Subject: New Vaccination Protocol adopted by Vet schools

 

>Dr. Jean Dodds protocol is now being adopted by ALL 27 North American

>veterinary schools. I highly recommend that you read this.  Copy and save

>it to your files. Print it and pass it out at dog fairs, cat shows, kennel

>club meetings, dog parks, give a copy to your veterinarian and groomer,

>etc., etc. Get the word out. ~~~~

>

>            Vaccination NEWSFLASH

>

>            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

>

>produces 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 8-14 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.

>

>

>            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 as

>

>            CAV-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 vaccine and must be

>given every year.

>

>            Lyme disease is a tick born disease which can cause lameness,

>kidney failure and heart disease in dogs. 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 mouth parts 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 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS

>

>            Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal

>cancer related in inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines . This

>cancer is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines with

>aluminum adjuvant, an ingredient included to stimulate the immune system,

>have been implicated as a higher risk. We now recommend a non-adjuvanted

>rabies vaccine for cats . Testing by Dr. Macy, Colorado State, has shown

>this vaccine to have the lowest tissue reaction and although there is no

>guarantee that a vaccine induced sarcoma will not develop, the risk will be

>much lower than with other vaccines.

>

>            Program injectable 6 mo flea prevention for cats has been shown

>to be very tissue reactive & therefore has the potential of inducing an

>injection site fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the site of a

>vaccination, we recommend that it be removed ASAP, within 3-12 weeks.

>

>            Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine

>

>            This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals

>most at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and

>cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to

>potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats should

>be tested prior to vaccination. Cats over one year of age are naturally

>immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or not, so annual vaccination

>of adult cats is NOT necessary. The incubation period of Feline leukemia

>can be over 3 years, so if your cat is in the incubation state of the

>disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease.

>Feline Panleukopenia Virus

>

>            Vaccine.

>

>            Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly

>viral disease of kittens. It's extremely hardy and is resistant to extremes

>in temperature and to most available disinfectants.

>

>            Although an effective treatment protocol is available, it is

>expensive to treat because of the serious nature of the disease and the

>continued presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is  highly

>recommended for all kittens . Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older with

>either killed or MLV vaccine will produce an immunity good for life. Adult

>cats do NOT need this vaccine.

>

>            Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus Vaccine.

>

>            Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory

>tract diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize

>the severity of upper respiratory infections, although none will prevent

>disease in all situations .. Intranasal vaccines are more effective at

>preventing the disease entirely. Don't worry about normal sneezing for a

>couple of days. Because intranasal vaccines produce an immunity of shorter

>durations, annual vaccination is recommended.

>

>

>            VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED

>            Chlamydia or pneumonitis.

>

>            The vaccine produces on a short (2 month) duration of immunity

>and  accounts for less than 5% of upper respiratory infections in cats. The

>risks outweigh the benefits.

>

>            Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

>

>            A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become

>infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled for use

>at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.

>

>            Bordetella

>

>            A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr.

>Wolfe of Texas A&M says that bordetella is a normal flora and does not

>cause disease in adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that a

>review of the Colorado State medical records reveals not one case diagnosed

>in 10 years.

>

>

>            NEW DEVELOPMENTS

>

>            Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in

>North America, 30% or more of all dogs & cats are infected with giardia. It

>has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit giardia to  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 pricing 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 newvaccine 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 Feline Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated

>or not. Imagine the money you will save, not to mention fewer 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 and 4 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.

>

>

>            CATS Initial kitten series

>

>            1. Distemper [PLP], Rhino Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Vaccine

>- 3 sets given one month apart concluding at 16 weeks.

>

>            2. Rabies at 16 weeks

>            First Annual [usually at 1 year and 4 months of age]

>            1. Distemper (PLP), Rhino Calicivirus, Rabies

>            2 years or older

>            1. Rabies within the last year

>            2. Rhino Calicivirus within last year

>

>            3. Distemper and FelV given anytime after 6 months of age, but

>not necessarily with the last year.

>

>            Recommended: Physical exam, FeLV/FIV testing, fecal exam for

>giardia.