Kennel Cough vacc, is it necessary?

[Ren81]

Hi,
I had been recommended by Louis' breeder not to immunise him against kennel cough as it goes up the nose or something? and it's not so good/comfortable for 'pug' faced dogs... (don't quote me on the 'up the nose' thing, I may have misheard this...)

I didn't think not immunising him would be so bad as he would never be staying in a kennel but when I go to the vet he tells me it is bad not to do it and that he doesn't believe the breeder would have told me that.

I am since unhappy with this particular vet and am in the process of finding a new one but am still concerned now, should I be immunising him against kennel cough anyway?

[Bosley Slave]

The breeder warned me against the nasal Bordetella also. I got Bosley the injectable. Usually unless I am boarding or having them in close contact with alot of dogs I skip it and get it when I need it. BTY, Bosley did great with the injectable.

[doglady]

I never knew there was a shot insteasd of having it shot up the nose. I never knew about Kennel cough until I started showing my dogs. I have it done because some venues will not let you show unless you have proof that they have had it.

Borrowed:

Kennel Cough
Q: Can you tell me a bit about kennel cough. Is it a virus or bacterial infection etc.?
A: Kennel cough is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bordetella bronchiseptica. While it is hard to be certain in veterinary medicine when discussing statistics, it is estimated that 80 to 90% of the cases of kennel cough are due to this organism. The other 10 to 20% of cases are caused by a variety of other infectious agents, most of them viral. Kennel cough has been associated with parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and canine distemper virus as well as the Bordetella bacteria.
The incubation period from the time a dog is exposed until clinical signs appear varies depending on which infectious agent is the cause. In general it appears to be about 3 to 5 days with Bordetella. The infection tends to be mild except for a very harsh cough that often prompts owners to think that their dog "has something caught in his throat". In some dogs it can lead to pneumonia or more serious signs. Cough suppressants can be used to control the cough and antibiotics may be necessary for stubborn infections or to try to stop the spread of the bacteria in multiple dog households. It is probably a good idea to vaccinate dogs who will be exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at shows, obedience classes or the classic cause -- when left in kennels. The intranasal vaccine is pretty fast acting, providing some protection in as little as 5 days. The injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity, though. Some vets use both to get maximum protection. We don't use either one routinely but give the intranasal vaccine to our patients who will be exposed to groups of dogs. Mike Richards, DVM

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I, too, only give it when they will be boarding. Most boarding places require it. But, if I'm not boarding, then no vaccine.

[Moo]

There are both an intravenous and an intranasal vaccine available for this.

I would never have my Kirby at a dog park, class, or trial without it. Obedience (and agility) classes around here require it, as does my work for daycare/boarding. Some grooming facilities also require it. Having kennel cough is no fun!

Kirby used to actually enjoy the intranasal bordatella vaccine, but this year he couldn't handle it. The vet said that a lot of the time puppies find it fun, and when they get older, they forget how to take it in. Intravenous is just as easy, and Kirby doesn't even feel the jabs.

[Trace]

I only use it if I know that I am going to board. I have done the nasal one several times myself.

[mara]

Interesting that it is intravenous. Do you know, Moo, why IV and not IM?
How quickly do they inject it into the vein?

[foxylady]

me mates schnauzer reacted badly to the nose drops and was very ill.

[WestieLove]

Moo- I think you mean injectable (subcutaneous) and intranasal- vaccines are not given intravenous.

I vaccinate my dogs with the intranasal bordetella vaccine and have never had a problem. Better to be safe than sorry. It is much easier to prevent kennel cough than it is to treat it.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...&S=0&C=0&A=600


Vaccination Options
There are basically two options for Kennel cough vaccination: injectable and intranasal.

Injectable is a good choice for aggressive dogs, who may bite if their muzzle is approached. It provides good systemic immunity as long as two doses are given after age 4 months (with an annual booster). Injectable vaccination may only lead to less severe infection and not complete prevention.
Intranasal vaccination may be given as early as 2 weeks of age and immunity generally lasts 10 to 12 months. (Usually this vaccine is boosted annually.) The advantage here is that the local immunity is stimulated, right at the site where the natural infection would be trying to take hold.
It takes 4 days to generate a solid immune response after intranasal vaccination so it is best if vaccination is given at least 4 days prior to the exposure. Some dogs will have some sneezing or nasal discharge in the week following intranasal vaccination. As a general rule, nasal vaccination provides faster immunity than injectable vaccination. Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper, all members of the Kennel Cough complex, are all covered by the standard DHLPP vaccine, the basic vaccine for dogs. Adenovirus Type 2 serum also immunizes against Adenovirus Type 1, the agent of infectious canine hepatitis.

[doglady]

TWO TYPES OF VACCINES. (And safe for puppies as well as pregnant bitches!)

1. There is the painlessly applied nasal vaccine which builds protection at the site of potential infection, starting within 48 hours. The "nose drop" vaccine is the one that we recommend for your dog. (Even though it is "painless" some dogs are resentful and will struggle.)
2. And, there is the injection by needle that works through the dog's lymph immune system. the needle injection vaccine requires two injections 3 to 4 weeks apart in order to build long-term protection against CC. Since some people don't go back for the booster 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccine, we do NOT recommend the injectable vaccine. Check with your veterinarian for his/her recommendations.

http://www.kennelcomfort.com/bordetella_shot.htm