Do you still do the three year protocol in parvo susceptible breeds
(rotts, pits, dobies)? Or is that a myth?
No...it's not 'myth'...there are some breeds (and some mutts) that
just
don't respond to vaccination...especially parvovirus. But it appears
today that the breeds you've listed do NOT have increased susceptibility
to infection because they will not respond to conventional vaccine...some
dogs are just 'non-responders'
Who makes the recombinant Distemper? There's no need to use the recombinant in adult dogs, right?
Answer:YES! There is a reason to give it in adult dogs. It actually
works quite
well. U of Wisconsin studies showed an exceptional 'boosting' response
in
adult dogs...the recombinant vaccine has been shown to boost a greater
percentage of dogs that conventional MLV vaccine. The recombinant vaccine
can be used throughout life.
I have two shelties, one is four years old Star the other is five years old Shannon.Star recieved her puppy shots but instead of the one year booster she had a titer done which showed she had amunity she has had titers done every year.The titer she just had done showed amunity towards distemper and parvo but not adenovirus.Since my dogs stay at home after discussing it with my Vet. and since there is no single vaccine for adenovirux I am not giving it.Do you think thats fine?My five year old Shannon had puppy shots plus the one year booster and has full amunity.I am heartbroken over the loss of my nine year old sheltie Henry who died 5/30/07 from a hemhorage due to a stomach tumor,he was diagnosed with thyroid disease at four yrs. and with lupus at seven years.Five years ago my sheltie Hannah who also started off with thyroid disease developed cushings.I am very concerned with their health and do everything I can to keep them healthy including a home cooked diet formulated by a Veterinary Nutritionist with Balance IT supplement. I do the titers to protect their amune system which I think is fragile with shelties. I would appreciate your input.
Answer:The titers for canine adenovirus are not considered to be as reliable as
those for Distemper and Parvovirus. I would personally not pay much
attention to the Adenovirus titer. Odds are quite good that your dog is,
in fact, immune to all 3 infections.
My recommendation would be be have your dog vaccinated every 3 years
with
a combination parvovirus-distemper-adenovirus vaccine. I would recommend
that the veterinarian administer a “Modified Live” or “Recombinant”
vaccine. I do not recommend use of a killed virus vaccine.
I have 5 yo yellow lab who was recently 8/06 vaccinated with 3 year
rabies vaccine. I am planning trip out of US and EU requirements state
that I must have him revaccinated with a one year vaccine and a titer at
Kansas Univ done. ( I’ m sure you know the drill for the “Pet Scheme” as
they call it in Britan)
My question is in reference to any danger to my dog re having a “second”
rabies one year vaccine on top of the prior 3 year on 8/07 and then
annually thereafter to fulfill the Pet Scheme requirements. As an MD, I
assume there should not be any significant risk but my area of expertise
is people ( and orthopaedics at that) not canines. Thanks for your
advice.
In response to your question on rabies vaccine. NO...there is no unique risk to your dog (the specific breed wasn't stipulated) as ALL rabies vaccines in the US are KILLED virus products. Furthermore, there is really no difference between the so-called 1 year vaccine (rabies) and the 3-year product...regardless of manufacturer...except, perhaps, the price.
Question:I would like to know what guidelines I should be using for my dogs. I have a private kennel of about 20 dogs and do show some of them. We usually actively show only 1 to 3 dogs at any one time. They are exposed to about a thousand dogs on weekends. While most show people do vaccinate on a regular basis, there is always the chance that we might get something. We had a person that we know loose 2 adult dogs and 3 litters due to parvo and found out later that they don't immunize. At the time we were new to dog shows and had a 9 month old dog get sick. We didn't know that it was parvo and his shot had apparently given him partial immunity because he recovered quickly (over the weekend) without any medical treatment. Bottom line is that I want to vaccinate no more than required but I don't want any of my dogs at risk. Recommendations?
Answer:You MUST immunize...the cost is insignificant compared to the
consequences.
I suggest you review the 2006 Canine Vaccination Guidelines at
www.aahanet.org
All of the CORE vaccines should be given. I also suggest an intranasal
B. bronchiseptica + parainfluenza be given to all pups.
I strongly recommend NOT exposing pups to other dogs at shows until 2
weeks after their LAST dose of vaccine at 15 to 16 weeks.
What is the deal with the comments below? Did AAHA recommend rDystemper in the
shelter
environment? Can you explain so I am not steering my vets in the wrong
direction.
Does not routinely provide sterile immunity and may take longer to protect
immunologically naïve dogs. The vaccine is not recommended where the threat of exposure to CDV
may be significant(eg, shelters; pet stores).
The point you've cited WAS the recommendation in 2003. The 2006
Guidelines, available at www.aahanet.org have revised the recommendations
on the recombinant distemper vaccine based on data just published.
Studies conducted at U of Wisconsin have shown that the recombinant CDV
vaccine is more immunogenic that initially believed. In fact, it does
produce sterile immunity...comparable to that of MLV vaccines.
Furthermore, the recombinant product has been shown to protect puppies in
the face of maternal antibody...a significant advantage in high risk
populations
We typically give lepto at 16 weeks and then every 3-5 years thereafter.
Is this an acceptable protocal for pets that are at low risk? What do
you
recommend for patients that may be more exposed to lepto? Would you
advise even giving lepto to low risk pets?
We would appreciate your input.
The Leptospirosis vaccines are all killed bacterins (regardless of
manufacturer). The duration of PROTECTION following vaccination is not
believed to be more than 12 to 14 months...if that.
I would recommend against the use of the vaccine in low-risk dogs.
Remember...the vaccine does not necessarily prevent infection (or the
potential for shedding). The vaccine only protects the dog against
developing serious clinical disease if exposed and infected.
The question is not rather to immunize or not. The question is to just give the core vaccines or to go to a high risk category. In other words, how aggressive should we be? Expense is not a consideration.
Answer:Perhaps I don't understand the question. But, recommendations for
vaccination of show dogs is not significantly different than for pets
that
might be housed in a Pet Day Care facility or Boarded in a kennel for a
few consecutive days.
Distemper-Parvo-Adenovirus(2) plus intranasal B. bronchiseptica (which
also contains parainfluenza virus). A single dose of RABIES is given at
3
or 4 months of age.
Puppies...should be vaccinated at: 2-3-4 months of age...then, booster 1
year later.
Lepto and Lyme disease only if in endemic, known risk areas.
I attended an AKC Health Seminar at the beginning of the year where you
were a speaker on current vaccine protocols. I learned a lot and was glad
that my vets are also receptive to the new info coming out and not pushing
annual vaccines. I have 2 15 mo puppies who are almost due for their 1st
year boosters (hopefully the last ones they will need other than rabies)
and a new litter who will need their first shots in a few weeks.
I just wanted to check to see which vaccines, specifically
manufacturers/brands, that you are currently recommending for puppy shots.
What about for rabies? Is the new PureVax is good as claimed?
I am in SC and do agility and conformation with my dogs. We are currently
only doing DHLPP puppy & 1 yr boost and Rabies as required, 3 yr once
allowed after the 1st one.
It's really difficult to recommend specific Trade Name products.
All of the core canine vaccines are quite good, regardless of the
manufacturer.
I would recommend for the puppies, Distemper-Adenovirus2-Parvovirus + an
intranasal B. bronchiseptica (all of them contain parainfluenza
virus)...Generally, 3 doses of the D-A2-P are given around 2 months and 3
months and 4 months. (Rabies is given at either 3 months or 4 months).
Only a single dose of the intranasal bordetella + parainfluenza vaccine is
required.
Repeat all of this a year later.
Lepto is given only if you veterinarian feels there is a realistic risk of
exposure.
For the adult dog booster, I would recommend the D-A2-P and a single dose
of the intranasal vaccine. The next D-A2-P booster would be in 3 years at
the earliest.
PureVax is a tradename registered to Merial...but it's strictly labeled on
Feline vaccines. Their canine vaccines are call Recombetek...those are
all excellent vaccines.
I have a 5month old puppy that is being treating for Giardia. This would be the third time and he has been on flagyl twice and is now on Panacur c and was also given the giardia vaccine. One sight said the vaccine was not recommended and I would like other opinions. After his last fecal test which was negative the diarrhea returned in two weeks.
Answer:This is always a difficult issue to address. IF, in fact, your
puppy does have Giardia, the treatment administered is exactly what is
recommended. Treatment is not universally effective, however, and repeat
treatments may be needed.
ALSO...it is very important to verify the diagnosis...was the dog tested
for Giardia using a fecal antigen test??? That's important to know. If
not, the true underlying diagnosis might have been missed.
Secondly, if it is Giardia, I become suspicious of a contaminated water
source...if the dog is simply becoming RE-infected through contaminated
water, that needs to be identified and stopped.
Note also, that the Am Animal Hospital Association Vaccination Guidelines
(2006) do NOT recommend the Giardia vaccine. The data does not
demonstrate an ability of the vaccine to prevent infection. Also, the
vaccine has NOT been shown to have any therapeutic effect in dogs.
Lots of variables in the Giardia equation!
Thank you so much for your response. With the urban sprawl encroaching on wildlife areas in my own backyard with deer going by....what constitutes “low risk”? I would think any suburban dog these days is at higher risk or am I mistaken?
Answer:TRUE! There is always risk. But, it's particularly difficult to
refine that definition for individual patients in specific geographic
locations. There always seem to be the occasional Lepto “diagnosis”
...confirmed or not...in an urban dog.
Urban dogs do have risk. But, it is regarded as significantly lower than
“farm” dogs (ie, clusters of outdoor dogs living in rural locations)
The
issue we face as practitioners is “WHAT SEROVAR is a patient at risk
for?”
I really think it’s critical that area practitioners bring this up at
local assoc. meetings in order to determine: 1) who’s diagnosing Lepto,
2) what serovars were diagnosed, and (especially) 3) how was that
diagnosis made.
That alone will give you the best indication (or NON-indication) to
vaccinate
Do you booster FELV vax every 3-4 wks until 16wks? So, give up to 3 sets?
Answer:My preference is to give 2 doses at 12 weeks, then 15-16 weeks of age.
This is in accordance with all manufacturers recommendations
I have had several kittens within the past week react to a subcutaneous FVRCCP vaccine. Their symptoms are lethargy and limping. With this reaction are they shedding the virus and therefore contagious to other resident cats? If so, what is the protocol?
Answer:I get the impression that you're attempting to immunize cats housed at the
Patuxent Animal Welfare
Society facility...correct?
If so...MUCH of the problem you face may center on the fact that the
cats/kittens being vaccinated
are exposed and infected prior to the time the vaccine administered actually
immunizes.
Yes...it is possible that the calicivirus fraction of the vaccine is causing the
problems. There have
been a number of reports to that effect.
No confirmational studies, however. Can you tell me which manufacturer's vaccine
you are using?
That too may make a difference.
IF it is the vaccine...cats that develop signs of illness are not LIKELY to be
shedding and are not
LIKELY to pose a risk to other cats in the facility. There have been some
reports that this is
happening, but it's all anectodal. Shedding is most likely to occur following
administration of the
intranasal vaccine....NOT recommended in your situation.
What is recommended...is what you're doing. FVRCP (that's rhinotracheitis
[herpesvirus] +
calicivirus + panleukopenia. Your note refers to FVRCCP...are you also giving
Chlamydophila
(formerly Chlamydia)???
B. bronchiseptica***(2 doses indicated??)
Answer:If parenterally administered...2 initial doses are always indicated.
Annual boosters follow.
If intranasally administered...a single initial inoculation is
sufficient.
Annual boosters thereafter if the risk of exposure persists.
I wanted to get more info. on the new virulent calici vaccine from Fort Dodge. Are any cats at risk? Which ones? Is the new vaccine recommended for any cats or kittens? All I can find is info from Ft. Dodge.
Answer:I contacted Fort Dodge just a couple of weeks ago regarding technical
information on the VS Calicivirus vaccine. I was informed that the
company has not released any.
VS Calicivirus is, in fact, a serious, highly contagious disease. It is
not, however, a common infection. In fact, confirmed infections are
quite
uncommon and usually restricted to shelter cats. Only about 6 or 8
outbreaks have been reported in the last 10 years between the US and the
UK. My guess is that you've never personally seen the infection...
Note that the big concern is the fact that each outbreak studied has
involved a unique strain of VS calicivirus. We really don't know whether
the Fort Dodge vaccine, only used in a homologous challenge study, will
be
effective against a heterologous outbreak.
The vaccine is, in fact, adjuvanted. I would not recommend it for
routine
use in Household pet cats. Right now, I do not recommend use of the
vaccine based on the very low prevalence of infection.
Apologies for one more question. Last week the most recent issue of Cat Fancy
came out, and
there is mention of a vaccine for VS-FCV. Not only did I notice this, but so did
my newsletter editor
and folks on the cat Fanciers Health list.
I've done some searching and found the patent is held by UC Davis. I also
noticed info on the virus
and mention of vaccine becoming available from both Merial and Ft. Dodge. Would
you happen to
know which vaccine manufacturers are planning to release this? Or how I could
find out which ones
and roughly when it will be available? I'm assuming it hasn't yet been approved
by FDA. (and if so,
perhaps I shouldn't include specifics - but it would be nice to include a
mention of roughly when it
should come out, routes of administration, etc).
yes...several groups (Universities and Manufacturers) are looking for a
better, more immunogenic calicivirus vaccine. Merial has a product
licensed in the UK (contains 2 strains of calicivirus...is KILLED,
non-Adjuvanted...which is unique). I don't know who holds the patent on
the licensed product. I know UC=Davis is working on a vaccine, and
they've probably got a patent on their strains, but I don't believe the
one licensed in the UK actually belongs to UC-Davis.
We're doing some work here at NCSU on this using the UK vaccine. I
wouldn't say too much about this yet, as it's all still proprietary.
Stipulating who's doing what and who holds the patent may compromise
release of the product by USDA.
Do you recommend splitting the vaccinations up or giving them all at the same time?
Answer:I have found, in talking with veterinarians around the country, that reference to
“splitting” vaccines has 2 distinctly different meanings:
A) Giving full doses of selected vaccines (eg, D-A2-P) now, then a week (or so) later giving a
full dose of other vaccines appropriate to the
series (eg, Rabies-B. bronchiseptica); OR...
B) Administering a fractional (eg, half) dose of vaccine to a small breed dog or puppy.
The reason for doing so, in both cases, is an attempt to reduce the risk of adverse events
following administration of vaccine.
In fact, the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force has discussed both issues.
Regarding “A”...which I assume you are asking about...it is important to know that there is a RECOMMENDED minimum interval between vaccines of AT
LEAST 2 WEEKS...3 TO 4 WEEKS IS PREFERRED. REASON: release of cytokines
subsequent to the administration of the first 'dose' could, in fact, reduce the immunogenicity of the next round of vaccines, REGARDLESS of
antigen. Since the interfering substances are NOT antibody, this response
is not antigen-specific, ie, a D-A2-P vaccine given today could interfer
with the immune response to rabies vaccine administered 1 week later.
Regarding “B”...there's just no data (at all) to justify giving fractional
doses of vaccine to small dogs because their ‘small’. An
“infecting” dose
of vaccine is required in order to activate lymphocytes and produce a
humoral immune response (Antibody). Unless you follow-up with titers to
validate that the dose administered actually immunized the dog, this
practice is strongly recommended AGAINST.
When using non-adjuvanted vax in cats, do you still vax low on the leg?
Answer:It's been my observation that NOT all veterinarians even follow the
vaccination site recommendations that have been laid out today. It's
really your choice where you put it. REMEMBER...there is NO data that
clearly shows vaccine given “as low on the leg as feasible”...even
immunizes. While it probably does, the AAFP Vaccine Advisory Panel does
recommend placing Rabies and FeLV vaccines on the RIGHT Rear and LEFT
Rear, respectively...but they recommend giving the dose just below the stifle.
I saw your lecture at the NAVC and have become convinced it is time to totally rework my vaccine protocols. I am currently using mostly Fort Dodge products, allow we are using the VETJET FELV vaccine. Can you send me a comprehensive list of all vaccines available? Is it best to use recombinant vaccines wherever possible? We seem to have our fair share of ischemic necrosis with the Fort Dodge rabies, is there anecdotal evidence of a rabies with fewer reactions?
Answer:
I really don't keep a “list” of all the vaccines on the market (US)
today...that list includes over 150 individual products (by Trade Name).
The Bayer Compendium of Animal Products, however, is an excellent resource
for this information (you can search on this). Keep in mind, the market
is dynamic. New products are introduced each year and existing products
continue to undergo change.
You didn't indicate which Fort Dodge products you are using. I suggest
sticking to their Modified-Live virus vaccines for the CORE vaccines.
NOTE: I strongly recommmend AGAINST the use of their killed Feline
Panleuk, Herpesvirus + Calicivirus.
REASON: these are adjuvanted
vaccines. The association between adjuvanted vaccine and sarcoma formation
in cats has never been stronger!
On the Fort Dodge Rabies vaccine (RabVac), anecdotal reports (lots of
them) attribute the post-vaccinal vasculitis in dogs to this vaccine.
With all the Rabies vaccines on the market, I do recommend that you select
another product. RBF
When administering Dexamethasone with vaccinations (because of previous
rxns) can you still do the three year protocol?
First...if you're attempting to mitigate a reaction...administer Benadryl
20-30 minutes prior to administering vaccine.
Corticosteroids are really only indicated for patients that are having a
reaction...now.
But the answer to your question is...even a relatively high (single) dose
of dexamethasone is not likely to compromise the immune response. There
are no studies to address this, but immunologically speaking, it's quite
likely that steroids will NOT compromise a sustained (3-year +)antibody
response.
When an animal has ischemic vasculitis from vax, do you vaccinate that dog anymore?
Answer:Good question...there is NO solid answer for this question...but, if it were my dog...that dog wouldn't see another vaccine in its lifetime.
Question:One more question. I think I remember the answer from the seminar, but just wanted to see what your thoughts are concerning vaccines and socialization. The facility where we train will be starting a puppy class when our puppies are 9 wks. They prefer that puppies be 10 wks & have had 2 shots, but will waive it with vet approval. Our vet would prefer that they have had 2 shots before starting the class, but that will be difficult to do. I am inclined to give more importance to the benefits of the socialization as the next class will be after they are 4 months old, but we have waited a long time for this bitch puppy & would hate to do something careless and risk her health.
Answer:Based on all the studies available today...putting puppies together at 9 weeks of age with only one inoculation is risky. I really agree, and I'm certain that colleagues on the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force would agree completely...2 doses and 12 weeks should be the practical minimum to prevent infections associated with parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis. Remember...it only takes one infection to put a dark cloud over the whole class.
Question:I have (had) a beautiful 7 month old pure-bred English Mastiff with a confirmed
diagnosis of canine distemper. The breeder vaccinated her at 6 weeks without
continuing the required booster series. We did not get her until she was 5
months old. She had been playing, had lots of puppy energy, then suddenly she
lost her balance when walking, fell over to her right side and instantly became
paralyzed. Over the course of confusion with her symptoms and the statistical
fact that infectious disease are almost obsolete, distemper or any infectious
disease was not ever considered. After rushing her to a MD. Specialty Hospital
in the middle of the night, her condition was 100% confirmed and the staff and
Doctor's were shocked to say the least. This disease was contracted by means and
confirmed by 8 + specialty Veterinarians to have been contributed to her 6 week
vaccination given to her by her breeder and never, subsequently completing the
series! After 11 days at the best critical care hospital in the Country, and
after the process of beating the odds, going into the end of 3 weeks, she was
finally shedding the virus. The germ had attacked and her compromised immune
system fought the fight I have never been able to understand. My presence
constantly, my touch, my voice, everything I had to give her, was the primary
reason she survived. Every staff member commented, beyond their policy rules,
that the relationship, the way I was with her, the PT I did on her limbs, the
direct magic we had with each other, was a lifelong imprint they will never
forget. They had never seen such persistence; not obsessive persistence, but
nonetheless, both of ours' desire to live. I never wanted to forget a second and
learned extensively about the disease. I so disagree with so much of the
'scientific, data based interpretations of what this disease can do. I FELT it
in me too, as if a ping-pong ball were darting through every morsel of my
internal and external body. I know what it does to the Neurological system, even
more so than her incredible Neurologist. Scientific guesses were being made and
I literally TAUGHT the entire staff about the germs ability, the time it
attacked, (to the minute) detailed observation of the symptoms and how my loving
sweetie fought it. We ended up losing my sweetie to a secondary bacterial
infection.
We traveled over our State's borders, in to another, so two separate States have
interest. I know about this disease better than any Medical textbook, having
stayed with her in ICU for 11 days. I formed incredible loyalties and I was
given "special circumstance visiting rights....anytime I wanted, 24 hrs/day,
providing the ICU did not have an emergency. I did not leave. The Doctor's,
other than her Neurologist, literally needed to research the disease, having
never seen it before. The Hospital has never, in it's history of 28 years, had a
confirmed distemper case. A Spinal Cerebral Tap confirmed it. I have a wealth of
information, taking meticulous notes. Very meticulous observations.......I
literally witnessed the germ separately attack each individual retina, how long
it attacked, exactly what occurred, etc. I love my little girl more than I can
explain. I would just like to know if this disease needs to be 'reported,' and
to whom and what I, as her owner, should do. I have lab results and extremely
detailed notes, reference, vitals, more than the Doctor's. Can you point me in
the right direction or get in contact with me please?
Thanks for sharing your story about the battle you've had with canine
distemper. Although it's a rare disease today as seen in private
veterinary practices, the virus is very much alive and capable of causing
very serious disease in dogs.
To answer your question...canine distemper is, however, still quite
prevalent in the US...especially in Animal Shelters and among dogs living
in low-income communities (where vaccination is seldom accomplished). As
such, this is NOT a reportable disease. Some facilities see 20 cases a
week, particularly in the Spring and Summer.
I'm sorry to hear about the outcome. Tragically, this is all too often
the outcome in dogs that do not get a final distemper vaccine by 15 to 16
weeks of age.
In regards to kittens in what I call a gray area of 16-24 weeks, would you recommend one vaccination or two? Remember that all of our kittens are fostered in private homes and their only risk is what ever they may have been exposed to during their time in the shelter.
Answer:For the “gray area” of 16 to 24 weeks...the task force is recommending 2 doses 3 to 4 weeks apart. This is becoming a universal recommendation now, although in the strict immunologic sense...one dose would suffice... probably. Two doses is the precautionary recommendation.