Hi,
Im new to the forum and I have been reading lots of posts this weekend to try and find out more about Canine Herpes......my question really is, my bitch is due pups in approximately 7 days time, would it be too late for her to have a vaccination (if my vet can do it) for the Herpes virus.  2 weeks after mating she had a blister type spot appear on her vulva, it went away and caused her no discomfort, I didnt give it a thought at the time that it could be connected to the herpes virus until i read a post on here...... I have had her scanned and she is carrying just one pup, her previous litter was 7......Im probably worrying about nothing, but I now realise the virus is easy to catch and I do show my dogs as well.....I wish now I had thought and had her vaccinated before mating, something I will do in future with any bitch....any advice would be much appreciated.

Its too late to vaccinate im afraid.

> ..I wish now I had thought and had her vaccinated before mating, something I will do in future with any bitch....

Next time you mate her the CHV vaccination is given AFTER mating and then again 7-10 days before due date, not before mating.

Hi and thanks for the replies.....I know it needs to be done at the start but I was just hopeful that i might get away with a vaccination now to give her a little immunity.....just thought something might be better than nothing.....this is her 2nd litter so wont mate her again, but will do the course for my other bitch when I mate her......I will keep my fingers crossed that all goes well with the pup when its born......thanks again for the helpful replies.....

The Merial webite states -

Dosage and administration

Two 1-ml doses of vaccine, administered by subcutaneous route, according to the following schedule:

First injection: From heat to 7 - 10 days after the presumed date of mating.

Second injection: 1 to 2 weeks before the expected date of whelping.

Revaccination: during each pregnancy, according to the same schedule.

> First injection: From heat to 7 - 10 days after the presumed date of mating.

We've been using the CHV vaccination for a good few years now, right at the very first time we asked our Vet about using it he advised to give  the first a few days after mating.  Why give it during heat and perhaps not get a mating?

I dont think i was clear in my post.....I meant......I know its given early in pregnancy, not before mating.....I understand its too late to vaccinate this time, but just one other question......is the risk of the virus being transmitted to the pups greater if they have a normal birth......my bitch will most likely have to have a c section, (due to being 1 pup) so wondered if that will reduce the risk at all as it wont travel through the birth canal......

I believe that a C-section will eliminate one area of exposure, but that the puppy will still be vulnerable via other secretions from the dam (nasal and saliva etc). A few "net" articles I've read say a single late vaccination may offer some degree of protection and this might be bourne out by the fact fading puppies can be transfused with a blood serum from a recently vaccinated dog.

Also the virus cannot replicate in high temps, so if the puppies are kept very warm (adult body temp) it can help them fight off the effects. But there may have been permanent damage done in vitro.

Has your vet any experience - many don't! Or you could contact Merial, the manufacturers for advice.

I dont even know if she has the virus, she might be fine I was just being cautious, as she had a spot on her vulva 2 weeks after her mating......I am just going to have to hope that all goes well as my vet has said she cant have the vaccination now, I will make sure the pup is kept nice and warm, heat lamp is at the ready.....my vet is very good, so if I do run into any problems with anything they usually go over and above to help.

Many thanks to you all for your helpful comments......if i do run into trouble I will no doubt come back and ask for more advice.....