We strongly recommend that all dogs, cats and rabbits receive appropriate vaccinations to reduce the risk of certain life-threatening diseases. Vaccination against various other diseases is also available. The list of vaccinations below is split into core vaccines, which we believe are beneficial to most animals, and additional vaccines which are available for special circumstances.
Core Vaccines
- Dogs - Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis - these are serious life threatening diseases, which are still widely prevalent in some urban areas in Scotland, and we see occasionally in Fife. Vaccination can now be started from 8 weeks, and completed at 10 weeks. Puppies should be kept in for about a week after the end of their vaccine course before being allowed freely into public areas. Annual booster vaccination is required for some of these diseases, while others are boosted every other year.
- Cats - Cat Flu, Feline Panleucopaenia (like parvo-virus for cats) and Feline Leukaemia Virus - seen more commonly in Fife than the diseases we vaccinate for in dogs, and again nasty diseases especially in very young or very old animals. Initial vaccines usually given at 9 and 12 weeks, followed by annual booster vaccinations to maintain immunity.
- Rabbits - Myxomatosis and VHD. Myxomatosis is a very common disease in wild rabbits, and with a very high mortality rate (almost 100%). A single vaccination gives protection from 6 weeks of age, but booster vaccinations are recommended every 6 months. Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) is a relatively new disease in the UK, whose main symptom is sudden death! We are now aware of cases in the East of Scotland, so are recommending this vaccine to all our rabbit owners. A single vaccination is required annually, but not within 2 weeks of a Myxomatosis vaccine. Transmission of both diseases is by biting insects including fleas and midges, so direct contact with infected rabbits is not required.
Additional Vaccines
- Dogs - Kennel Cough (Infectious Bronchitis) - this is generally a nuisance disease rather than life-threatening, but has been increasing in incidence in the last few years in Fife. It has been traditionally associated with boarding kennels, but we have seen more cases picked up without the dog having been in kennels. A single vaccine now gives a full years protection within a few days of being given. If going into boarding kennels please check with the kennel what their requirements are as these vary between establishments.
- Cats - Chlamydia - this is an upper respiratory and eye infection, seen mostly in breeding colonies of pedigree cats.
- Cats - Bordatella - the feline equivalent of kennel cough, but not as common and not widely used.
- Dogs and Cats - Rabies - generally given associated with the Pet Travel Scheme (see section on Pet Passports). A single vaccine will give protection, but two doses usually given for the Pet Travel scheme to give a better chance of passing the blood test. Most animals need a booster every 3 years with the vaccine we currently use.
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