Vaccination Education 101 .

Why so strict?

At Midtown, we take vaccinations very seriously. However, we don't expect our clients to be experts when it comes to things like Parvovirus or Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. In fact, we hope you never need to know more than the fact that we require certain vaccines prior to your pet's arrival at Midtown and that you will be asked on your first visit, and occasional subsequent visits, to submit standard verification.

That said, if you want to know more about the diseases covered by our required vaccines we are happy to explain them in simple terms. Our goal is to impress upon our clients the importance of these vaccines. Once you know more about contagious animal diseases and the seriousness of their implications, you will understand why we have such rigid policies in place to protect your pet(s).

Dogs and Cats

Rabies.

Rabies is the big one. It's required by City Ordinance. Therefore, it's required by Midtown. But that's just the simple explanation. Many people don't realize that the elimination of Rabies as a threat to the canine, feline, and human population in the United States is one of the major public health success stories in the last 50 years. Rabies is a very serious and deadly disease. It can kill animals and humans alike and unvaccinated canines serve as "the main reservoir" for the disease worldwide. If rabies treatment is not initiated before the onset of symptoms, death is imminent - including humans! The survival of a teenaged girl from Wisconsin received substantial attention as recent as October 2004. It was the first case of human survival of rabies in the absence of a preceding vaccination.⁴

Did you know, that if a person is bitten by an unvaccinated animal they may have to endure an lengthy process of injections over several months? Additionally, animal control may quarantine the animal (even your domesticated pet) for an extended period of time. Both are very expensive. Both are traumatic. Both are avoidable. Our clients' pets are not meant for quarantine and our staff don't deserve to suffer numerous injections in the stomach for Rabies.

Do we think your dog / cat has Rabies? No.

Do we require Rabies because of local laws? Yes.

Do we require it to protect your animal and our staff? Yes!

Do we make any exceptions? No. Never.

Dogs Only

Next Up... DHPP. This vaccine throws a wider net and covers multiple diseases.

D is for Distemper. Distemper is a contagious, incurable, and often fatal canine disease. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. While puppies and geriatric dogs are most suseptible, unvaccinated animals of any age can contract and suffer from this incurable disease. Did we mention that it's incurable? It's incurable. However, keep your pet's vaccinations current and your dog is footloose and Distemper-free! Food for thought: it has been shown that once the Distemper vaccine has been administered it starts protecting your pet the same day.

H is for Hepatitis. Infectious Canine Hepatitis is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the liver and other organs. It is spread among domestic dogs and wild dogs alike. A dog's liver performs the same vital functions that our liver provides for us including manufacturing blood proteins, storing energy as glycogen to be used as blood sugar, storing fat-soluble vitamins and iron, secreting bile for good digestion, and filtering harmful bacteria from the blood. Any disturbance of liver function is a serious matter and, therefore, current vaccination for Canine Hepatitis is also a serious matter.

P is for Parvovirus ("Parvo"). Canine Parvovirus (CPV) disease is currently the most common infectious disorder of dogs in the United States. Puppies are particularly suspectible to Parvo. That is the reason that Midtown is so strict about puppies having ALL rounds of vaccinations before they come in for their first visit. The Parvovirus vaccination is part of your pet's regular veterinary routine and, because it's so serious, we insist on confirming that your dog is current!

Bordetella (aka Kennel Cough)
Bordetella is the most prevalent canine respiratory infection in the United States and is highly contagious. The most common viral agent associated with Bordetella is the parainfluenza virus. Doggie flu. The virus effects the respiratory system and causes a unique dry, hacking cough and nasal discharge. While Bordetella is treatable, it's never fun to see a dog coughing and uncomfortable. So, please request this vaccination! Not all veterinarians offer it automatically.

We, at Midtown, don't like Bordetella's "street name", Kennel Cough. That name is misleading and suggests that it is contracted only in Kennels. While reputable kennels should certainly require this vaccine for all of their canine guests, it is also up to owners to protect their pets from this upper respiratory virus. We believe that if your dog leaves your front door step, your dog should have Bordetella. Your dog may not go to dog parks and may not have been rescued from a shelter, but the neighbor's dog may have and so has that dog you just passed on the side walk.

While the Bordetella vaccination cannot cover all strains (just like the human flu vaccination), why not protect your pup against the ones that are preventable ?!? Additionally, the Bordetella vaccination has been proven to lessen the severity of symptoms should your pet contract a strain that is not covered by the standard 5-way intranasal vaccine.

Let's Not Forget the Cats!

Like the dogs, all of our cat clients must be current on their Rabies vaccine.

In addition to Rabies, we require FVRCP for cats.

FVRCP.

The FVRCP vaccination protects your cat against three contagious diseases. Kittens receive four FVRCP injections starting at the age of six to eight weeks.

A booster shot is given annually.

FVR is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis.This is a severe upper respiratory infection that is most dangerous to young kittens and older cats. It can cause severe respiratory conditions and optical damage. It is highly contagious and a very serious disease. We don't take it lightly and we never make exceptions to this vaccine.

C is for Calcivirus. There are several different strains of Calcivirus, causing a range of illness from mild infection to life-threatening pneumonia. The more dangerous strains can be deadly to young kittens and older cats.

P is for Panleukopenia, also known as Feline Distemper. Feline Distemper is a highly contagious disease that moves very quickly through the system. As many as ninety percent of young kittens (under six months old) with panleukopenia do not survive the virus. The disease is most severe in young kittens but can affect cats of all ages.

FVRCP is a vital vaccine and we consider it mandatory for all cats visiting our facility! No ifs, ands, or buts about it! It's all in the name of protecting the cats!

Summary

So, there you have it. Vaccinations, and the diseases they cover, are scary. However, with cooperation between our staff, clients, and veterinarians we can prevent the risks associated with these disease. We do not make exceptions to our vaccination requirements so that you can rest assured that all of the other pets at our facility have met the same standards. Consider this: The veterinary clinic is the place pets go to be treated for these communicable diseases. However, your animal emerges from the pet hospital disease free. Why? Your pet is vaccinated!

It is our goal to ensure that all pets are healthy and happy at our facility. We require vaccines and disinfect our facility daily.

We appreciate the diligent efforts of all pet parents to keep their pets up-to-date on vaccines despite the fact that they can be confusing and inconvenient.

Our policies are truly in place to protect the animals!

Be proactive and save time!!! Call your vet and have them fax your pets' current vaccination records to us:

f. 512 - 477 - 8078

Don't forget! Bordetella is a "special request" vaccine at many veterinary facilities. Ask for the "kennel cough" vaccine on your pets' next visit to your vet.

Other Vaccines to Consider for your Pet

We don't require them but they might be right for your pets.

Leptospirosis is recommended for pets that may be heading out to the ranch on the weekend. It is found in rural areas around livestock and still water tanks. Leptospirosis is a disease of worldwide significance that infects both animals and humans. The disease is mostly a problem in dogs, people, and livestock. There are vaccines available, but usually only for one or two of the most common strains. Unfortunately, vaccination against one strain does not protect against the other strains.

Feline Leukemia is a very serious disease. Outdoor cats are at high risk while indoor cats are generally safe from this disease. It is transmitted through cat bites and scratches. If your cat is an outdoor cat, consider Feline Leukemia. It may be a life saver!

Rattle Snake Vaccine. If you just moved to Texas from California or New York you may not have considered this one, but it is gaining popularity. If you like to hike or camp with your furry family members, or you live in an area where Rattle Snakes may be found, consider the vaccine. Rattle Snake bites can be deadly for dogs and the vaccine may buy them life saving time when being rushed to the vet.