Many of us wonder if our dogs have gotten too many vaccines over the years. Some vaccines are now given every third year. Most of us trust our vets to make the right decisions, but to inform us as pet owners before we give consent.
The core vaccines recommended for all dogs are rabies (required by law), interne, adenovirus and parvovirus. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) came out with new guidelines for vaccine schedules in 2003, and revised them in 2006 after many opinions from experts in immunology, infectious diseases, internal medicine and clinical practice. After receiving many complaints from dog owners and vets that some of their canine clients developed serious problems after being vaccinated, the AAHA proposed a revised vaccine schedule.
Found in 2003, the AAHA Guidelines on rabies vaccine concluded, “All efforts to change laws that require vaccination more often than every three years after the annual vaccine has not been shown to increase efficacy and is known to include adverse events.
As of 2006 when the AAHA came out with new information, two states – Arkansas and Louisiana – were still using the old systems to provide annual rabies vaccines. Vets have reported an incidence of hypothyroidism in dogs developing in dogs receiving the annual rabies vaccine. If you have an old person adhering to an old recommendation, you can give informed consent or ask for a 3 year old one. vaccine
Dr. Bob Rogers, D.V.M., owner of Critter Fixer Pet Hospital, Inc. in Spring, Texas has a lot of interest in vaccine guidelines because of their concerns and clientele. He says that he has been practicing his schedule for 7 years, with over 30,000 outbreaks of care without vaccines (we have diseases for which animals are vaccinated). It tries to warn the public and other prohibitions of the latest AAHA guidelines to avoid over-vaccination. His comments and interpretations of technical data are presented along with technical information from the AAHA.
Bacterial leptospirosis kidney infection. Dogs can contract this disease if they go into water contaminated with wildlife urine. However, you should know whether your dog needs this protection. Hunting dogs, swimming pools, lake retrievers, and other such dogs need protection, but this is not to stop. -home cares that never go near water or those who use a chlorinated pool for swimming.
Some dogs receive the Bordetella vaccine to prevent kennel cough, but there is some debate about its effectiveness. Dr. Rogers thinks it is more effective nasal – works in 72 hours to 2 weeks injected. The vaccine, he says, is not “the correct serovar (a group of microorganisms distinguished by a surface antigen) to which dogs are exposed.” Some states are upgrading their injectable serums to be more effective. It recommends intranasal administration 3-4 days before expected exposure such as boarding, grooming and dog shows.
The AAHA guidelines for puppies have been changed since the 2003 guidelines because they learned that puppies are not protected when they have received their last dose of parvovirus and are in the disease by 12 weeks of age. Puppies less than 14-16 weeks old seem to transmit “maternally derived antibodies”, which can prevent a protective immune response from developing if the vaccine is given earlier.
Dr. Rogers notes: “At 6 weeks of age only 30% of puppies are kept, but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic.”
The 2006 AAHA vaccination guidelines for general veterinary practice have been revised as follows:
Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) (Modified Live Virus), Canine Lethargy (CDV) (MLV) and Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) Parenteral (MLV) all puppies should receive a minimum of 3 cups between 6-16 weeks with intervals of 3-4 weeks (such as 6, 10, 14 weeks or 8, 12, 16 weeks). The last dose should not be given sooner than 14-16 weeks. (Paterale means “way of administration.”
Note: AAHA does not recommend CAV-1 or (MLV and killed) nor CAV-2 – killed or MLV topical.
initial adult vaccine for dogs born at 16 weeks: 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart. A single dose is considered safe and acceptable.
Boosters: After the initial series, all puppies must receive a 1-year booster; then revacc is recommended every 3 years. Note, although some manufacturers recommend annual boosters, studies have shown that dogs are protected against challenge up to 7 years post-vacc with the MLV vaccine. “Challenge” means that “test” dogs are injected with the virus to test the effectiveness of immunity.
Killed Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) vaccines are not recommended at all.
rabies 1-year (killed): Puppies less than 16 weeks of age can receive 1 dose as early as 3 months. of his age (But many vets recommend waiting until 16 weeks.) Then receive another dose at one year of age, and then tri-annually if your state allows. All states have laws that require rabies vaccines, but vets are trying to challenge the need for repeated vaccines. Dr. Rogers says, “After the second rabies vaccine, subsequent vaccines have no effect. The vaccine is blocked by antibodies to the previous vaccine.”
3-year rabies (killed): If I start with a 3-year dose, the dog can receive another one one year after the initial dose, regardless of the office visit on 8-20-10, said he prefers some owners. have a blood test done, which is then sent to a lab at Cornell University, for the results of a comparison of immunity levels.
Dr. Smith said laboratories differ in the levels of protection needed to avoid vaccines, but (all three vets’ offices) feel Cornell U. results are reliable for their clients who decide for or against vaccines that are done in the lab. .
One negative for many owners is that lab tests cost more than vaccinations and require a second trip if the owner opts for an injection.
Finally, you need to go with your conscience or have great confidence in the vet.
Sources:
“2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines WRITING.” 28 pp. pdf file. http://www.aahanet.org/resources/guidelines.aspx. Chair Person: Michael A. Paulus, DVM; Leland E. Carmichael, DVM, Ph.D.; Henry Childers, DVM, et al. Retrieved 8-21-10.
http://www.newvaccinationprotocols.com/K9 Recommendations.htm. Slide show update updated 5-5-06 by Dr. Bob Rogers, vet and owner of Critter Fixer Pet Hospital, TX, is covering the story behind today’s vet consensus regarding vaccine features. Retrieved 8-23-10.
“Canine Vaccination Guidelines.” Bob Rogers, DVM. Mr. Critter Fixer Pet Hospital, Inc. Spring, TX. http://www.critteradvocacy.org./Canine Vaccination Guidelines.htm. Retrieved 8-19-10.
Interview: Dr. Daniel M. Smith, DVM, practicing for 11 years, Albert Animal Hospital, Albert, PA, 18011. 8-20-10.
