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Originally Posted by 107barney  The older vaccine for lepto only covered two of strains of bacteria. The newer vaccines from both pfizer and fort dodge/wyeth cover 4 strains. Two of the four strains now covered are those emerging in dogs in the United States currently. The older vaccine had a higher incidence of reactions but newer technology makes a cleaner vaccine so I'm finding info that says about 1% of dogs have reactions. The vets here all routinely administer the 4-strain vaccines. If your dog has had the DHLPP vaccine, the lepto portion in these combos is usually the 4-strain vaccine.
Even if Barney had been vaccinated, which he hasn't been in quite a few years, we would have to do this blood test anyway since there are other strains of the bacteria that also could cause disease. |
Cathy, I'm keeping you and Barney in my thoughts and prayers.
I've been reading that there are at least 6 strains of bacteria and that even the latest vaccines may not be good for more than 6 - 8 months.
Such a tough call whether to vaccinate or not. When I discussed it with my vet last year, he said he was more than willing to hold the vaccine and that he only pushes it for outdoor dogs, mainly working dogs who are consistently in the fields and woods. I understand the many means of transmission of Lepto and that everyone here is exposed to one carrier or another. I'll be grappling with this when we go for our annuals this spring.
Praying for good news about Barney, and I send *big hugs* to your little guy too.
