Paz's primary vet said she reduces all vaccinations to dogs who have undergone chemo.

[charlotte bednarsh]

i spoke with Paz's primary vet today, to let her know how well Paz is doing, and let her know that the oncologist advised that Paz should receive no vaccinations while he is receiving chemo.  Paz's primary vet said that for dogs who have undergone chemotherapy, there is a consensus amongst many vets that it is ill advised to vaccinate dogs who have undergone chemotherapy as there is a risk their immune system may somehow be triggered by the vaccine to produce an unwanted response.  I'm uncertain what the response might be, but I have read there is some concern it might result in an animal going out of remission.   I really appreciate her thoughtfullness and research on this issue and she said we could discuss it when Paz completes chemo.  She is aware that Paz is a therapy dog, so she could submit his blood for a test that would determine if he actually needed the rabies and distemper vaccines, and we could go from there.  Fortunately he is not due for those vaccines until 2017, so we have time to explore the options.  I also shared with her that when Paz completed chemotherapy, I was very interested in finding out what supplements would be recommended that could boost his immune system.  She said there are vets who are specialists in determining dietary supplements and we could work with one of them.   She is opposed to buying supplements off the internet because they may not be regulated, and she wants to make sure that whatever supplements Paz is given, are manufactured under strict guidelines.   I absolutely "love" this vet; it was her thorough exam that resulted in the early detection of Paz's lymphoma, and she was the individual who immediately arranged for Paz to be treated by a renowned veterinary oncologist.  

In any event, i was wondering if any of my doodlekisses family had experience or heard about the use of vaccines after chemotherapy treatments?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hadn't heard about this but I would love to know the thinking behind it.

[charlotte bednarsh]

She said we would discuss it when Paz completed chemo, however, she did state it is related to the potential of the vaccine triggering an undesirable immune system response in dogs who have undergone chemotherapy.  She said we could have titers done, to determine if he even needed vaccines; I actually think this is a good idea, as a basis for making a decision.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes titers seem like a good idea.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you for sharing.  We are all learning so much from Paz, you, and your vets.

[charlotte bednarsh]

I feel so blessed that Paz's treatment team are so knowledgable and using solid, current research when making decisions.  Keeping Paz current on all vaccines, has always been part of my routine for Paz, so it never would have occurred to me that this would change.  I like the fact that we can have his blood titered to determine if he even needs the vaccines; the vet said the only vaccines she would consider are rabies and distemper, but would hold off if the titers indicated it was not needed.  

[Pam Lawrence]

I had the same advise from my vet following chemo in my Golden Retriever a couple of years ago. She was concerned about compromising her immune system. She wrote a letter for me so I could renew my dog's license without a rabies vaccination.

[Nancy & Echo]

I think it makes lots of sense to get her antibody tested before you have to make the decision whether or not to vaccinate.  If you do need to make the decision whether or not you need to vaccinate, I think it makes total sense to check with Paz's oncologist (or hematologist).   (S)he will by far have the most experience with this situation.

In humans, they (almost?) never give attenuated vaccines in immunocompromised humans.  Attenuated vaccines are alive, but have greatly reduced potency.  For example, the human LIVE polio vaccine is a very good vaccine, and doesn't have to be injected, but in something like 1 out of 1 million unvaccinated people it can produce polio.  When this happens, they think its because the person had something wrong with his/her immune system.  (They currently do NOT give LIVE human polio vaccine in the USA; they now only give the KILLED human polio vaccine.  In  some developing countries, they 'have' to use the live vaccine because they don't have the storage facilities, the increased cost of an injectable vaccine, etc.)

I can only imagine that the rabies vaccine is a killed vaccine; I can't imagine they use an attenuated vaccine.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi Nancy, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.   I am fortunate that Paz's oncologist and our primary care vet are working closely with each other regarding vaccines and other aspects of Paz's treatment.  Paz is in the home stretch relevant to his chemo treatments, and the oncologist has already advised that Paz receive no immunizations during treatment, and will discuss any future immunization recommendations at his treatment completion.   The oncologist shares all the reports, recommendations etc., with the  primary vet regarding treatment protocols , so it is reassuring to know all these decisions will be a collaborative effort between both vets. Interestingly enough, Paz's oncologist who is also a researcher, serves as a mentor so to speak for Paz's veterinarian, and their close professional relationship has proven to be of great benefit throughout the treatment.  Both of these veterinarians are highly approachable, and none of my questions are considered insignificant or left unanswered.  

[Nancy & Echo]

You are in such a fortunate position! I'm so glad you're not only leaving it to the professionals, but to the experts, and even the researchers!!

Since I'm totally NOT up on chemotherapy, let alone canine chemotherapy, I was trying to find what they do with humans.  Apparently with some human cancers, they treat with anti-B cell antibodies, and the IDSA (Infectious Disease Society of America) recommends that if that happens, vaccination should not happen for 6 months. http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/11/26/cid.cit684.f...  But this recommendation is for humans getting human vaccines, and is from 2013. 

From your recommendation, I got Echo's health insurance with Trupanion the day after she came home.  I really thank you for sharing your experiences.  You are doing so much for the DK community.