Pet Vaccinations and Vaccinosis

Many Pet Owners Are Unaware of the Dangers of Repeated Vaccinations

Nov 9, 2009

The major veterinary associations now agree that vaccinations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer yet vaccines are recommended year after year.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), an international organization of companion animal veterinarians states: "Recently, studies have shown that vaccines protect dogs for longer than previously believed. In addition, there is increased awareness and concern that vaccination is not as harmless a procedure as once thought. These factors have led to a growing number of veterinarians who recommend reduced frequency of vaccinations while at the same time tailoring vaccine recommendations to specific risk situations. You can work with your veterinarian to tailor an immunization program that best protects your dog based on his risk and lifestyle factors."

Core versus Non-Core Pet Vaccinations

AAHA recommends that each dog's vaccine decisions should be made on an individual basis. Issues to consider include the age, breed, health status, environment, lifestyle, and travel habits of the dog. They recommend that "core diseases" such as rabies, parvovirus and distemper revaccination of adults dogs (after puppy shots) no more than once every three years.

The "non-core" vaccines (for bordatella, parainfluenza, leptospirosis and lyme) are given with core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are for less prevalent or situational diseases (boarding a dog requires the bordatella vaccine).

On AAHA's "not recommended" list are coronavirus, giardia, and adenovirus-1 vaccines. AAHA also recommends discontinuing revaccination if your dog has had an anaphylactic reaction as vaccine-induced anaphylaxis may be a higher risk than infection.

Determine Your Pet's Immunity

How do you know your pet is protected by vaccines already received? An "antibody titer blood test" can tell you if your dog is likely to have immunity to certain diseases. Keep in mind the test is reasonably precise and is one way to determine what's right for your dog. Most veterinarians can perform the test similar to a routine blood test. Many veterinarians believe that the titer level in the blood is a more reliable indication of immunity than vaccination as the titer test shows the actual immune response rather than just an attempt to cause an immune response by vaccination.

Some dogs are more at risk of vaccinosis than others. If you have an older, immune-compromised or "delicate" pet or suspect the dog is not well, recommended vaccinations should be staggered throughout the year rather than an all in one injection. You should have a thorough discussion of the subject of vaccinosis with your veterinarian.

Although vaccine protocols are being changed every year, there remains an economic dependence on pet vaccinations by many veterinarians especially those in small practices of less than three veterinarians.

The markup on most pet vaccines alone is at least 2,000 percent and studies have shown that the loss of the one year rabies vaccination and associated office visit can decrease a small practice vet's income by $20,000 or more. And that figure does not include cats or other vaccinations

The copyright of the article Pet Vaccinations and Vaccinosis in Pet Care is owned by Mary Spierling. Permission to republish Pet Vaccinations and Vaccinosis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.