 Vaccines: To give or not to give? Something to think about This controversial issue has been a discussion topic among various people in the animal industry and regular pet owners. Veterinarians, breeders, and pet lovers around the world are debating the issue of overvaccinating and whether or not vaccines are causing a host of health troubles in our beloved friends. The purpose of this article is to make you aware of this brewing controversy and to help you make an educated choice regarding vaccinations. In theory, vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies to certain dangerous diseases, so that if the dog is later exposed to the infectious agents, he has antibodies that will react quickly to attack and destroy the disease in question. Extensive research by leading and foremost authorities in the field of vaccines and autoimmune disorders, notably Dr Jean Dodds, demonstrates that there is serious cause for concern regarding the issue of overvaccinating and the use of live combo vaccines. If we do not vaccinate our children yearly, then we must consider the reasons why we are vaccinating our pets this way. At the very least, we owe it to our pets to educate ourselves about vaccinations and their potential side-effects, which in fact, can be very serious, not to mention that there are so many cases of this being reported all over the continent as well as in other countries. The 2 ( two ) common themes that keep coming up in vaccine and immune system research are: 1- the potential risk of allergic reactions and degenerative diseases related to the immune system, nervous system and thyroid gland. 2- that annual boosters for parvovirus and distemper are not necessary Here is an excerpt from Dr Jean Dodd's vaccine protocol: "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 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" For additional information on vaccine protocols go to http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-CHG-VACC-PROTOCOLS.HTM Here is Dr. Dodd's overview of her new vaccine protocol: W. Jean Dodds, DVM HEMOPET 938 Stanford Street Santa Monica, CA 90403 310/ 828-4804 fax: 310/ 828-8251 Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the following protocol is recommended: For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or effected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.), the following protocol is recommended: Total of 3 doses ONLY Age of Pups - Vaccine - Type 9 weeks MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 12 weeks MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 16-20 weeks MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 24 weeks or older, if allowable by law Killed Rabies Vaccine 1 year MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only booster 1 year ( give 3-4 weeks apart from Dist/Parvo booster) Killed 3 year rabies vaccine MLV=modified-live virus After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane). Another alternative to booster vaccinations is homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions. However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained. I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster. I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Futhermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today. I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation. W. Jean Dodds, DVM HEMOPET For information on adverse vaccine reactions in an article by Dr. Jean Dodds go to http://www.britfield.com/vaccination-adverse.htm For information on the immune system and disease resistance in an article by Dr. Jean Dodds go to http://www.critterchat.net/immune.htm Dr Ronald Schultz, Ph.D., also a leading expert and pioneer in clinical immunology and vaccinology states: "Annual revaccination provides no benefit and may increase the risk for adverse reactions. The percentage of vaccinated animals (those vaccinated only as puppies) protected from clinical disease after challenge with canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus in the study was greater than 95%." Current and Future Canine and Feline Vaccination Programs. Dr. Ronald Schultz is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine, UW-Madison. Schultz, R.D. - Current & Future Canine & Feline Vaccination Programs. Vet Med 3: No. 3, 233-254, 1998 Vaccinations do challenge the immune system in a complex manner. Therefore, it is highly recommended that sick, geriatric, pregnant and immunocompromised animals NOT be vaccinated. Giving rabies shots too early can also cause severe immune problems in puppies. Symptoms can include swollen achy joints, fever, lethargy, cries of pain. Vets often treat this as HOD when it is in fact a serious, often fatal vaccine response. Some animals are genetically pre-disposed to suffer dangerous and even fatal reactions to vaccines, or to develop vaccine-induced disease. Animals who have B and/or T cell immunodeficiencies should not receive live virus vaccines ( same goes for children ). The Merck Manual, a manual published by a vaccine manufacturer, states that some features of B and T cell immunodeficiencies can include dermatitis, eczema, heart disease, inhalant allergies, food allergies and neurological conditions. Many diseases we are seeing these days are created by live and MLV vaccines which shed residual viruses in the environment. This indicates the possibility of new infectious agents to develop and spread in our animal populations, both wild and domestic. The whole point of vaccinating in the first place is supposed to be to strengthen the immune system in order to fight disease, as a strong immune system can handle tough health challenges better. How are we doing this effectively if when using combo vaccines and yearly vaccines, we are potentially bringing about a whole range of serious health problems and risky side-effects for our pets? Perhaps the answer lies in balance and moderation, as so many things in life do. Perhaps we can use a minimal vaccination schedule such as the one recommended by Dr Dodds, and in addition, pay careful attention to the health of our dogs by providing a healthy diet of super premium holistic dog food or a raw diet, along with digestive and dietary enzymes, vitamin c and probiotics, all of which will help boost the immune system. We can also avoid things that we know encourage the immune system to weaken and break down such as overuse of antibiotics and other drugs. Pet owners should work with their vets to design a reasonable vaccination schedule for their pet, based on various criteria such as age, health status, reproductive status, breed and environment. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT! NOTE on antibiotics: Antibiotics are often overprescribed. They do weaken the immune system by killing off the good bacteria as well as the bad. This can bring about susceptibility to other health problems. Some symptoms of antibiotic reactions include fever, achy swollen joints, lack of mobility, anorexia, depression, and obvious pain. These can occur from 24 hours up to 2 weeks following treatment. |
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