In just a short time, more than a dozen requests...so here is the first half of the article. And I didn't have to type it...I scanned and saved the article. Peggy
Canine Vaccinations Philip D. Mansfield, DVM, DABVP, Associate Professor and Director of Community Practice at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University addressed the topic of what and when to vaccinate. He described two types of vaccines: core and non-core. Core vaccines are those which should be given because of several important considerations. They are: the risk of exposure to disease, the severity of disease, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and potential human health concerns. The core vaccines which should be given to all dogs, beginning from 6 to 9 weeks of age are: parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus and rabies. Vaccination at less than 6 weeks of age is often not effective due to interference of maternal antibodies. Canine parvovirus is currently the most important vaccine in the United States since pups are most likely to encounter this virus because of its high prevalence and environmental stability. Canine distemper and hepatitis (caused by adenovirus) are less prevalent but serious diseases of the dog. Rabies vaccine is mandatory in many states and because of the possibility of exposure to wild animal rabies and transmission to humans it should be given according to state laws. Three doses of vaccine spaced two to four weeks apart is usually sufficient, due to improvement in the core vaccines on the market. The last vaccine can be given when the puppy is 12 -14 weeks old. More than 90% of puppies will be immunized by that age. There are currently no studies published about the duration of immunity for dogs vaccinated with core vaccines. A study now in its third year at Auburn attempts to address that subject. There is growing support for the administration of core vaccines at 3 year intervals in adult dogs. However, dogs exposed to other dogs, such as those on the show and trial circuits should probably be vaccinated annually. Non-core vaccines are those which are not necessary for all dogs. These include leptospira, coronavirus, giardia, bordetella, parainfluenza and Lyme disease. Leptospira vaccine is the one which is implicated most often in adverse vaccine reactions. Immunity is incomplete and short term and does not prevent the dog from spreading the virus to humans. It is found in some areas of the country, but not everywhere. Before vaccinating it should be determined what strains, if any, of the lepto virus exist in a specific region. Puppies less than 9 weeks of age should not be vaccinated against leptospirosis. ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
