I had to see Dr Jack's partner today, as he is off again on course I believe until the end of the month.
So after much discussion, including me bringing in research and the AVMA vaccination guidelines; the vet agreed to titer for Distemper and Parvo, and I reluctantly agreed to the Lepto. Which is a newer vaccine and protects against 4 out of the 5 serovars. Pfizer makes it. She also indicated well if your dog did not have an adverse reaction before, then it shouldn't now. Well I said - this large scale study actually said that is not necessarily so. IN fact the risk of vaccinosis goes up with each repetitive vaccination. And Lepto has been notorious for adverse reactions in small breed dogs. I felt we had to do it, cause of hiking, and our favourite past time of swimming. Plus I am immuno compromised myself, and this is a zoonotic disease.
I just wanted to share, that it can be very difficult for new pet owners to stand their ground, especially if the vet is Poohooing, the research.
I suppose we are going to have another quiet "battle" when I bring in Magic- who is now entering in his senior years, as I don't want to give him another "booster" or rabies shot unless absolutely necessary.
Here in Ontario the only shot mandatory is the Rabies, and we can "get" away with every 3 years.
And then of course we talked about Zoey, my girl who is dying of cancer. At least there was no argument there, no more shots, no more heartworm preventative.
I feel rung out
