“Vac-cine /vak seen/n 1 a preparation containing weakened or dead microbes of the kind that cause a particular disease, administered to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against that disease”(Microsoft)
In 1884 Louis Pasteur invented the first rabies vaccine for animals, since then, 25 different types of canine vaccines have become available (Ford). Every year millions of domestic pets receive some form of these 25 different types of vaccinations as part of their annual wellness exam. It can be a daunting task for veterinarians to choose what is best for their patients and sadly is seems that some of them fall into the “Convenience rather than science” (Ford) trap. Vaccinations are essential in preventing serious, life threatening diseases and no one will argue that dogs don’t need them, but how much is too much?
Vaccines are now categorized as core, non-core (optional), and not recommended (American 2). According to the guidelines released by the American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA Canine Vaccine Taskforce, core vaccines are those that all dogs should receive in one form or another and “optional vaccines should be administered selectively, based on the animals geographic and lifestyle exposure and an assessment of risk/benefit ratios” (American 2). It appears that most veterinary professionals and agencies agree on the core vaccination schedule for a puppy’s initial vaccination series. These core vaccines are administered every four weeks starting at eight weeks and, continuing until 16 weeks. A rabies vaccine is also given at 16 weeks (Davis 615). These are then repeated at one year of age. The grey area, and therefore, the argument begins when you take into consideration how often to booster core vaccines after the first year and when to administer the non-core, or optional, vaccines.
Examples of core vaccines, include but are not limited to, distemper virus, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus-2 and Para influenza (see appendix). Non-core vaccines, or optional vaccines that dogs should receive when they are at risk of contracting that disease, include but are not limited to, bordetella, lyme, leptospirosis and canine corona virus (see appendix). For example, Fifi the poodle that lives with grandma and never goes out side should receive only core vaccines, and does not need any optional vaccines. Whereas Duke, the Labrador that hunts in Texas, is in contact with many other dogs, as well as the excrement and parasites of wildlife. In addition to his core vaccines, Duke should have annual leptospirosis, lyme, and bordetella vaccines (see appendix). I think common sense should tell us that every single dog, regardless of lifestyle, and geographical location, does not need the exact same vaccinations.
Up until the late 80’s or early 90’s no one even thought about studying how long a certain vaccine lasted, This movement began when veterinarians linked a certain deadly malignant skin cancer, that occurs in cats, to vaccination with the rabies vaccine. Veterinary experts agreed that it was cheaper and more cost effective to simply vaccinate animals on a yearly basis rather than spend money on testing to see if the body still had enough antigens to fight off disease. Now the tide is changing, Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS, Dipl ACVIM states in his proceedings for the WSAVA 2002 congress that “Despite annual booster recommendations, adult dogs challenged 7 years and 5 years following MLV vaccination were protected” (Ford). Today companion animals are considered cherished members of the family, and their owners are expecting a different standard of care.
Today there are simple blood tests called titers that can indicate how much immunity a pet has to certain diseases so they only receive vaccinations they need. Melissa Kennedy, DVM, PhD, DACVM states in a message board regarding the use of titers, that she believes titers are an actual measure of the body’s protection against a certain disease (Kennedy). As this technology becomes simpler the cost to average pet owners is more manageable. Moreover as our pets are living longer because of better diets and the ever increasing quality of veterinary care people are finding out that some of the things we believe are best for them could really be harming them.
I interviewed seven veterinarians that graduated from different Veterinary schools between the years of 1992 and 2007 and posed the same eight questions regarding their administration of vaccinations. I was really surprised to learn why some of them vaccinate their patients the way they do. Some said that the vaccine protocol they used was set forth by the owner of the practice they worked for, some of them mentioned what they learned in school, one mentioned concern over public and animal health but only one mentioned a belief in not over vaccinating because she thought it would harm her patients. Only two of them said anything about assessing the patient’s lifestyle or administering a titer before choosing a vaccination plan. They all stated many reasons that would cause them to withhold vaccine which included but is not limited to, advanced age, cancer, severe reactions to vaccines in the past and end stage disease. They all agreed on the most common reactions to vaccines, the most severe is Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia or IMHA which can be, and usually is, fatal. They also mentioned facial swelling, hives, and shock all the way up to anaphylaxis (interviews). I have worked in the veterinary profession for more than a decade now and I can’t help but think, the increased frequency that we see cancers of the spleen, mast cell tumors of the skin, chronic orthopedic problems, and many other immune mediated diseases could be linked to the over stimulation of the immune system due to over vaccination.
Everyone needs time to change their minds about long held beliefs. I am also not telling you that you shouldn’t vaccinate your pet. Canine parvovirus and distemper are very serious, often fatal and highly contagious diseases that are still very prevelant in the Untied States. You might try presenting your veterinarian with what you have learned, and go to your next appointment armed with research. AAHA has a great website for the education of average pet owners in easy to understand language.
Some veterinarians are slower than others to change their beliefs and protocols. Others are not confidant in the research they are presented with and, still others know that the only way to get your pet in to see them for yearly exams is yearly vaccinations. Realize that they all have the welfare of your pet at heart and want to do what is best. You hear more and more about people that educate themselves before they go and see their doctor. I believe the same strategy needs to be used with your pet and your veterinarian. I also think that as we make advances in veterinary medicine we need to be advocates for our most beloved friends just as we are with our own health care.
Works cited
American Animal Hospital Association. Canine Vaccine Task force. 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines, Revised. 2006.
Davis-Wurzler, Gina M DVM. “Current Vaccination Strategies in Puppies and Kittens.”
Veterinary Clinics Small Animal Practice 36 (2006): 607-640.
Deiss, Tracey DVM. Personal interview. 29 Sept. 2007
Ford, Richard B. DVM, MS Dipl ACVIM : Canine Vaccination Protocols. Proc. of WSAVA
Congress. 2002
Heron, Deborah DVM. Personal interview. 24 Sept. 2007
Kennedy, Melissa DVM, PhD, DACVM. “Determining Specific Animals Need for Vaccination:
Use Antibody Titers Along With Risk Assessment” Online posting. 05 Mar.
2008. Veterinary Information Network. 06 Oct. 2008
McLaughlin, Carol DVM. Personal interview. 24 Sept. 2007
Microsoft Encarta College Dictionary. 1st ed. 2001
Pattenberg, Loretta DVM. Personal interview. 27 Sept. 2007.
Ramirez, Libby DVM. Personal interview. 26 Sept. 2007
Speed, Rachel DVM. Personal interview. 25 Sept. 2007
Appendix
Glossary of terms
Adeno virus: This disease comes in two forms type one can be fatal and causes infectious hepatitis in dogs. Type two causes an upper respiratory infection.
Antigens: A protein that stimulates the production of an antibody. Antibodies are a primary form of our immune response. In essence they are the front line soldiers against infection from foreign invaders i.e. Colds.
Booster: Any vaccine that is given after initial vaccines in a series.
Bordetella: Bordetella bronchiseptica is the bacteria responsible for causing what is commonly known as “kennel cough” dogs get it from coming in contact with other dogs at shows, boarding facilities, and training kennels.
Chronic: Lasting for a long time.
Corona virus: A self limiting virus that most likely has been eradicated by vaccination.
Distemper virus: This is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system and ultimately leads to death.
IMHA: Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia this is when the body’s immune system begins to destroy its own red blood cells. It is usually fatal.
Immunity: the body’s ability to resist disease.
Leptospirosis: Is a bacterium that is passed to dogs through the urine of infected wildlife. This bacterium resides in the kidneys and can cause them to fail.
Lyme: This is a tick borne disease that attacks the white blood cells, can cause painful joints and can ultimately cause death.
MLV: Modified live vaccine. This is a modified live version of the disease that when injected in small amounts helps the body mount an immune response.
Orthopedic: Pertaining to the bones.
Para influenza: This is a version of the canine flu that can cause pneumonia and possibly death.
Parvo virus: This s is a highly contagious disease that is passed from dog to dog in the stools of infected animals. Without extensive treatment it is always fatal.
Titer: A test to check the antibody concentration and therefore immunity in the body.
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