Your dogs and cats are required by law to have an up to date Rabies vaccine, here at Woodbine Animal Clinic we use a vaccine, which gives protection for 3 years. Rabies causes an acute infectious encephalitis, which is characterized by altered behavior, progressive paralysis and in most species, death. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of the infected animal and is usually transmitted by a bite. Rabies most commonly affects the dog, cat, fox, skunk, bat and raccoon; all are animals that are found in various parts of our city.

Distemper: Transmitted by direct or indirect contact, first appears as a severe cold, with fever and loss of appetite. Treatment is possible, but death can occur in an unvaccinated animal.

Hepatitis: Generally affects the liver, kidneys and occasionally the eyes. Transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal. Symptoms include anorexia, intermittent vomiting and abdominal pain.

Para influenza: A highly contagious respiratory disease, often mistaken for kennel cough. Symptoms include a dry, unproductive cough, nasal discharge, laboured breathing, lethargy, which can lead to fever and pneumonia.

Parvovirus: Highly contagious; situations of over-crowding, poor nutrition and poor sanitation can make this disease worse. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting lethargy and fever. Death can occur with or without treatment.

Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease which can be passed from pet to human, mostly through contact with an infected animal’s urine. This bacteria affects the liver and kidneys, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, increased drinking and urination.  Leptospirosis is commonly found in skunks and raccoons.  With the density of the raccoon population in Toronto there is greater risk to you and your pet.  While this vaccine is not mandated, we do highly recommend it.

Transmission of the disease is mainly aerosol, but can also be through direct contact. This can occur in boarding facilities, dog parks and grooming salons or anywhere that there may be several dogs at any time. Bordetella can produce a harsh, unproductive cough, and can sometimes lead to fever and pneumonia. Vaccines can either be given under the skin or directly into the nose. It is recommended that any dog that spends time with other dogs (in puppy class, doggie daycare, at the park) receive this vaccine every six months. To best protect your dog, it is recommended that this vaccine be given at 12 weeks of age.

Is a growing concern in Ontario. This is a bacterial disease that is transmitted by ticks and can occur in both dogs and humans. Signs that you may see in your dog are; decreased appetite, shifting or general lameness and high fever. Treatment is with antibiotics, however your dog can go a very long time with this disease before diagnosis. The vaccine and a topical tick repellent are your best options for prevention.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (feline Herpes): This disease is transmitted by direct contact and inhalation of the virus. Symptoms include frequent sneezing, lethargy and conjunctivitis. This virus flourishes in times of high stress and can be re-occurring. Treatment is supportive care.
Calicivirus (feline Influenza) is transmitted by direct contact and inhalation. Causes mild to serious respiratory illness: early signs include runny eyes and nose, sneezing, depression and poor appetite. Ulcers may develop in the mouth and most infected cat’s drool heavily. Treatment is supportive care.
Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is highly contagious. It can be contracted directly or indirectly and is also transmitted in utero. Symptoms include yellowish, semi-formed feces, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting. Treatment is supportive care. Death can occur suddenly in kittens, young cats can die within 24-36 hours.

Feline Leukemia: a contagious viral disease of cats. This virus will depress the immune system in infected cats. Symptoms exhibited are usually the result of secondary infections, which have occurred because of the weakened immune system. Because symptoms can be so varied, feline leukemia must be considered as a potential cause of disease for cats with any type of symptoms, especially for those that have potentially been exposed to another cat with FeLV. Outdoors cats, or cats that are allowed contact with an outdoor or feral cat are at high risk. The virus may be isolated from saliva, tears, urine or milk. For this reason, we will often recommend testing for kittens born as strays.  Cats who test positive for Feline Leukemia but are not showing symptoms of disease are considered to be potential carriers of the disease. Cats who are infected and showing symptoms expect a shortened lifespan as symptoms of the virus become progressively more severe.