The Bordetella Vaccine, or Kennel Cough Vaccine, is usually given to canine puppies many times throughout the first year in a series of numerous shots, and then yearly as a booster. Although it is given so frequently, the bordetalla shot is often unnecessary. Many vets are becoming aware of the need to only administer this vaccine on a case to case basis, and only recommending it to dogs that are frequently around a large number of dogs, as in the case of show dogs. The reason veterinarians are becoming hesitant to administer such a vaccine is the substantial evidence showing it can cause mild to extreme adverse reactions in your pet. The bordetella vaccine side effects can include soreness and a lump at the injection site, hives, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, lameness, or even death. The vaccine for kennel cough is usually given in a set of shots nicknamed “cocktail” vaccines, where many different viruses are being injected, easily over-stimulating your dog’s immune system where it cannot possibly overcome the onslaught of so many diseases all at once. This is why many dogs have these negative reactions to the vaccines. Their bodies just cannot handle creating all the antibodies at once, especially if they are under one year or a small breed. Even if your dog does not show any side-effects to the bordetella vaccination, it may not prevent him from contracting the illness. Fever, steroids, disease, or maternal antibodies can prevent your dog’s ability to make the proper immune blockers that the kennel cough shot is designed to produce. So, you could be exposing your pet’s immune system to a high stress situation, when the shot itself may not even be effective. Additionally, if the kennel cough vaccines are given too close together, vaccines can be made ineffective by earlier shots; given too far apart, the immune response will not be properly activated. Also, kennel cough vaccinations given to very young puppies (under six weeks of age) could prove to be useless, as their immune system may not have the “memory” quality to sustain the antibodies. Even if your dog happens to contract kennel cough, the symptoms are mild and compared to the side-effects of the vaccine, may be easier for you and your pet to handle physically and emotionally. Kennel cough symptoms can include a dry cough and tracheal irritation that lasts from seven to ten days, but their general state of health and happiness is usually unaffected. shanna
--- On Sat, 11/13/10, Christy Sylvest <[email protected]> wrote: From: Christy Sylvest <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Chihuahuas] Reverse Sneezing - Vet says... To: [email protected] Date: Saturday, November 13, 2010, 10:03 AM That's just crazy! I wouldn't worry about the cough unless it is more frequent and causes distress after the episode. If Cooper is fine directly after and isn't tired or out of breath he's probably fine. I'm not sure about the lump I would keep a close eye on that. His open fontanelle shouldnt be a problem either. If he was hydro you would know. I wouldn't give cough meds unless he is coughing alot and it is bothering his life significantly. I have had a few Chis with open fontanelle and they lived long normal lives many chis do. I would heed other advice and run to a new vet for more info on the lump and seizures. "Whether or not it is clear to you, the world is unfolding as it should." -Desiderata Christy Sylvest [email protected] To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:20:13 -0800 Subject: [Chihuahuas] Reverse Sneezing - Vet says... Hi everybody, I took Cooper to the vet yesterday to get his free check up as a new adoptive puppy. I've had him as a foster for three months and finally made the adoption final. Unfortunately, I got a brand new - just out of school Vet-who wanted to impress me with all that she learned and how much it cost her. Cooper just started the reverse sneezing last week and it happens only after he drinks water. The Vet told me it could be collapsed trachea (which would cost $160 for an xray that may or may not show it), but that it was most likely Kennel Cough. Cooper hasn't been around another dog except his brother for three months. How could it be kennel cough? My other dog doesn't have it.So she sold me some Hycodan cough syrup (a controlled substance) and Doxycycline. Regarding the long lump he has on his side, her first guess was that it was from a shot. But since he's had no injections since July, she ruled that out. She said to just watch it and if it gets bigger, she'll take a sample -- which will cost $140. Regarding his seizures, she said it could be a kazillion things and then listed them all for me in her new clinical vet-eese. Luckily, since I have a clinical background, I was able to recognize a few of the terms she was throwing out. She said we could do an MRI which would cost upwards of $190... Also he has an open fontanelle so he could have hydrocephalus. With medication, the goal would be to have only one seizure per month lasting no more than five minutes. Well he's already at goal, so we'll do nothing until and unless they get worse. Questions for you guys (my real vets) are 1) If he has kennel cough (how could he) why doesn't my other dog have it and should I treat him with the meds too? 2) Should I even give the kennel cough meds at all? 3) Shoud I be worried about his open fontanelle? Wikipedia says that life for dogs with this condition is "very grim" and short. He weighs 5.8 and is at a right weight for him. He might be 2 or 3 years old. Since he was a stray, his history is unknown. Now he's loved, cuddled, pampered, fed, and never ever tries to go out the front door. Thank you for reading my very long email and any advice you can offer. Carolyn and Cooper and his brother Joe. From: Christy Sylvest <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 1:51:21 PM Subject: RE: [Chihuahuas] Reverse Sneezing If you are concerned your vet shoud be able to see collapsed trachea with an xray. Hope its just reverse sneeze. "Whether or not it is clear to you, the world is unfolding as it should." -Desiderata Christy Sylvest [email protected] talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " .
