Parvo in dogs can be prevented with the help of a multivalent vaccine called Duramune. As this medication combines multiple vaccines, it represents both a convenient and inexpensive way of protecting your dog from numerous diseases. Duramune does not only help reduce clinical signs of canine parvo, but it also prevents mortality.
Composition of Duramune
This vaccine comes in two vials, one containing a freeze-dried fraction and another one containing a liquid diluent fraction. The former includes live attenuated strains of the following viruses:
- Canine adenovirus, type 2, strain V197
- Canine distemper virus, strain Onderstepoort
- Canine parainfluenza virus, strain FDL
- Canine parvovirus, strain SAH
- Inactivated suspension of Canine coronavirus, strain TN449
Besides these virus strains, Duramune also includes Leptospira canicola outer membrane coat protein and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae outer membrane coat protein. Infectious canine hepatitis and Leptospira can also be prevented with the help of this vaccine.
Dosage and Administration
The vaccine needs to be reconstituted by mixing the freeze-dried fraction and the liquid fraction. Make sure that this process is done in such manner that the freeze-dried fraction does not make contact with any germs. The mix is administered as a subcutaneous injection when the pup is 6 to 8 weeks old. A second dose needs to be administered after 2 to 4 weeks.
In order to ensure a prolonged protection against the canine parvo virus, a one-year booster vaccination is highly recommended. Future vaccinations are not necessary for another 2 to 3 years, unless the dog lives in a high risk environment. The main downside of Duramune is that it needs to be administered for the entire lifespan of your dog. This is because the vaccine cannot create permanent immunity.
Contraindications and Warnings for Duramune
Pregnant or lactating dogs should not be vaccinated with Duramune. Some small injection site reactions may be observed in about 80 percent of the cases, but these disappear on their own and require no additional treatment. The swelling after the first vaccination measures less than 2 cm and usually disappears after two days. After the second vaccination, the swelling may measure up to 5 cm, and it may persist for up to 5 days.
It is essential to avoid contamination while administering the vaccine. The syringe and the needle need to be sterilized, but not chemically. Also, make sure that the syringe and the needle are not above ambient temperature. In case the pup develops an allergic reaction, the veterinarian will administer a soluble glucocorticoid intravenously.
In some dogs, the vaccine may not have the expected effect. In other words, there are several factors that many influence the effectiveness of the vaccine. Such a lack of immune response may be related to:
- Age
- Genetic factors
- Interactions with other drugs
- Nutritional status
- Stress
Also, the effectiveness of the vaccine is altered if the pup suffers from any other disease at the time of vaccination. In order to prevent this, you have to make sure that the pup is healthy. Besides a possible lowered efficiency, there are no documented side effects if Duramune is administered at the same time with other vaccines. However, it is recommended not to use Duramune with other immunological products.