Dr. Dodd's vaccination protocol is now being adopted by ALL 27 North
American veterinary schools. I highly recommend that you read
this. Copy and save it to your files. Print it and pass it out at
dog fairs, cat shows, kennel club meetings, dog parks, give a copy
to your veterinarian and groomer, etc.
Get the word out. ~~~~
VACCINATION NEWS FLASH
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 skeptics.
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 are 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 hemolytic anemia. "There is
no scientific documentation to back up label claims for
annual administration of MLV vaccines." Puppies receive
antibodies through their mothers 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 with CAV-2 should be used as
CAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of "hepatitis blue-eye" reactions &
kidney damage.
Bordetella Parainfluenza: 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).
RABIES
There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats in
Harris, Montogomery or Ft. Bend Counties [Texas], there have been
rabid skunks and bats so the potential exists. It is a killed
vaccine and must be given every year.
Lyme disease is a tick born disease which can cause lameness, kidney
failure and heart disease in dogs. Ticks can also transmit the
disease to humans. The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven
to be the most effective vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should
emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz collars are more effective
than Top Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick's mouth parts
preventing transmission of disease.
VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED
Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the
immune system, and result in lesser immunity for each individual
disease, as well as increasing the risk of a reaction. Canine Corona
Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs
get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell & Texas A&M have only
diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not
cause disease in adult dogs.
Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in
dogs. Most of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US
are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa
and bratsilvia. The vaccines contain different serovaars
eanicola and ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided,
and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive
to puppies less than 16 weeks.
VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED
Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the
immune system, and result in lesser immunity for each individual
disease, as well as increasing the risk of a reaction. Canine Corona
Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs
get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell & Texas A&M have only
diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not
cause disease in adult dogs.
Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in
dogs. Most of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US
are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa
and bratsilvia. The vaccines contain different serovaars
eanicola and ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided,
and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive
to puppies less than 16 weeks.
NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS
Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal cancer
related in inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines. This
cancer is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines
with aluminum adjuvant, an ingredient included to stimulate the
immune system, have been implicated as a higher risk. We now
recommend a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats. Testing by Dr.
Macy, Colorado State, has shown this vaccine to have the lowest
tissue reaction, and although there is no guarantee that a vaccine
induced sarcoma will not develop, the risk will be much lower than
with other vaccines.
Program injectable 6 mo. flea prevention for cats has been shown to
be very tissue reactive, & therefore has the potential of inducing
an injection site fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the
site of a vaccination, we recommend that it be removed ASAP, within
3-12 weeks.
Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine
This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most
at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and
cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure
to potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All
cats should be tested prior to vaccination. Cats over one year of
age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or
not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT
necessary. The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3
years, so if your cat is in the incubation state of the disease
prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease.
Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine.
Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly viral
disease of kittens. It's extremely hardy and is resistant to
extremes in temperature and to most available disinfectants.
Although an
effective treatment protocol is available, it is expensive to treat
because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued
presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly
recommended for all kittens. Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older
with either killed or MLV vaccine will produce an immunity good for
life. Adult cats do NOT need this vaccine.
Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus Vaccine.
Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract
diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize
the severity of upper respiratory
infections, although none will prevent disease in all situations.
Intranasal vaccines are more effective at preventing the disease
entirely. Don't worry about normal sneezing for a couple of days.
Because intranasal vaccines
produce an immunity of shorter durations, annual vaccination is
recommended.
VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED
Chlamydia or pneumonitis.
The vaccine produces on a short (2 month) duration of immunity and
accounts for less than 5% of upper respiratory infections in cats.
The risks outweigh the benefits.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become
infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled
for use at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the
vaccine.
Bordetella
A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr. Wolfe
of Texas A&M says that Bordetella is a normal flora, and does not
cause disease in adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that
a review of the Colorado State medical records reveals not one case
diagnosed in 10 years.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North
America, 30% or more of all dogs & cats are infected with
giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit
giardia to dogs & cats & vice versa.
Heartworm preventative must be given year-round in Houston.
VACCINES BADLY NEEDED
New vaccines in development include:
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and cat scratch fever vaccine for cats
and Ehrlichia [one of the other tick diseases, much worse than
Lymes] for dogs.
THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS
Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators
require them. For years the pricing structure of vets has misled
clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office
visit was in the "shots" they failed to emphasize the importance of
a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases. It is my
hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel cough and
emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also hope you will
accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently
vaccinated. Those in the boarding business who will honor the new
vaccine protocols can gain new customers who were turned away from
vet owned boarding facilities reluctant to change.
CONCLUSION
Dogs & cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper,
parvo, & feline leukemia every year. Once the initial series of
puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are
completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. It has
been shown that cats over 1 year of age are immune to Feline
Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated or not. Imagine the
money you will save, not to mention less risks from side effects.
PCR rabies vaccine, because it is not adjuvanted, will mean less
risk of mediated hemolytic anemia and allergic reactions are reduced
by less frequent use of vaccines as well as by avoiding unnecessary
vaccines such as K-9 Corona virus and chlamydia for cats, as well as
ineffective vaccines such as Leptospirosis and FIP. Intranasal
vaccine for Rhiotracheitis and Calici virus, two upper respiratory
viruses of cats provide more complete protection than injectable
vaccines with less risk of serious reactions.
The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our
biggest endorsement for these new protocols.
Dr. Bob Rogers
Please consider as current on all vaccinations for boarding purposes.
DOGS Initial series of puppy vaccines
1. distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze - 3 sets one month
apart concluding at 16 weeks of age.
2. Rabies at 16 weeks of age (later is better)
3. Bordetella within last 4-6 months First annual (usually at 1 year
and 4 months of age)
1. DHP, Parvo, Rabies
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months 2 years or older
1. Rabies with in last year
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
3. DHP & Parvo given anytime over 6 months of age , but
not necessarily within the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam for transmissible diseases and health
risks.
CATS Initial kitten series
1. Distemper [PLP], Rhino Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Vaccine - 3
sets given one month apart concluding at 16 weeks.
2. Rabies at 16 weeks First Annual [usually at 1 year and 4 months
of age].
1. Distemper (PLP), Rhino Calicivirus, Rabies 2 years or older
1. Rabies within the last year
2. Rhino Calicivirus within last year
3. Distemper and FelV given anytime after 6 months of age, but not
necessarily with the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam, FeLV/FIV testing, fecal exam for giardia.
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