[LuvMySissy]

Hi all-
Sissy was due to her 3-year rabies vaccine as well as her distemper/lepto and bordatella. I made the appointment with the vet intending to get a titer test done.

First, let me say that I really like our vet. She is always up-to-date on information and is very cautious with vaccines, especially with small dogs. Anyway, when I asked about the titer test, she told me they are not tremendously accurate and they do not suffice as proof of vaccinations for licensing your dog.

She did tell me, however, that although the government dictates the minimum amount of the rabies vaccine regardless of the size of the dog, that doesn't mean she has to give it all. So, we did do the rabies vaccine in a very small amount, which will still be her three year vaccine.

She also discussed in great detail the new findings with reactions to vaccines and that the newest study that was just completed has confirmed that reactions are much more likely to occur due to inflammation of the injection site, usually due to using small needles which require more force to administer. There is a pre-treatment available to reduce the possibility of inflammation from vaccines.

For you fellow Michiganders, I was under the impression that we are not an area prevalent for Lepto and she told me we have 6 different very active strains of Lepto and it is extremely important for our pups (especially if we have play dates) to get this yearly. She did say that the distemper portion of the vaccine only needs to be given every three years. So, Sissy will get a Lepto vaccine next month with the inflammation pre-treatment.

Hope this information is helpful to you all.....