Is There A New Vaccination Protocol?
When it comes to vaccinating your dog there seems to be a lot conflicting views in the world of veterinary medicine. Having been to quite a few vets over the years with our dogs I have noticed that some seem to push vaccines more than others. When I’ve asked about a titer test to keep from over vaccinating some vets have dismissed it immediately without even discussing it.
Is it money or concern for our pets? It’s hard to answer, but I do know more and more articles are coming out about the dangers of over vaccinating.
So, it was with interest I read an email that was sent to me stating there was a new protocol being accepted among vets based on Dr. Jean Dodds’ research. I searched on the internet to see what I could find, it turns out while Dr. Dodd does have her own belief about vaccinations she has nothing to do with the email that’s been sent around claiming the change of protocol. On ItsForTheAnimals.com you can read her full response.
Dr. Dodds’ article on vaccinations is very interesting and does provide important information that every pet owner should read. After that, it’s up to you to decide how to proceed.
CHANGING VACCINE PROTOCOLS
The challenge to produce effective and safe vaccines for the prevalent infectious diseases of humans and animals has become increasingly difficult. In veterinary medicine, evidence implicating vaccines in triggering immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis) is compelling. While some of these problems have been traced to contaminated or poorly attenuated batches of vaccine that revert to virulence, others apparently reflect the host’s genetic predisposition to react adversely upon receiving the single (monovalent) or multiple antigen “combo” (polyvalent) products given routinely to animals. Animals of certain susceptible breeds or families appear to be at increased risk for severe and lingering adverse reactions to vaccines.
The onset of adverse reactions to conventional vaccinations (or other inciting drugs, chemicals, or infectious agents) can be an immediate hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction, or can occur acutely (24-48 hours afterwards), or later on (10-45 days) in a delayed type immune response often caused by immune-complex formation. Typical signs of adverse immune reactions include fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, central and peripheral nervous system disorders or inflammation, collapse with autoagglutinated red blood cells and jaundice, or generalized pinpoint hemorrhages or bruises. Liver enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may accompany bone marrow suppression. Furthermore, recent vaccination of genetically susceptible breeds has been associated with transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs, as well as a variety of autoimmune diseases including those affecting the blood, endocrine organs, joints, skin and mucosa, central nervous system, eyes, muscles, liver, kidneys, and bowel. It is postulated that an underlying genetic predisposition to these conditions places other littermates and close relatives at increased risk. Vaccination of pet and research dogs with polyvalent vaccines containing rabies virus or rabies vaccine alone was recently shown to induce production of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, a provocative and important finding with implications for the subsequent development of hypothyroidism (Scott-Moncrieff et al, 2002).
Vaccination also can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even healthy host that is repeatedly challenged with other environmental stimuli and is genetically predisposed to react adversely upon viral exposure. The recently weaned young puppy or kitten entering a new environment is at greater risk here, as its relatively immature immune system can be temporarily or more permanently harmed. Consequences in later life may be the increased susceptibility to chronic debilitating diseases.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
The article is rather long, but I suggest taking a few minutes to go read the rest at ItsForTheAnimals. If you’ve been questioning your vet about over vaccinating this is a great article to print out and bring with you on your next visit.
I spoke with Dr. Dodd personally about my white miniature schnauzer who had a reaction to her rabies vaccine. And thanks to her and the wonderful new vet that I have found, my baby is vaccinated and I know what to expect and feel like I have someone I can talk to!!!
We have had such severe vaccine reactions with two of our three that we can no longer give them.
There is so much bad information on both sides out there that I think for most people it is easier to go with the flow when it comes to pet care.
We go with what we feel works for our family the best. And right now due to near death side effects, we chose not to give vaccines.
When we have new family members over the years we will most likely try to go with Dr. Dodds protocol.
We do vaccines but the dogs always have a reaction for a day or two being lethargic and having sensitivity and swelling (they vet says it’s normal). I don’t want to stop vaccinating but is it necessary if you have an urban dog who lives indoors and if outdoors is on a leash?
(They are never kenneled so I don’t see how they could get distemper or rabies.)
The distemper /parvo vaccines protect against diseases that can actually be tracked in on your shoes. Parvo can be carried by a fly. Rabies is a matter of public health/safety and is required by law.
I hope many vets will comment on this most informative information.
Robert
There is NO conflict.. or at least no reason for a conflict.. about the rabies vaccination. It has been thoroughly tested, and warranted by the manufacturers for THREE YEARS. Every single Vet School protocol references this.
The only reason for a 1 year vaccination (and the 1 year vaccine is the SAME as the 3 year vaccine with a different label) is because of archaic local laws, supported by vets, using the excuse that requiring 1 year rabies is the only way they can guarantee people bring their pets in for yearly exams.
I support yearly exams, but the purpose of rabies laws is to prevent a dreadful, deadly disease, NOT to mandate health care for pets.
As for the other vaccines, some (like corona) are vaccines in search of a disease. There IS controversy over whether additional vaccinations for parvo and distemper after the initial ones provide any greated immunity. There is NO evidence that yearly vax’s are needed. This should be a matter for pet owners and their vets to discuss rationally and without intimidation. And certainly if your dog is having bad reactions and certainly if it’s an elderly dog who never leaves its own yard, additional vaccinations can be useless and dangerous
Thankfully we do not have the rabies issue down here at the bottom of the world where we live, However after years of adhering to a very strict vaccination program for my dogs I am seriously reconsidering it.
Why am I reconsidering it you may ask.
I am reconsidering it for two reasons.
1. Adverse reactions by my puppies to their vaccinations (particularly the Parvo vaccine) where they exhibit all the symptoms of the disease and are very unwell. Surely common sense must prevail in that this is bad for their physical health and development when they are under 3 months of age.
2. Despite being vaccinated dogs are still getting kennel cough en mass and dying from Parvo.
The last cat I owned who I adhered to a strict vaccination program was the sickest cat I have ever owned and she died a very painful death to stomach cancer, so my cats now receive minimal vaccinations and are as healthy as.
After the reactions my two 7 month old puppies had to their vaccinations this year and having had a friend lose her fully vaccinated top showdog to Parvo, plus another friend nearly lose her fully vaccinated dog to Parvo (incurring a horrendous vet bill) while none of the totally unvaccinated dogs I know contracted it, I am considering running the gauntlet, enduring my vets condemnation and intimidation in not vaccinating my dogs.
EveryONE has the RIGHT to request the TITERS TEST – do not let anyone discourage you from having this test run on your pet, especially with older dogs (over 7 years old).
Blood is drawn & then the results are read by your vet. Should their levels be high YOU DO NOT NEED vaccines (Rabies is the law), and your vet can tell you which shots you will need & which ones you can HOLD OFF receiving (for a year or more).
My beloved Aero was over vaccinated & finding out when it was to late ~ broke our hearts. We always thought we were doing the right thing with the yearly vaccines & when Aero’s oncologist told us that the vaccine levels in his blood were EXTREMELY HIGH. He could have gone almost 3 years without being vaccinated. We asked his vet about the titers test & she said she knew about it & still SAID NOTHING to us.
6 months after his final vaccines were administered, Aero lost his couragous battle. His life with us was taken away & we only have his vet to thank ~ sadly my guilt will forever be remembered in my Aero’s unconditional trust & love for us ~ his family ~ his voice!
Vaccine’s are a personal choice each & every pet owner makes. Since Aero’s long walk to the rainbow bridge, I now make the choice to be informed & heard by my furbabies vets.
Should a vet not like my involvement then I will find one who does!!!!!
I am the only voice between my furbabies & their vet ~