Shot day
 

Zhoie girl got her rabies shot today. Vet said she needed a distemper too.
However, I opted to just do rabies and had him draw blood for titers. I made my point very clear....I'm not over vaccinating. Once titers are back, if she needs something, so be it. I feel it the right decision for us and we will know Thursday if another vac is needed or not.

Good for you for being her advocate.:)

I second that! Good for you!:)

Good for you!!!

Great choice, and from my understanding you shouldn't give any other shots with the rabies shot anyway. Joey had his first set of titers this year and it showed he was good to go! I wish I had a better understanding of the rabies shot, and if that is really necesary.

Nancy I think we are stuck If law requires rabies. I know I have to look into this soon, as upcoming annuals are due for the pups.

For Magic six yrs old in March - I just want to titer and never do another rabies again.

I've separated shots in the past. But I have to accumulate the data to show my vet.

Sigh.

YAY!! :thumbup: :D

I asked my vet about this and he said some people just tell the licensing board their dog passed away. I was a little shocked at this and didn't know how to reply. I don't want to lie, unless I'm really sure it the absolute best thing for my dogs health, and even then, I'd have a terrible time doing that. Joey does go outside, and things like bats can still carry the disease. A study in France said that the shot can last 7 years instead of three.

Way to go! Very good Yorkie Mommie!


Rabies vaccines are necessary and required by each state because Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease if left untreated, or not treated soon enough, meaning it is a threat to humans also. Most adult dogs who have been vaccinated against Rabies more than likely have developed a lifetime immunity, and continued vaccinatiions do nothing to add to this immunity. But until this is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, the laws will remain the same.
Laws vary by state, I believe some may be accepting titers on Rabies, but you would have to check. Also, medical exceptions can be granted to pets due to age or illness where vaccinating would be a threat to their health, determined by your vet.

Thank you great information, I think I might ask about the titers for this next time.

EXCELLENT!!! I have been advocating this for YEARS...people thought I was crazy! LETS HEAR IT FOR "PARENTS" THAT ARE BOLD ADVOCATES FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND RESEARCH SHOWS! Good for you!!!! Even better for your babies!!!

I bet her distemper titer will be just fine. :)

Most anybody who has seen what happens to animals when they haven't been vaccinated and bite or get bitten or scratched while unattended or have any neuro symptoms at all usually choose to comply with the law. It isn't worth it to fight the system unless your pup is medically exempt. There are side effects, but most vets will tell you that they are rare.

Canine Vaccination Guidelines

The duration of immunity for vaccines for diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus have been shown to be 7 years. More importantly it has been scientifically proven that, after the initial series, when vaccines are re-administered the immune status of the patient is not enhanced. Antibodies from the initial vaccine block the subsequent vaccines from having any effect. Although the true interval at which re-administration of Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and Para influenza vaccinations will enhance the immunity in a significant number of dogs has not been determined, an arbitrary compromise interval of every three years has been agreed upon by the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and 22 Schools of Veterinary Medicine. It is the consensus of immunologists and experts that the duration of immunity is much longer and probably the life of the patient. This three-year compromise interval will greatly reduce the number of antigens administered, and therefore the risk of adverse reactions, while providing the most complete protection against preventable diseases possible.

These are the recommendations of Bob Rogers DVM based on
Peer Reviewed Journal Publications (References)
The American Association of Feline Practitioners
The American Veterinary Medical Association
Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents
Texas A&M University
Colorado State University
Cornell University
The American Animal Hospital Association

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recently issued its 2011 Canine Vaccination Guidelines. The 2003 report, revised in 2006 and 2007, caused quite a stir. Many veterinarians and pet parents didn’t trust the findings –and still don’t – even though the report was backed by scientific studies and written by 14 well-respected experts. Change can be scary.The report’s recommendation to eliminate or limit many unnecessary and/or dangerous vaccines, and to give the important “core vaccines” no more often than every three years (NOT annually!), was and is unpalatable to many practices. It could represent a huge drop in income.Though veterinary organizations and every North American vet school changed their vaccination protocols to accommodate the report’s findings, most clinics continue to over-vaccinate. Pet guardians still overpay for shots their pets don’t need and too many pets (and pocketbooks) suffer from the subsequent vaccine reactions. The AAHA report contains good information and acts as a resource for pet guardians wanting to stand up to vets pushing shots their pets don’t really need.

Good, I feel much better doing the titers. I'm anxious to hear what the results are. I will be sure to let you all know. :thumbup:

Just keep in mind....

A dog can have immunity (humoral/antibody ability), but have a negative titer.

A dog can have a positive titer, and NOT have humoral immunity (meaning, they only have cell-mediated immunity).

Titers aren't a definitive answer...altho they can be helpful.

This explains it so much better: http://www.vet.bc.ca/site/view/54231_Titers.pml