Dictionary

kennel cough: A contagious upper respiratory disease spread that affects dogs.

killed virus vaccine: A vaccine made from dead viruses that stimulate the immune system without causing infection.

maternal immunity: Temporary immunity from some diseases passed from a mother to her puppies or kittens before birth and through mother's milk.

measles: Caused by the Morbillivirus, the measles is a contagious virus that causes fever, rashes, congestion and fatigue. Although it tends to affect children, a vaccination to prevent the measles is part of the common vaccination schedule for children.

meningitis: A bacterial or viral disease that infects the lining of the brain and the membranes of the spinal cord, causing inflammation, fever, fatigue, disorientation and, if left untreated, death.

MMR vaccine: A vaccine administered to infants at age one that immunizes children for measles, mumps and rubella.

modified live vaccines: A vaccine containing live viruses which have been modified so they do not spread disease.

monovalent vaccine: A vaccine that provides immunity to only one type of disease.

mumps: Caused by the paramyxovirus, the mumps is a highly contagious virus that may be airborne or that can be spread through contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include inflammation of the salivary glands, fever, earaches and abdominal pain. Although mumps tends to affect children less than 15 years old, vaccinations are available to prevent infection from this virus.