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" Vaccination Dilemma?"
Many long term breeders have long had
reservations regarding over vaccination of their dogs and we personally have
never had our dogs boosted annually as we were of the opinion that it could do
more harm than good. Having seen one of our pups go into anaphylactic shock
immediately after having it's second initial vaccination made us very sceptical. This pup survived but
it made us aware of the reaction some dogs have when their immune system is
under attack. As lay people we did not have the expertise to properly address
our concerns but we believe this article below puts a clinicians perspective on
the subject.
E.Nicol (
Jacraila
Rottweilers )
Dr. Jean Dodds protocol is now being
adopted by ALL 27 North American veterinary schools. I highly recommend that you
read this
Vaccination
"NEWSFLASH"
I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America
are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.
Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets,
and there will be sceptics.
Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting
vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those
concerned about potential side effects.
Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well being should not be a factor
in medical decision.
"NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY"
"Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus
vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good
for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If
another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine
neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and
there is little or no effect.
The titer is not “boosted” nor is more memory cells induced." Not only are
annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to
potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.
"There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual
administration of MLV vaccines." Puppies
receive antibodies through their mother’s milk. This natural protection can last
8-14 weeks.
Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal
immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be
produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first
highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than
stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8
weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given
sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime
immunity.
CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS
Distemper & Parvo
"According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2,
3 & 4 months and again at 1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program memory
cells that survive for life providing lifelong immunity."
Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and Dr.
Schultz have studies showing immunity against challenge at 2-10 years for canine
distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer duration are pending.
"There are no new strains of parvovirus as one mfg. would like to suggest.
Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for all types." Hepatitis
(Adenovirus)
is one of the agents known to be a cause of kennel cough. Only vaccines
withCAV-2 should be used as CAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of "hepatitis
blue-eye" reactions & kidneydamage.
Bordetella Para influenza:
Commonly called "Kennel cough" Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed,
taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The
intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with
less chance of reaction.
Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel
cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).
PART 2
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