Immunization schedule as recommended by CSU veterinary
school:
- Three injection series for puppies of parvovirus, adenovirus
2, parainfluenza and distemper given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks.
- Following the initial puppy shots, a booster should
be given one year later, then every three years thereafter.
- If Bordatella immunization is desired or required, the
vaccine should be administered at least 72 hours prior
to possible exposure and be repeated every 2-4 months as
needed.
- Rabies vaccination times are determined by individual
state laws.
Basic health
- For inoculations, please see the above immunization
schedule.
- Internal parasites: Puppies should be wormed at 4, 7
and 10 weeks with a general wormer. If you buy your puppy
before all three rounds are completed, don't be surprised
if, upon stool analysis by your vet, your puppy still has
worms. Despite the fact that a dam (mother) can test completely
clear of internal parasites, all puppies seem to be born
with worms. Just how is not clearly understood. Therefore,
it's a rather routine, if unpleasant, fact of life that
all puppies must be wormed. Protozoan parasites (such as
giardia or coccidia) seem to be more of a problem in some
areas of the country than others. Talk to your vet if you
are concerned.
- Most breeders give buyers 48-72 hours to take their
new family member to the vet for a well-health checkup.
This insures to the buyer a healthy pup up front and to
the seller a time period after which they can't be responsible
for contagious diseases from which the buyer may not have
provided adequate protection. Your vet should note vaccinations
given and put your pup on a schedule to receive any it
may not be old enough to receive. Your vet should also
run a check for internal parasites, plus do a basic exam
that should pick up any problems, from ear mites to heart
problems to impacted anal glands (your pup should have
none of these conditions!).
- If your vet is unacquainted with the Sheltie, please
make them aware of the following:
Genetic diseases of the Sheltie for which there are tests:
Hip dysplasia
Eye diseases - Sheltie Eye Syndrome, PRA, etc.
VWD (Von Willebrands disease)
Thyroid problems
Inherited diseases or diseases which are possibly inherited
in the Sheltie:
Epilepsy
PDA (and other heart diseases)
Dermatomyositis - skin disease
