Injections - yearly or every 3 years???

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Vets recommend to do yearly injections. Here in Australia it is PROTECH C6 (for Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus, Kennel cough and Bordatella Para-influenza). We don't have Rabbis in OZ!

There is a lot of talk, that those injection actually lasting/ protecting for over 3 years!

Having an epileptic Dog, I try to do as little as possible medics.

Any input on this would be appreciated!

Kirsy & Jasper, who HATES injections

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think you meant Dr. Dodds. Although I REALLY like the name Dr DOODS!! :)

[Richard Crowe]

American veterinary schools have recommended the following protocol of vaccinations (not including rabies). First at 8 weeks, second at 12 weeks, third at 16 weeks and a final one at 1 year 4 months which should be sufficient for the life of the dog. If it is thought that an additional vaccination is needed, run a titer to determine the immune situation of the dog.

Over vaccination has been blamed or linked to many problems including auto-immune problems.

However, American vets have been slow to follow the advice of the vet schools since giving up those lucrative shots is breaking their rice bowls.

We had a Golden Retreiver - German Shepherd - Wolf hybrid who had both an auto immune problem (canine lupus) and a seizure disorder that could have been traced to over immunization. However, this was before the impact of over immunization was evident.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Do you have a reference for this recommendation? I'd like to read it.

[Richard Crowe]

http://www.critteradvocacy.org/Canine%20Vaccination%20Guidlines.htm

Note:

Under column (1st Annual) Distemper: will "provide lifetime immunity" Under column (Re Administration Interval) The three years is an arbitrary "compromise". However, readministration of a booster vaccine when the animal has sufficient immunity in its system will do absolutely no good. The remaining immunity will result in the killing of any vaccine introduced. It can however, have a detrimental impact on the dog. A titer every three years is a bit more expensive but can serve to protect the dog from both the diseases (if immunity is too low and a booster is required) and from the impact of over vaccination.

Under column (1st Annual) parovirus the "DOI is 7 years +, Probably Lifetime" Under column (Re Administration Interval) parovirus - none needed DOI 7.5 years by studies, Probably lifetime.

When we bred Maltese, we had a handout which we gave to new owners which stated in most definite trems than yearly vaccinations were contraindicated. I no longer have that reference. However, the above reference is very much in line with what I mentioned.

With as much as we spend trying to keep our dogs healthy and happy, the cost of a titer every three years is minimal. Especially when compared with the cumulative cost of annual vaccinations.

BTW: Judy is a retired nurse and we gave our puppies, when we bred Maltese and now give our rescue puppies, immunizations at home. The vaccines cost us less than five bucks a shot and we don't purchase in quantities as large as vets would need. Their profit margin on vaccinations is astronomical!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks, Richard. I have thought of giving the vaccines myself but some, like Lyme, appear to only come in large quantities. I will read this article and see what I can do.