Lepto vaccine question
 

what are your thoughts on the 5 in one lepto vs breaking out the series ?

I'm hesitant to do the combo but it's cheaper in my area. I remember having a brief conversation that there's thought that some of the combo vaccines have caused neuro issues in some breeds. Given my Troy had an unexpected no congenital no genetic neuro disorder that led to his death I'm hestitant.

I choose not to give my boys the Lepto vaccination. The current vaccination covers something like 4 - 5 strains, and there are something like over 200 strains of Lepto out there.

Lepto is a scary threat, more so in some areas, but weighing the risks of the vaccination with exposure and coverage, I opted against it.

Our vet has the DHHP without the Lepto or Corona. I've never inquired if one costs more than the other.

Meant to add -- seems kind of odd that one would cost more than the other.

Sorry for the multiple posts -- or do you mean costs less than to separate the Lepto vacc from the others?

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Totally agree...my vet does not offer it in this area....Lepto vaccine is more of a risk, providing very narrow protection, and the disease is not prevalent in this area, so my vet does not give it automatically like some vets do....my old vet used to give it, and would not breqk it out, but that is because of the company he bought his injections from and he would not make adjustments because of HIS profit margin....he also started giving the nasal bordetella dose, and after making 3-5 of my dogs sick from THAT live nasal vaccine, I changed vets.

Since my Yorkies have always been on the smaller side, and are pee pad trained, and rarely exposed to other dogs, my vet chooses not to use the Lepto vaccine. He feels it's not worth the risk. Hope that helps.

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This speaks volumes about that injection....being a vet that would choose to avoid giving an injection, that he could be charging you for and making MORE money, this speaks volumes about that shot and it is a feeling that is shared by many, many reputable vets!

Kristen the combo cost less bc it's offered at the vaccine clinic . That's the only thing that's oustanding for Emma. The vet we have wouldn't board her without it over the holidays but I'm not totally sold she needs it nor did I want to pay my vet $200 where the clinic charged $69.

We are going to a new vet next week who has a smaller practice and seems to listen to my preferences and concerns.

Eeek, $200! I would definitely balk at that. Sounds like your area has D.C. vet type prices. We are not super cheap down here in our area, but a lot more reasonable than the big city.

I don't do the lepto vaccine. I don't like vets that push non core vaccines, and I think my dogs are at low risk for the disease being mostly indoor. If they were outside hiking in damp woods or streams, I would consider it. You should know that the vaccine doesn't cover all the strains of the disease.

Jackson had a horrid reaction at his first vet appt at 12 weeks old so he can never get it ever again. At our new vet, when I mentioned it, she was like "ohhh that lepto vaccine!" and said she sees a LOT of reactions, moreso with small dogs. It's definitely one of those you have to weigh the reward vs. the risk. In majority of cases, I see lepto as unnecessary.

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I just pulled our records from Ga and our vet waived it. Yes my vet here is pushing things I not need that's why I'm trying someone new.

Teddy had the combo following my query regarding info I had from this site. Basically, the vet said that the info was erroneous as it was out of date. For example, there were reactions following the combo vaccine 10+ years ago but the vaccine was amended due to this, additionally; the reason that Lepto is low risk is because we vaccinate against it.

To confirm, Teddy did not have any adverse reactions.

I see that you have opted out but thought I'd add my take on it since it is different than the majority which may be due to my location, vet education, vaccine branding, opinion etc.

I just declined this vaccine on my own dog. Actually, it wasn't offered because I went in saying I wanted DHPP no lepto. I decide what my dogs get, not them.

Also, I'm still not buying into the justification for giving it and see it mostly as a money maker for vets for giving it to small mostly indoor dogs.

Fair enough, for you and your situation.

However, my lifestyle is relatively active as we take Teddy through woodlands, parks, fields etc. Therefore, professional recommendations vary with each situation as would be expected for vets and other medical professionals who give advice according to medical ethics.

A blanket approach is never a good idea since we all live in different conditions. I would hope that if the vet disagreed with you, they would say instead of let you dictate treatment unless you have the relevant qualifications. Although, I do agree that we should question everything since that is how we learn.

When it comes to my money, you bet I dictate treatment. I'm paying for services that I need and declining those I don't need for my dogs. It's an approach that has worked for me for 15.5 years of owning my dogs. As my dogs celebrated 15th birthdays this year, I smiled knowing that these kinds of actions and decisions have led to their longevity. It certainly wasn't their puppy mill breeding. I don't think I have a blanket approach to anything -- I'm just not a sheep following along with everything people tell me (or charge me for). I have little tolerance for arrogant professionals who don't respect what I have to say about my dogs. I don't need a vet degree to understand what is being offered and to make a choice and I would not deal with a vet who judged me on my "qualifications." I happen to be very thoughtful about all decisions I make, and believe my conclusions are correct when it comes to my dogs. I offered my opinion and factual information about this vaccine and as of today stand by it....no matter what your vet who I don't know across the pond has to say about it. But I respectfully understand you have a different view and if you think your dog needs this vaccine then go for it. I disagree with the Lyme vaccine too and many here give it. Ditto for annual distemper vaccines. Some want to do Lyme tests every six months here too (when standard of care is to only treat for symptoms and not just a positive test). So my cynicism is justified. There are many vets with policies intended only to increase revenues. It's hard to wade through the waters.

Again, fair enough for you and yours!

And, I don't have a view at all, I just shared my experiences based on advice that was provided to me by my vet for my circumstances which I would urge all to do in order to make informed decisions.

Even though Cricket weighs 8 lbs, Because of her liver issues, my vet didn't want to risk giving it to her. My regular vet died suddenly at the end of October, and so my new vet, (that's in the same building). I had to tell her that Cricket doesn't get that vaccine. But there was no question or issue with it. My parents have two other dogs one of them being a Bassett hound, that Cricket is around and that Bassett gets the vaccine.

I am pro-vaccine (anti over-vaccination) so take a middle road approach. I understand what your vet is saying however lepto is NOT a core vaccine for a reason. And like you said it IS often dependent on area. Fwiw, Jax is very outdoorsy and has often swam in bodies of water, laid in puddles, and gone hiking etc. That reaction he had was horrible -- enough for me to clearly say never again. He also hasn't had vaccines, except rabies every 3 years per the law, since his 1 year old shots (DHPP). He's now 7 1/2. I'm going to booster the distemper vaccine by itself this year though as his titer was on the low side for that (even though titers are another discussion as well lol).

Jackson had a horrible reaction 7 years ago (not 10+) and my current vet STILL sees a lot of reactions with little dogs (way more than bigger dogs).

We opt out of both Lyme and Lepto here because of all the previously posted. I think a lot of vets push unnecessary vaccinations and it's essential to be an informed pet parent.

When we got our dog as a puppy, he is three now, our breeder warned us to never get this vaccine. She said a few of her other clients gave it to their puppies and they died. So, unless you feel it is absolutely necessary, I would avoid this vaccine.

All the best with whatever decision you make.

I'm the same as you, pro-vaccine and anti-over vaccination. As a result, I opted to not get Teddy's annual booster for parvo, hepatitis and distemper since I have read that science suspects life long immunity but can't prove it so recommend 3 year vaccinations instead. Rabies isn't a problem here in England. Also, they do roll lepto in the core vaccinations, as standard. Seems totally unnecessary since lepto is area specific.

I have looked into titers and those are virtually useless after puppy hood so I don't know what the right answer is apart from I don't believe all vets are ONLY after money. Science is shaky for animals and humans so we do our best.

I was told by my vet the common way they get it is drinking puddles that wildlife has urinated in, this doesn't seem to be something Ella is exposed to. My vet said she is always very cautious with vax but esp lepto vax in small dogs.