Vaccinations

[GoldenGirl85]

I recently had Tess in at the vet to have her annual vaccination, she has always only had the C4 (old vet in NSW said that the C5 is only ever needed if they are going into boarding) so as this vet hasnt vaccinated Tess before I asked for a C4 when I booked her, this was on 28/9, Ive just taken a look at the vaccination certificate and Ive paid for a C5, and her certificate says she has recieved a C5, yet the sticker says C4, plus there is another sticker which says Protech BB, which Im guessing makes it a C5

What is the difference in the two other then kennel cough? Im pretty pissed to find that they gave her the C5 when I only wanted the C4, and Ill be going to see them about it, but I want to be fully informed before I go in there, also is there any reason why she would have been given the C5 other than ignorance?

[Kavik]

Normally vets either give C3 or C5. There are two components of kennel cough vaccine which make the difference between C3 and C5.

[GSD FAN]

A C4 covers only the viral component - Parainfluenza of kennel cough/canine cough, whereas the C% covers the bacterial component - Bordatella Bronchiseptica (BB) of Kennel cough/Canine Cough. So a C4 plus BB equals a C5. Vet clinics have their own policies on which vaccines they routinely give so maybe next time you book it you could tell them you only want a C4.

You need a C5 to board dogs, and should this happen either planned or in an emergency. Although I dont board my dog she is always given a C5 for my peace of mind and to protect me dog as I work with animals and would hate to bring something home to her.

The clinic I work at asks what the clients want and says you only need a C4 unless you board but in my opinion if you take your dog to a park or even out on a walk it has a chance to get kennel cough. Diseases can be brought home to the pets also on clothes, shoes etc. Its not a huge price difference for peace of mind

Hope this helps!

[GoldenGirl85]

Hmm, didnt even know there was a C3, what is the difference in the C3 then?

[stormie]

Your C3 covers Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo Virus (3 diseases). A C5 is the C3 plus two components of KC to make up 5 diseases, thus a C5.

The vet who previously ran our clinic mostly did C4's. We stopped that once we took over though, as we just didn't really see the point. In our view, you either want to vacc against KC or you don't, so didn't really see the point of only doing a 'half job' so to speak, especially when boarding kennels specify a full C5.

So most of our clients now just vacc for KC once a year, with the two strais, and give a C3 every 3 years. Those who don't board regularly just have their C3 every 3 years unless they specifically want it annually.

[koalathebear]

I always find the vaccination thing so confusing. Our dog club says dogs must be fully vaccinated (C3) but then the vet says that puppies need 3 sets of injections (C5) and they are not allowed to go to obedience class until 2 weeks after the third injection.

Some people say their dogs only need 2 sets of vaccinations, others say it's ok to take the dog around after the second vaccinations even if there are three sets of vaccinations.

Trying to strike a balance between socialisation and vaccination protection always seems very hard.

Edited October 10, 2010 by koalathebear

[GoldenGirl85]

Your C3 covers Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo Virus (3 diseases). A C5 is the C3 plus two components of KC to make up 5 diseases, thus a C5.

The vet who previously ran our clinic mostly did C4's. We stopped that once we took over though, as we just didn't really see the point. In our view, you either want to vacc against KC or you don't, so didn't really see the point of only doing a 'half job' so to speak, especially when boarding kennels specify a full C5.

So most of our clients now just vacc for KC once a year, with the two strais, and give a C3 every 3 years. Those who don't board regularly just have their C3 every 3 years unless they specifically want it annually.

Thanks Stormie that helps, I think Ill stick with a C3 for Lexi when she is up for her next one, does the cost vary much between the C3 and the C5?