This month I am unashamedly going to preach the benefits of vaccination again. I think with all the discussion regarding vaccinations currently in the press, let alone social media, it is worth remembering what we are actually trying to achieve with a vaccination. We are trying to prevent a number of fatal diseases becoming commonplace amongst out pets once more, and so, pet vaccinations are hugely important.

Yes, any medicine can have side effects but genuine vaccine reactions are very rare and when they occur, often mild. The benefits are however, life saving and there are few things that serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination than witnessing pets suffering from the diseases vaccinations could and would have prevented.

Last year we treated a dog in liver failure, the diagnosis of Leptospirosis was made promptly but despite treatment, the dog passed away. Very recently a litter of puppies were presented to the surgery with acute and severe gastroenteritis, they were again quickly diagnosed with Parvovirus but despite intensive, round the clock care, half the litter was lost.

These cases are thankfully now rare with these diseases at low levels in the South West due to a high percentage of vaccinated pets and a fairly sparse population.

A quick reminder of the core vaccinations we recommend are as follows; Cats are vaccinated against Flu (Herpes and Calici Virus), a common cause of respiratory, eye and oral disease. Feline Enteritis which is closely related to Canine Parvovirus causing vomiting and diarrhoea and lastly Feline Leukaemia Virus, which can simply be considered a viral form of Cancer.

Dogs are routinely vaccinated against Distemper a viral infection of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological systems. Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. Parvovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea with a 50% mortality rate and finally Leptospirosis; also known as Weil’s disease, spread by rodents and frequently leading to kidney and liver failure.

I suppose as Vets it’s not only very frustrating but also very sad to lose pets to diseases that could have been prevented, which is why pet vaccinations are important. I accept there are people who do not agree with blanket vaccination and I am always open to this discussion. However, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks and do I vaccinate my own pets? Yes, I absolutely do.

And lastly a date for your diaries. We are having an open day at Our Yeovil Surgery, Preston Road on Sunday the 19^th November. Come and have a look behind the scenes and let the staff take you through a day in the life of your pet at the vets.