Reactions to the Leptospirosis Vaccine

[Rhoda and Asta]

My breeder put out a video and email concerning adverse reactions reported from their clients to the Lepto vaccine.  According to the research by the breeder, it seems that there is a genetic marker in English Golden Retrievers that causes neurological reactions such as seizures, falling over, etc.  The breeder feels so strongly about this that they have issued a warning  that getting the vaccine will void their 2-year health warranty.  My problem is that I live in a semi-rural area and my property backs onto a wooded area on two sides.  I have deer, raccoon, frogs, birds, voles, just to name a few of the critters that come into my yard.  I also have a pond in the backyard.  I am trying to decide whether to have Asta vaccinated or not.  I also plan  to travel with him to parks, wildlife refuges, etc.  I have passed the information from the breeder to my Vet, who is also doing some research.  Has anyone had recent experience with the Lepto vaccine?

Thanks for any help.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I haven't heard anything about English Goldens being especially sensitive to the Lepto vaccine.  But I'm wondering . . . how could your initial contract be changed after the fact?  You already have Asta with you, so I can't imagine that your breeder could void the warranty.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think you need to find out exactly which lepto vaccine supposedly caused the bad reactions. There is more than one version. The newer versions, which are given separately apart from any other vaccine and in two separate doses, are safer and produce fewer side effects than the older version which is given in one dose, often as part of the DHPPL vaccine cocktail. That makes a difference.
I really don't think your breeder has a legal leg to stand on in this case. As Laurie said, she can't change the warranty after the fact. 

[Kris and Sawyer]

Agree.. Just got Sawyer's (and he's English).. It's given in two part so he will need a booster. I talked at length with the vet and he was confident about its safety.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This info may help.....http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/golden-retriever-health-anatomy...

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Bella had a reaction with her last Lepto/Rabies vaccines. She had about an hour of violent shaking. As in teeth chattering, body shaking, tail between legs shaking!  She was visibly upset and just layed in my arms while I tried to soothe her.  It wasn't seizure like, but scary. I was just about ready to put her in the car and take her to the vet when it subsided and she was fine. I let the vet know and we will be seperating her vaccines from now on, or doing titers for some.

BTW, she is an English Goldendoodle.

[Adina P]

Strange that a whole warranty would be void because if a dog reacted to a vaccine, who would blame the breeder?

[Rhoda and Asta]

Thanks to everyone.  Based on your responses, advice from my Vet, and recommendations from trainers in this area,  I will get the leptospirosis vaccine for Asta. 

[Rhoda and Asta]

Update:  Asta has received all his shots including lepto (given in two parts).  I am happy to report that he had no reactions to any of the shots.  Yeaaa.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Glad to hear it.