health

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY

"Dogs immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e.: canine distemper, parvo). 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 titre 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 haemolytic anaemia. "There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines." Puppies receive antibodies through their mother’s milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies 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 mo) will provide lifetime immunity. CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS Distemper & Parvo "According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months and again at 1 year with a MLV, puppies program memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong immunity." Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and Dr. Schultz have studies showing immunity against challenge at 2-10 years for canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer duration are pending. "There are no new strains of parvovirus as one mfg. would like to suggest. Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for all types." Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is one of the agents known to be a cause of kennel cough. Only vaccines with CAV-2 should be used as CAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of "hepatitis blue-eye" reactions & kidney damage. Bordatella Parainfluenza: Commonly called "Kennel cough" Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months). Lymes disease is a tick born disease, which can cause lameness, kidney failure and heart disease in dogs. Ticks can also transmit the disease to humans. The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven to be the most effective vaccine. Lymes disease prevention should emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz collars are more effective than Top Spot, as Amitraz paralyzes the tick's mouthparts preventing transmission of disease.

VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED

Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune system and result in lesser immunity for each individual disease as well as increasing the risk of a reaction. Canine Corona Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell & Texas A&M have only diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not cause disease in adult dogs. Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in dogs. Most of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa and bratsilvia. The vaccines contain different serovaars eanicola and ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immunosuppressive to puppies less than 16 weeks.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North America, 30% or more of all dogs are infected with Giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit Giardia to dogs & vice versa.

THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators require them. For years the pricing structure of vets has misled clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the "shots" they failed to emphasize the importance of a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases. It is my hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel cough and emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also hope you will accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently vaccinated. Those in the boarding business who will honor the new vaccine protocols can gain new customers who were turned away from vet owned boarding facilities reluctant to change.

CONCLUSION

Dogs no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, etc. on a yearly basis. Once the initial series of puppy vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our biggest endorsement for these new protocols. Dr. Bob Rogers

Member of The Canadian Kennel Club and The Poodle Club of Canada

VACCINATION UP-DATE

Purposely bred with predictability in temperament, attitude and structure, generation after generation!

This is something everyone should see

When you get your 8 - 10 weeks old puppy, please keep this image in mine. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big, floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.

When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period, you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run cases impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not a problem and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.

But when you're letting the puppy jump up and down off the couch or bed, take them for long walks or hikes, you are damaging that forming joint.

You only get the chance to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding, a great upbringing and a proper diet. Not just One!!

Once grown you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercises. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies.

Also to be noted: most puppies growth plates don't close until 9 - 10 months and the joints aren't considered fully mature until 24 months. Normal play and exercise is healthy....excessive amounts are not.