When it comes to vaccinating your dog there seems to be a lot conflicting views in the world of veterinary medicine. Having been to quite a few vets over the years with our dogs I have noticed that some seem to push vaccines more than others. When I’ve asked about a titer test to keep from over vaccinating some vets have dismissed it immediately without even discussing it.
Is it money or concern for our pets? It’s hard to answer, but I do know more and more articles are coming out about the dangers of over vaccinating.
So, it was with interest I read an email that was sent to me stating there was a new protocol being accepted among vets based on Dr. Jean Dodds’ research. I searched on the internet to see what I could find, it turns out while Dr. Dodd does have her own belief about vaccinations she has nothing to do with the email that’s been sent around claiming the change of protocol. On ItsForTheAnimals.com you can read her full response.
Dr. Dodds’ article on vaccinations is very interesting and does provide important information that every pet owner should read. After that, it’s up to you to decide how to proceed.
CHANGING VACCINE PROTOCOLS
The challenge to produce effective and safe vaccines for the prevalent infectious diseases of humans and animals has become increasingly difficult. In veterinary medicine, evidence implicating vaccines in triggering immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis) is compelling. While some of these problems have been traced to contaminated or poorly attenuated batches of vaccine that revert to virulence, others apparently reflect the host’s genetic predisposition to react adversely upon receiving the single (monovalent) or multiple antigen “combo” (polyvalent) products given routinely to animals. Animals of certain susceptible breeds or families appear to be at increased risk for severe and lingering adverse reactions to vaccines.
The onset of adverse reactions to conventional vaccinations (or other inciting drugs, chemicals, or infectious agents) can be an immediate hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction, or can occur acutely (24-48 hours afterwards), or later on (10-45 days) in a delayed type immune response often caused by immune-complex formation. Typical signs of adverse immune reactions include fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, central and peripheral nervous system disorders or inflammation, collapse with autoagglutinated red blood cells and jaundice, or generalized pinpoint hemorrhages or bruises. Liver enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may accompany bone marrow suppression. Furthermore, recent vaccination of genetically susceptible breeds has been associated with transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs, as well as a variety of autoimmune diseases including those affecting the blood, endocrine organs, joints, skin and mucosa, central nervous system, eyes, muscles, liver, kidneys, and bowel. It is postulated that an underlying genetic predisposition to these conditions places other littermates and close relatives at increased risk. Vaccination of pet and research dogs with polyvalent vaccines containing rabies virus or rabies vaccine alone was recently shown to induce production of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, a provocative and important finding with implications for the subsequent development of hypothyroidism (Scott-Moncrieff et al, 2002).
Vaccination also can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even healthy host that is repeatedly challenged with other environmental stimuli and is genetically predisposed to react adversely upon viral exposure. The recently weaned young puppy or kitten entering a new environment is at greater risk here, as its relatively immature immune system can be temporarily or more permanently harmed. Consequences in later life may be the increased susceptibility to chronic debilitating diseases.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
The article is rather long, but I suggest taking a few minutes to go read the rest at ItsForTheAnimals. If you’ve been questioning your vet about over vaccinating this is a great article to print out and bring with you on your next visit.
