Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie (Post 3966920)

Darn it! So no progress since then? It was the DHPP Rosie had a reaction to. I was hoping to not do it. :(

Originally Posted by bamawife (Post 3966607)

Vaccinations: All Veterinary Schools in North America Changing Vaccination Protocols
The following is taken from the April/May Newsletter of the Senior Dogs Project

Recent editions of the Senior Dogs Project's newsletter have reported on the ever-broadening trend of eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs, except for rabies, where required by state law. We have now had a report that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Here, in a nutshell, are the new guidelines under consideration: "Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e., canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not 'boosted' nor are more memory cells induced. "Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 months) will provide lifetime
immunity."

I might add that hubby and I have held off on the yearly "booster" for our brood. I wonder how long it will take for all veterinarians to follow the lead of the Vet Schools and not push the boosters down our throats?

Originally Posted by bamawife (Post 3966862)

I copied/pasted that from one of my friends on facebook. I will go see if I can find out anything else!

Originally Posted by bamawife (Post 3966911)

This is what she said:

April/May newsletter of the Senior Dogs Project.

I don't know about a link!

Originally Posted by bamawife (Post 3966916)

Well, well, well...wouldn't you know that it was from 2003????!!!! I thought I WAS helping to share recent news!

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1 (Post 3967287)

But........isnt that exactly what this says....annual vaccinations are NOT necessary???? Isnt this article above right in step with the "new" AAHA recommendations???? Am I completely loosing my mind and am missing the meaning in the article above????
"....There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines...."

Originally Posted by Ellie May (Post 3967921)

AAHA did put out guidelines or something in 2003, I think. This isn't it though. This looks like Dr. Dodds..

For my boy I follow AAHA because he came from a rescue that checks up on vaccines given. I also do lepto without hesitation. He is 16 pounds and it is a major problem in Michigan.

For the girl I only do rabies now. She has so many issues and I just don't think we need to do anything else. Her last distemper vaccine was in 2007. Low titer now and I don't care. I think titer testing is overrated. Certainly a good thing, but somewhat misused imo.

Honestly, if a vet tried to tell me I had to vaccinate for dhpp yearly without trying to compromise (i.e. every three years instead, titers as replacement, etc.), then I couldn't stay with them. I just don't think it is right that some vets force annual vaccines and act like owner is committing a crime if it is not done. They are setting themselves up as if they know more than vet schools and AAHA. It is sad seeing people dread having vaccine talks with their vets. This should mot be stressful.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3968152)

That's what I'm wondering - if getting a titer test is really even worth it in our case or if it's a waste of money. I'm really not worried about it, but was going to do it for peace of mind mainly.

For example, Jackson had his last DHPP booster at one year old along with rabies on a different day. When it comes time for him to be "due", I'm going to express to the vet that I am choosing not to vaccine for anything else but rabies. I'm not even sure if titering is worth it. I guess I'll talk to her about it when the time comes. But from my understanding, low titers don't really necessarily mean their unprotected and a high titer doesn't totally prove immunity either?

Also, dumb question... He will be turning 4 years old this October. For some reason, all along I was thinking this year he would be "due", but now I think that it's next year when he turns 5? His rabies tag says 2010 on it, so technically that's only been two years. I think I'm getting confused because I got him in December 2008 but his puppy shots weren't completed until early 2009. So then we got his next shots a year from the date of the last ones in 2010. So yeah... I guess he's not due until 2013. So yay maybe I don't have to deal with the vaccine issue this year! lol. I'm not too worried about our vets though, they are really accommodating and understanding and easy to talk to.