| Canine Vaccinations |
| There are three major vaccines which dogs receive during the year. State law in Alabama requires that every canine be vaccinated annually against rabies. Raccoons, foxes, and bats are the most common carriers of the virus in the state. Even in the most urbanized areas of Alabama, encounters between pets and these wild animals are not unheard of. Periodically during the year, the unfortunate responsibility of housing people's pets for ten days to two weeks for "rabies isolation" falls to us. The Health Department requires that we kennel pets which have bitten human beings. The animals are observed for signs of rabies. Pets owners who cannot produce proof (in the form of a rabies certificate from a licensed veterinarian) of their pet's innoculation may lose their beloved animal. The only way to definitely test for presence of the rabies virus is to euthanize an animal and perform a biopsy of the brain. In order to avoid experiencing this trauma, we strongly urge that pets be kept up-to-date on vaccines, particularly rabies. Also, a properly trained dog with an understanding of basic commands is far less likely to bite people. The doctors and staff of Indian Hills can offer you advice and information on how to best train your pet. |
| What is the DHLPP injection? |
| DHLPP stands for distemper, hepatitis, leptospira, parainfluenza and parvo. Often included with the DHLPP is a coronavirus injection. (Links to more detailed information regarding each of these viruses are below.) Indian Hills and most other boarding facillities require that canines be up-to-date on the DHLPP-Corona shot in order to prevent the potential spread of a disease to a boarding population. Although hepatitis and leptospira outbreaks are rare, continued innoculation of the pet population is necessary to keep these viruses in check. Parvo and distempter are less rare, however, as puppies, with their immature immune systems, are more likely to manifest symptoms of these infections than adult dogs. Anyone who has ever adopted a puppy only to find a few days later that their new pet is listless, has severe diarrhea and won't eat will tell you: vaccinate your pet! There is no known cure for a parvovirus infection. The best veterinarians can do is to maintain a pet's hydration with fluids until the its own immune system can overcome the virus. |
| My dog is allergic to certain components of the DHLPP shot. What should I do? |
| Certain breeds of dogs, Chinese pugs,for example, tend to be more susceptible to allergic reactions to some components of the DHLPP-Corona innoculation. In these cases we can often give an injection which leaves out the offending component. Your pet will not be resistant to possible infection by, say, leptospira (or whichever killed viurus was left out of the combination). However, vaccinating your pet for the other, non-allergy-producing viruses is highly recommended. In most cases the allergic reaction experienced by a pet to a vaccine is not life threatening. Hives and heavy breathing are common symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you have recently had your pet vaccinated (in the last twenty-four hours) and notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Indian Hills Animal Clinic has a veterinarian and an assistant/technician on call 24 hours a day for our clients. After hours calls are directed by an answering service through to us. Just call 345-1231 and someone will contact you about your emergency. |
| Hepatitis |
| Canine Bordetella |
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