To vaccinate or not

[Michael Romanos]

I know that when I get my next Pembroke Corgi, I'll be following a new vaccination regime.

A large group of United Kingdom vets have added their weight behind a USA-led campaign to stop the annual vaccination of dogs.

According to research in recent years, many of the yearly vaccinations are unnecessary and that protection can be lifelong and that the procedures of annual vaccinations carries risks.

Evidence shows the duration for vaccines associated with leptospirosis, rabies, distemper, parvovirus, various flu strains etc are a minimum of seven years. Further evidence shows that the immune system of dogs mature fully at six months and any modified live virus vaccine given after that age produces immunity that is good for the life of the dog.

If another similar vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralise the antigens so that there is little or no effect ie the dog is not boosted nor any more memory cells induced.

No only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the dog to potential risks of allergic reactions and other problems.

Puppies have natural protection through their mothers milk lasting for 8 to 14 weeks.

Puppies should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks. Vaccinations at six weeks will delay the the timing of the first effective vaccine. Vaccines given two weeks apart suppress rather that stimulate the immune system.

Here are new guidelines: A series of vaccinations starting from eight weeks of age or later and given three to four weeks apart, up until 16 weeks. One further booster given after six months of age - and this will provide life-long immunity.

There is currently a variation of the above, according to American canine health specialist, Dr Jean Dodds.

Dodds says that Lyme disease vaccine is not needed for every dog because the disease is confined to a few geographical areas. She says a new vaccination protocol for dogs has been recommended. This includes giving a puppy a vaccine series followed by a booster at one year of age, administering further boosters as a combined vaccine once every three years until the dog is of a senior age (according to the dog's breed) to not require further boosters.

[glencorgi]

These are the protocols I've made numerous references and posted links to several times. Glad to see you on board.

Debbie

[CorgiMum]

I am in agreement as well.

[Michael Romanos]

Thanks Debbie and Barbara.
Apart from anything else, there is quite substanial savings in money in not having to take your Corgi/s to the vet for annual vaccinations. Though there is also a counter for this in the fact that an annual pilgrimage to a vet for the vaccines also should include a general check up. Dog owners will have to prompt themselves to get their dogs checked over once a year - and many of course won't bother. Annual vaccines are the only time I get to see a vet for visual consultation with Taylor apart from one occasion when he had an allergy.

[CorgiMum]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

Dog owners will have to prompt themselves to get their dogs checked over once a year - and many of course won't bother.

Sadly, that's true Michael.

[Cardiguy]

I got Ruby a lime disease shot several yrs ago and she had a bad reaction to it. I forgot the details of the reseach but I remember the message was a lot of people were of the school of thought that the shot was not worth it.

[corgimom]

Cody got the vaccination for lyme disease and I guess I am lucky he did not have a reaction to it. I am going to do some more research on it.

I guess it would depend on where you live and if your dog would be at
high risk for being bit my a deer tick that carried the disease.

linda

[Michael Romanos]

I might very well decide not to vaccinate Taylor again until there is a three year gap from his last.
The overuse of boosters ie annual vaccinations, can cause adverse post-vaccination events such as auto-immune disorders and transient infections.
Adverse reactions to conventional vaccinations can be immediate, or shortly after or even 45 days later. and possible afflictions include: seizures and a variety of auto-immune diseases including those affecting the blood, endocrine organs, joints, skin and mucosa, central nervous system, eyes, muscles, liver, kidneys and bowel.

[corgimom]

Michael,

while that could very well be true, there is much controversy regarding annual vaccinations and each person should work with their vet and make the decision that they are comfortable with; weighing the possible risks associated with waiting for 3 years Some boarding places will not accept a dog without current 1 year vaccinations; in regards to parvo and bordetella.

linda

[Michael Romanos]

And Linda, here is the rub: who stands to gain the most from annual vaccinations of dogs. Of course it is the vet and even more so, the companies who make the products - the pharmaceuticals.

So one needs to consult with a vet who has studied the whole vaccination deal and is a entirley principled person. Those 30 British vets who signed that document I originally wrote about and that American vet and canine health specialist - they're principled people.

[corgimom]

Michael,

I would love to go on a 3 year schedule to vaccinate Cody in regards to the Lepto and Parvo - I know the pharmaceutical companies along with the vets make money off these vaccinations; I am saying one has to be comfortable in weighing what chances they are willing to take if they decide to go the 3 year route and to have a vet knowledgeable to support ones decision.

Wouldn't it be great if at the time of vaccinations, our vets could run a simple blood test that could assess the serum antibody titers and we could be assured that our pets were still protected. I know some places are doing this, and I thought my vet had mentioned Cornell last time I spoke with him - so that may be an option, but once again, I don't know
what the cost of that test is.

Michael, do you have any articles written by these British vets that are on the internet that you could direct me to.

Linda

[darci]

Most all of the vet schools here in the US are recomending the three yr schedule as well, but my vet still says annual.... hmmmmmm

[corgimom]

I will be seeing my vet in 2 weeks for a "cat" appointment, I am going to ask
him what he thinks

Linda