Vaccine protocol
FORWARDED WITH PERMISSION
Dr. W. Jean Dodd’s vaccination protocol is now being adopted by
ALL 27 North American veterinary schools.
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
prod uces 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 8-14weeks. Puppies & kittens should
NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8weeks. 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 vaccin e. 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 4mo) 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 asCAV-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 vaccineand must be given every year./*//
*Lyme disease_is a tick born disease which can cause lameness,
kidney failure and heart disease in dog s. 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 mouthparts 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.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite
of humans inNorth America , 30% or more of all dogs & cats are
infected with giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can
transmit
giardiato 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 prici ng 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 Fel ine
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 and4 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.