Merial has introduced Recombitek Oral Bordetella, a vaccine that is delivered onto a dog’s inner cheek through a pipette.
The vaccine is effective against canine infectious tracheobronchitis caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, according to Merial, now part of Boehringer Ingelheim.
Administering the vaccine is simple, said Zach Mills, DVM, executive director of Boehringer Ingelheim’s U.S. Pet Vet Veterinary Professional Services.
“For many dogs, oral delivery may mean a less stressful experience without the unpleasant sneeze-backs of alternative vaccines delivered through the nose,” Dr. Mills said. “The packaging’s flip-top vial cap allows for easy opening by veterinary staff, and the safe, needle-free pipette simplifies the vaccination process while reducing risk of injury.”
B. bronchiseptica is one of the primary pathogens responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex, a potentially fatal condition, Merial stated.
“Because of the disease’s common name, kennel cough, people may think it’s a disease only kenneled animals can get,” said Canastota, New York, veterinarian Frank Capella, DVM, speaking on behalf of Merial. “But it causes a highly contagious disease spread through social contact. Many dogs are at risk. Vaccination by a veterinarian remains the first line of defense.”
The single-dose vaccine is indicated for use in dogs at least 8 weeks old.
Other vaccines in the Recombitek line include protection against Lyme disease, distemper, parvovirus and coronavirus.