Overvaccination

[yougetthesmiles]

After my little dilema this evening with Lillie having excessive diareah, I got to searching this vaccine about Lepto and I came across a VERY interesting article. Please read this for yourself and let me know what you think!

Overvaccination


We have always been told to bring our pets in every year for their booster shots. But did you know there is absolutely no scientific proof of the need for annual revaccination? It's true - and it's written right inside the textbook that every Veterinary College uses!

Originally, it is presumed, vets used the excuse of yearly shots as a way to get people to bring their pets in for a checkup (which is important). Then they, and the vaccine manufacturers, realized how profitable revaccination was. You've seen the bill - you know how much they make! But you don't have to get those shots every year. In fact, the only legally required vaccine is Rabies, simply because it is a risk to human health. And that shot only needs to be given every three years.

So why do the other vaccines "have to" be given more frequently than Rabies? Well, they don't! Still, a lot of vets insist that your pet needs it's shots each year, or even more often than that. But how do yearly shots even make sense? You don't go to the doctor every year for a measles booster do you? Of course not. You had all your childhood shots, and now you're covered. Your immunity is believed to last a lifetime. So why are our pets so different? Well, they aren't. After the initial puppy and kitten shots, they should also be covered for years to come.



Effectiveness


Although overvaccination is the major issue, there are a few other things that must be pointed out. Vaccines are not 100% guaranteed. They can and do fail to provide immunity. Some actually cause the disease they were supposed to protect against, or side effects that are worse than the disease itself.

Most vets give a 5 in 1 shot. That's five diseases being injected into your dog's body for the immune system to deal with. Side effects are so common, they've even named it - vaccinosis. Not that it means much to most conventional veterinarians. They've been so "brainwashed" that they truely believe vaccinating is more important than any side effects. So your cat might develop cancer (which is a common result in felines), but she probably won't come down with the disease you vaccinated against.



Now, I'm going to briefly outline what I have learned about vaccines. I won't get technical, or try to explain how vaccines work. My point is to get you thinking, and hopefully discontinue yearly shots on your pet. Most of my research has been on dogs, so I'm sorry if some of the information isn't relevant to cats. It should still be useful to you, if only to encourage you to do more research.



Diseases


Distemper is highly contagious, and although somewhat rare, it still pops up from time to time. There is about a 50/50 chance of survival from the disease, and those who make it may be left with permanent damage.

Parvovirus is a newer disease, even more deadly than distemper. Many of those affected die, however I do know of dogs who have recovered easily and completely. The survival rate seems to depend upon the method of treatment, with holistic practitioners having the greatest success. Regarding the vaccine, certain breeds, especially Rottweilers and imported dogs, appear to be more sensitive to it.

Distemper and Parvo are both serious diseases that are worth vaccinating against, but remember - not every year.

On the other hand, Kennel Cough is very mild and usually goes away all by itself. It's just not worth vaccinating against when you take into account that very often, the vaccine causes the dog to develop the disease. Just like people with the flu shot.

The Leptospirosis vaccine is the most common culprit of causing adverse reactions. Plus, it's very ineffective. The vaccine only protects against a couple of the many strains of the bacteria. And although it is around, it's relatively rare. Many of the more informed vets have stopped giving Lepto shots for these reasons.

There is now a vaccine available for Lyme disease. However, a good number of vets refuse to use it. The vaccine causes many side effects. Vets state that it's actually easier treating the disease itself. Also, there's no reason to have your pet vaccinated for Lyme unless you live in a tick infested area. But dogs who live in these areas often have a natural immunity, which is stronger, so giving the vaccine is pointless.

Corona produces symptoms somewhat like mild Parvo, however most dogs recover quickly, with little treatment. The vaccine has never been proven effective. Very few Veterinary Colleges (which lead the way in medical research) use the vaccine.

Hepatitis causes a variety of symptoms, no doubt depending on the strength of the affected dog's immune system. It can be fatal. Most vets still vaccinate against this disease, even though it is all but extinct.



Vaccine Schedules


A commendable practice I have read about is that some vets now discourage giving any vaccinations to dogs over 7 years old. At that age, most dogs are considered seniors. Their immune systems and internal organs are weakening and they are less tolerant of the vaccines. And if they have previously been receiving annual shots, well, they should certainly be immune by now! Unfortunately, the damage is usually done by then. Side effects often get worse with each unnecessary vaccine given.

And that brings up yet another point. It says right on the vaccine label not to use in sick or weak animals. The ironic thing is, if the animal was truely healthy, it could fight off the disease all by itself! If you have an ill pet, do not allow it to be vaccinated. Remind the doctor what the label says. If they will only accept your business if your pet is vaccinated according to their wishes, you are better off going elsewhere. Sickness can mean a pet with allergies, an infection, digestive upset, etc. It certainly refers to animals with cancer, epilepsy, or autoimmune disorders. Weakness refers to animals that are very young, too thin, or those that have recently undergone anesthesia. By no means should you allow your pet to be vaccinated while under anesthesia! Vets have been known to do this. If your pet is "overdue" for shots and is going to be put under, make it clear to the doctor that your pet is not to be vaccinated during this visit. As for the Rabies vaccine, it may be tricky to avoid, but if your pet is seriously ill, it is possible, as long as your vet is willing to work with you.

There is always the option of running a titer test. These measure the level of your pet's immunity to a specific disease. Most people who do this find that their pet has remained immune and never needed booster shots. Others have discovered immunity to one disease has worn off, but others remain. This allows them to vaccinate against only what is necessary. If you can find a vet willing to run titer tests, it is recommended for proof of your pet's immunity, and your piece of mind.

It must be mentioned that each animal can only develop a certain level of immunity to a disease. If that animal has reached full immunity, a booster shot "just in case" will have no effect whatsoever. It boosts nothing. It only serves to stress the animal's system.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has set a new schedule for vaccinations. Basically, it calls for the usual series of puppy shots, a booster at one year of age, then every three years after that. This protocol is for all conventional vets to follow. Change is hard, and this is a controversial issue. Eliminating yearly shots can make uninformed pet owners think badly of such vets, so many are reluctant to do so. However, if yours is still encouraging the practice of yearly shots, speak up. Make sure they've been informed of the latest research. If they still insist on the old routine, find yourself a more enlightened professional. Your pet will be healthier for it.




There is currently a lot of study going into the use of vaccines, and there is no reason your vet should be behind the times in their knowledge. All good doctors keep up to date with medical news. Veterinarians are no different.

[Lila]

I lost a dearly beloved Beagle in 2002, due to a reaction to a rabies shot. The ironic part is that I had stopped giving her any other vaccinations, as I do not believe in yearly shots.
I give the full puppy shots and then boosters at one year. From then on, my dogs receive a rabies shot every three years. I rarely give the others again. I also give the ponies rabies and tetnus only now; they are fairly isolated and very, very healthy. I did give the new foal Vitamin K & Selenium shots but that is it until she is weaned, at which time she will receive the Tetnus.
Kia has a needle-phobia, so it is just as well she rarely receives one. However, it was rather funny the first time I went for bloodwork; she saw the technician approaching with the syringes, and she was 'outta there'. She has learned since that I am the one getting stuck, but she is still suspicious!

[chloeandj]

I have read lots of info like this before. We definately don't get the lepto here and I am very nervous about the rabies.

My last maltese had a severe reaction to her shots and since we didn't know which one it was the vet and I decided not to give her any more, especially since she was an inside dog. It was never a problem, she lived to be 14.

[baby03]

We don't get the lepto here either and I don't relish getting them the rabies vaccinations!!!

[RRRJeep861]

I'm so glad you posted this, I was never comfortable getting all those shots for our pets, but I felt like a irresponsible owner if I didn't do it. Every time that reminder card arrives to come in for their shots I cringe. I will always believe my cat developed cancer from those shots. When I was young my parents never took our animals to the vet and our dogs were never ill. Nowadays I see animals with diabetes, cancer, thyroid problems etc. etc. at a rate that I never saw when I was young. I'm not going to be so quick to run off to the vet anymore, and I bet I'm going to get an "look" for the vet when I tell them no.

[Oscar's Mummy]

Great thread - very informative!

It makes perfect sense - the immune system does not "forget", so it makes sense that you would not need to repeat their vaccines yearly. After their one year booster, you would think their immune system would be... well, immune. BOTH Oscar's and Ruthie's breeders strictly stated - NO Lepto and NO Corona virus vaccines and no Rabies vaccine until they are at least 6 mths of age.

[Pipersmommy]

Piper got her rabies at an early age do to shipping. 13 weeks instaed of 16 week. Now my Vet wants to repeat them, said she was too young to receive them. Makes me wonder?

[Oscar's Mummy]

Originally Posted by Pipersmommy

Piper got her rabies at an early age do to shipping. 13 weeks instaed of 16 week. Now my Vet wants to repeat them, said she was too young to receive them. Makes me wonder?

The reason puppies receive a series of 3 vaccines spread out in the first 4 mths of their life is because the vaccine only takes the first time in like 5% of dogs, the percentage goes up with the second vaccine, but not by much and then by the third vaccine they should be immune. Maybe this has to do with their young immune systems and your vet feels that she couldn't have developed immunity from a rabies shot that early? As a precaution, you may want to go ahead with it, BUT wait until the puppy is 6mths old and maybe ask for the 3year rabies vaccine (the vet then gives you a certificate stating that they've had this vaccine and they don't have to repeat it for 3 years).

[JeanieK]

Before I got Ollie and Chachi, I never got my dogs vaccinated, after their original series of puppy shots, and none of them ever caught anything. The reason I did with Ollie and Chachi is because I want to breed them and thought that it was important. Now after reading that I will reconsider.

However, don't most cities require a rabies vacine in order to licnese the dog. and you have to get a new license every year, which means shots every year.

I also have never licensed a dog, becase they never had their shots.

[Oscar's Mummy]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

Before I got Ollie and Chachi, I never got my dogs vaccinated, after their original series of puppy shots, and none of them ever caught anything. The reason I did with Ollie and Chachi is because I want to breed them and thought that it was important. Now after reading that I will reconsider.

However, don't most cities require a rabies vacine in order to licnese the dog. and you have to get a new license every year, which means shots every year.

I also have never licensed a dog, becase they never had their shots.

Do you microchip your dogs? If they are microchipped, the dog license is supposed to be good for life I think?

[Pipersmommy]

Misha came micro chipped. Will probably get Pipers soon. Haven't heard their licence doesn't have to be renewed if this is done. Piper goes in Wed for her shots.

[MinMuf1]

I often wondered how/why in most recent times, my required Vet visits went from every three years to annual. HECK, I even have experienced some Vets that only offer annual rabies shot in lieu of the three year. Go figure...

And, to further add to the point made by yougetthesmiles... Check out what I found at the The American Veterinary Medical Association sight:

Q:
How often should my pet be vaccinated?

A:
Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccination schedule to suit your pet's needs. For many years, a set of annual vaccinations was considered normal and necessary for dogs and cats. Veterinarians have since learned more about diseases and pets' immune systems, and there is increasing evidence that immunity triggered by some vaccines provides protection beyond one year. The immunity triggered by other vaccines may fail to protect for a full year. More than one successful vaccination schedule is possible. Talk with your veterinarian about what is best for your pet.

So, don't be afraid to ask questions about or even refuse those shots schedules!!!

http://www.avma.org/issues/vaccination/default.asp
http://www.avma.org/communications/b...n_brochure.asp

[Oscar's Mummy]

Originally Posted by Pipersmommy

Misha came micro chipped. Will probably get Pipers soon. Haven't heard their licence doesn't have to be renewed if this is done. Piper goes in Wed for her shots.

Maybe their license still needs to be renewed, but you just don't have to pay for it every year. I know my vet said that if they're microchipped you only have to pay for the license once instead of yearly.

[BLowry]

I often wondered about overvaccination also. My Mom read in the Dog Journal that dogs (and cats) don't need to keep repeating vaccinations. Just like you said...get a booster once a year. Humans don't get vacs every year. I was also concerned about Lepto. My vet does not give this shot. I am getting another new furbaby (YAYYY!) on saturday. She will be going in for her puppy check. I am going to discuss repeat vacs with my vet...I don't believe they need so many either...just what is necessary.

[toby&max]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

Before I got Ollie and Chachi, I never got my dogs vaccinated, after their original series of puppy shots, and none of them ever caught anything. The reason I did with Ollie and Chachi is because I want to breed them and thought that it was important. Now after reading that I will reconsider.

However, don't most cities require a rabies vacine in order to licnese the dog. and you have to get a new license every year, which means shots every year.

I also have never licensed a dog, becase they never had their shots.

In my city you do have to have a rabies certificate to license your dog, but you don't have to have your dog re-vaccinated for rabies every year, only when the certificate expires, which is every three years after the 1 year booster. The city does not require any other vaccinations besides rabies to license a dog.

I keep my dogs licensed with the city I live in after I heard about a woman's yorkie being given away to someone else, even though she had called the SPCA to claim her lost dog. Even though the dog was still at the SPCA when she went to pick her baby up, the city told her her dog had already been adopted out. Legally, this held because the dog was not licensed. Apparently the hold time for a dog picked up by the pound is much less if the dog is not licensed. I don't take any chances after hearing this, and license my dogs (they are also microchiped).