Canine cough is caused either by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, or the canine parainfluenza virus, both of which are covered in the C5 vaccination.

Canine Coronavirus - A common cause of gastrointestinal illness in dogs. 

Leptospirosis - A bacterial disease transmitted through contact with contaminated water or urine from infected animals, potentially leading to kidney and liver failure. 

C5 vaccinations are a requirement for any dog undergoing training, staying in boarding kennels, or participating in dog shows.

Again, we recommend a C5 vaccination for ALL our canine patients, because this also includes the Canine Cough vaccine. This disease is airborne (like the flu!) so it is impossible to stop its spread. You may think your dog does not come into contact with any other animals, but it can be spread by other dogs barking through fences, a coughing or barking dog in our waiting room or when your pet is in hospital. We take all measures we can to prevent these things from happening within our doors (such as isolation of unvaccinated animals, disinfection of people and equipment between patients etc), but the most effective way to ensure it does not happen to you and your pet is through vaccination.

The C7 also includes the added protection against Leptospirosis and Canine Coronavirus.