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***What
you should know***
1- This information is
very important to all dog owners.
2- New vaccine research
shows unnecessary innoculations are given yearly to our animals.
Every breeder and pet
owner will do what they feel confortable with, but Numerous Studies have
proved that Vaccinations do more harm than good. We added this page for
those that haven't had the opportunity to read the studies that have been
going on for years now. Advances in Human and Animal medicine are made
everyday so keeping up with studies and researches is something we all
need to do.
 VACCINATION
INFORMATION:
It does
look as if the tide is turning regarding yearly Vaccinations & Immunity...
The American
Veterinary Medical Association Committee report this year states that the
one year revaccination recommendation frequently found on many vaccination
labels is based on historical precedent, not scientific data'.
In JAVMA
in 1995, Smith notes that 'there is evidence that some vaccines provide
immunity beyond one year. In fact, according to research there is no proof
that many of the yearly vaccinations are necessary and that protection
in many instances may be life long'; also, 'Vaccination is a potent medical
procedure with both benefits and risks for the patient'; further that,
'Revaccination of patients with sufficient immunity does not add measurably
to their disease resistance, and may increase their risk of adverse post-vaccination
events.'
Finally,
he states that: 'Adverse events may be associated with the antigen, adjuvant,
carrier, preservative or combination thereof. Possible adverse events include
failure to immunise, anaphylaxis,immunosuppression, autoimmune disorders,
transient infections and/or long-term infected carrier states.'
The report
of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Taskforce in
JAAHA (39 March/April 2003) is also interesting reading: 'Current knowledgte
supports the statement that no vaccine is always safe, no vaccine is always
protective and no vaccine is always indicated'; 'Misunderstanding, misinformation
and the conservative nature of our profession have largely slowed adoption
of protocols advocating decreased frequency of vaccination'; 'Immunological
memory provides durations of immunity for core infectious diseases that
far exceed the traditional recommendations for annual vaccination. This
is supported by a growing body of veterinary information as well as well-developed
epidemiological vigilance in human medicine that indicates immunity induced
by vaccination is extremely long lasting and, in most cases, lifelong.'
Further,
the evidence shows that the duration of immunity for rabies vaccine, canine
distemper vaccine, canine parvovirus vaccine, feline panleukopaenia vaccine,
feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivurus have all been demonstrated
to be a minimum of seven years, by serology for rabies and challenge studies
for all others.
The veterinary
surgeons below fully accept that no single achievement has had greater
impact on the lives and well-being of our patients, our clients and our
ability to prevent infectious diseases than the developments in annual
vaccines. We, however, fully support the recommendations and guidelines
of the American Animal Hospitals Association Taskforce, to reduce vaccine
protocols for dogs and cats such that booster vaccinations are only given
every three years, and only for core vaccines unless otherwise scientifically
justified.
We further
suggest that the evidence currently available will soon lead to the following
facts being accepted:
* The
immune systems of dogs and cats mature fully at six months and any modified
live virus (MLV) vaccine given after that age produces immunity that is
good for the life of that pet.
* If another
MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine
neutralise the antigens from the subsequent so there is little or no effect;
the pet is not 'boosted', nor are more memory cells induced.
* Not
only are annual boosters for canine parvovirus 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
and kittens receive antibodies through their mothers' milk. This natural
protection can last eight to 14 weeks.
* Puppies
and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at less than eight weeks. Maternal
immunity will neutralise the vaccine and little protection will be produced.
* Vaccination
at six weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first effective vaccine.
* Vaccines
given two weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system.
This would
give possible new guidelines as follows:
1. A series
of vaccinations is given starting at eight weeks of age (or preferably
later) and given three to four weeks apart, up to 16 weeks of age.
2. One
further booster is given sometime after six months of age and will then
provide life-long immunity.
In light
of data now available showing the needless use and potential harm of annual
vaccination, we call on our profession to cease the policy of annual vaccination.
Can we
wonder that clients are losing faith in vaccination and researching the
issue themselves? We think they are right to do so. Politics, tradition
or the economic well-being of veterinary surgeons and pharmaceutical companies
should not be a factor in making medical decisions.
It is
accepted that the annual examination of a pet is advisable. We undervalue
ourselves, however, if we hang this essential service on the back of vaccination
and will ultimately suffer the consequences. Do we need to wait until we
see actions against vets, such as those launched in the state of Texas
by Dr Robert Rogers? He asserts that the present practice of marketing
vaccinations for companion animals constitutes fraud by misrepresentation,
fraud by silence and theft by deception.
The oath
we take as newly-qualified veterinary surgeons is 'to help, or at least
do no harm'. We wish to maintain our position within society, and be deserving
of the trust placed in us as a profession. It is therefore our contention
that those who continue to give annual vaccinations in the light of new
evidence may well be acting contrary to the wefare of the animals committed
to their care.
Richard
Allport, BVetMed, MRCVS
Sue
Armstrong, MA BVetMed, MRCVS
Mark
Carpenter, BVetMed, MRCVS
Sarah
Fox-Chapman, MS, DVM, MRCVS
Nichola
Cornish, BVetMed, MRCVS
Tim
Couzens, BVetMed, MRCVS
Chris
Day, MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Claire
Davies, BVSc, MRCVS
Mark
Elliott, BVSc, MRCVS
Peter
Gregory, BVSc, MRCVS
Lise
Hansen, DVM, MRCVS
John
Hoare, BVSc, MRCVS
Graham
Hines, BVSc, MRCVS
Megan
Kearney, BVSc, MRCVS
Michelle
L'oste Brown, BVetMed, MRCVS
Suzi
McIntyre, BVSc, MRCVS |
Siobhan
Menzies, BVM&S, MRCVS
Nazrene
Moosa, BVSc, MRCVS
Mike
Nolan, BVSc, MRCVSIlse Pedler, MA, VetMB, BSc, MRCVS
John
Saxton, BVetMed, MRCVS
Cheryl
Sears, MVB, MRCVS
Jane
Seymour, BVSc, MRCVS
Christine
Shields, BVSc, MRCVS
Suzannah
Stacey, BVSc, MRCVS
Phillip
Stimpson, MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Nick
Thompson, BSc, BVM&S, MRCVS
Lyn
Thompson, BVSc, MRCVS
Wendy
Vere, VetMB, MA, MRCVS
Anuska
Viljoen, BVSc, MRCVS, and
Wendy
Vink, BVSc, MRCV |
|
****ANNUAL
DOG VACCINES MAY NOT BE NECESSARY,
SAYS UW VETERINARY
IMMUNOLOGIS MADISON . . . . .
Once
a year, Ronald Schultz checks the antibody levels in his dogs' blood. Why?
He says for proof that most annual vaccines are unnecessary.
Schultz,
professor and chair of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
School of Veterinary Medicine, has been
studying the effectiveness of canine vaccines since the 1970s;
he's learned that immunity can last as long as a dog's lifetime, which
suggests that our "best friends" are being over-vaccinated.
Based
on his findings, a community of canine vaccine experts has developed new
veterinary recommendations that could eliminate a dog's need for annual
shots. The guidelines appear in the March/April issue of Trends, the journal
of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Every
year, when we take our dogs to the veterinarian's office, they could receive
up to 16 different vaccines, many of which are combined into a single shot.
Four of these products protect against life-threatening diseases, including
rabies, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV)
and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2); the rest protect against milder diseases
to which only some dogs are exposed, including Lyme disease. But, as many
veterinarians are realizing, over-vaccination can actually jeopardize a
dog's health and even life. Side effects can cause skin problems, allergic
reactions and autoimmune disease. Though the case in cats, not dogs, tumors
have been reported at the site of vaccine injections. "These adverse reactions
have caused many veterinarians to rethink the issue of vaccination," says
Schultz. "The idea that unnecessary vaccines can cause serious side effects
is in direct conflict with sound medical practices."
For
30 years, Schultz has been examining the need to vaccinate animals so often
and for so many diseases. "In the 1970s,
I started thinking about our immune response to pathogens and how similar
it is in other animals," says Schultz. "That's when I started to question
veterinary vaccination practices." Just like ours, a canine's immune system
fires up when a pathogen,like a virus, enters the body. The pathogen releases
a protein called an antigen, which calls into action the immune system's
special disease-fighting cells. Called B and T lymphocytes, these cells
not only destroy the virus, but they remember what it looked like so they
can fend it off in the future. It's this immunological memory that enables
vaccines, which purposely contain live, weakened or dead pathogens, to
protect against future disease. But, as Schultz points out, vaccines can
keep people immune for a lifetime: we're usually inoculated for measles,
mumps and rubella as children but never as adults. So, can dogs be vaccinated
as pups and then never again?
While
evidence from Schultz's studies on both his own dogs and many other dogs
from controlled studies suggests the answer is yes, Schultz recommends
a more conservative plan based on duration of immunity and individual risk.
Schultz says that core vaccines, or the ones that protect against life-threatening
disease, are essential for all dogs, yet he does not recommend dogs receive
these shots yearly. "With the exception of rabies, the vaccines for CDV,
CPV-2 and CAV trigger an immunological memory of at least seven years,"
he explains. (Studies testing the duration of immunity for rabies shots
show it lasts about three years.) For these reasons, Schultz suggests that
dogs receive rabies shots every three years (as is required by law in most
states) and the other core vaccines no more frequently than every three
years. Some non-core vaccines, on the other hand, have a much shorter duration
of immunity, lasting around one year. But, as Schultz points out, not every
dog should get these types of vaccines, because not every dog is at risk
for exposure.
Today,
many vaccinated dogs receive a shot for Lyme disease. However, Schultz
says that the ticks carrying the Lyme disease pathogen can be found in
only a few regions of the United States. More importantly, Schultz adds,
"The vaccine can cause adverse effects such as mild arthritis, allergy
or other immune diseases. Like all vaccines, it should only be used when
the animal is at significant risk." He notes that the Veterinary Medical
Teaching Hospital at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine rarely
administers the Lyme disease vaccine.
Another
common vaccine that Schultz says is unnecessary protects against "kennel
cough," an often mild and transient disease contracted during boarding
or dog shows. "Most pet dogs that do not live in breeding kennels, are
not boarded, do not go to dog shows and have only occasional contact with
dogs outside their immediate family," Schultz recommends, "rarely need
to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated for kennel cough." Schultz says that
it's important for veterinarians to recognize an individual dog's risk
for developing a particular disease when considering the benefits of a
vaccine. "Vaccines have many exceptional benefits, but, like any drug,
they also have the potential to cause significant harm." Giving a vaccine
that's not needed, he explains, creates an unnecessary risk to the animal.
Recommending
that dogs receive fewer vaccines, Schultz admits, may spark controversy,
especially when veterinarians rely on annual vaccines to bring in clients,
along with income. But, as he mentions, annual visits are important for
many reasons other than shots. "Checking for heartworm, tumors, dermatological
problems and tooth decay should be done on a yearly basis," he says. "Plus,
some dogs, depending on their risk, may need certain vaccines annually."
Rather than vaccinating on each visit, veterinarians can use a recently
developed test which checks dogs' immunity against certain diseases. Schultz
adds that veterinarians who have switched to the three-year, instead of
annual, vaccination program have found no increase in the number of dogs
with vaccine-preventable diseases. "Everyday, more and more people in the
profession are embracing the change," notes Schultz. And, that the new
vaccination guidelines supported by the AAHA, along with the task force
members representing the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine,
Veterinary Microbiology and the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists,
is evidence of just that.
http://www.quailridgecbrs.com/New%20Vaccine%20Schedule.html |
Not the same beliefs below, but yet another good read.... Although they
believe in revaccinating CORE VACCINES every 3 years, it's still better
than the yearly VACCINES most Vets FORCE on their clients...
***Information
Brochures
UC Davis VMTH
Canine Vaccination Guidelines***
The UC Davis VMTH vaccination
guidelines below have been based on recently published studies and recommendations
made by task forces (including the AAFP/AFM Advisory Panel on Feline Vaccines,
AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force, and the AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic
Agents), which include representatives from academia, private practices,
governmental regulatory bodies, and industry. These groups have evaluated
the benefits versus risks of the vaccines currently available on the market.
Interested readers are referred to documents published by these groups
for further information (see References listed at the end of this document).
The document below has
been generated by a group of faculty and staff at UC Davis School of Veterinary
Medicine for the purposes of VMTH veterinary student education and as a
reference for referring veterinarians. These are only general guidelines,
as the vaccine types recommended and the frequency of vaccination vary
depending on the lifestyle of the pet being vaccinated, i.e. indoor vs
outdoor pets, travel plans, kennel/boarding plans, and underlying disease
conditions such as immune-mediated diseases or pre-existing infections
such as FIV infection. Because these factors may change over time, we recommend
the vaccination plan for each individual pet be decided by the owner at
routine annual examinations, following a discussion between the veterinarian
and the client regarding the animal's lifestyle in the year ahead. A previous
history of vaccination reactions in an individual pet, and certain physiologic
conditions such as pregnancy will also affect recommendations for vaccination.
For all vaccines given, the product, expiration date, lot number, route
and location of injection is documented in the record.
It should also be noted
that much research in the area of companion animal vaccinology is required
to generate optimal recommendations for vaccination of dogs and cats. As
further research is performed, and as new vaccines become available on
the market, this document will be continuously updated and modified.
Canine
Vaccination Guidelines
Canine
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended
for all puppies and dogs with an unknown vaccination history. The diseases
involved have significant morbidity and mortality and are widely distributed,
and in general, vaccination results in relatively good protection from
disease. These include vaccines for canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper
virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV), and rabies.
-
Canine
Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines
For initial puppy
vaccination (< 16 weeks), one dose of vaccine containing modified live
virus (MLV) CPV, CDV, and CAV-2 is recommended at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks,
and 12-16 weeks of age. For dogs older than 16 weeks of age, one dose of
vaccine containing modified live virus (MLV) CPV, CDV, and CAV-2 is recommended.
After a booster at one year, revaccination is recommended every 3 years
thereafter unless there are special circumstances that warrant more or
less frequent revaccination. Note that recommendations for killed parvovirus
vaccines and recombinant CDV vaccines are different from the above. These
vaccines are not currently stocked by our pharmacy or routinely used at
the VMTH. We do not recommend vaccination with CAV-1 vaccines, since vaccination
with CAV-2 results in immunity to CAV-1, and the use of CAV-2 vaccines
results in less frequent adverse events.
-
Canine
Rabies Virus Vaccines
In accordance with
California state law, we recommend that puppies receive a single dose of
killed rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs with unknown vaccination
history should also receive a single dose of killed rabies vaccine. A booster
is required one year later, and thereafter, rabies vaccination should be
performed every 3 years using a vaccine approved for 3 year administration.
-
Canine
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines
are optional vaccines that should be considered in light of the exposure
risk of the animal, ie. based on geographic distribution and the lifestyle
of the pet. Several of the diseases involved are often self-limiting or
respond readily to treatment. Vaccines considered as non-core vaccines
are canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV), distemper-measles combination vaccine,
Bordetella bronchiseptica, Leptospira spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. Vaccination
with these vaccines is generally less effective in protecting against disease
than vaccination with the core vaccines.
-
Canine
Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica
These are both agents
associated with kennel cough in dogs. Because CPiV is currently incorporated
into preparations including the core vaccines CPV, CDV, and CAV-2, at this
time UC Davis VMTH routinely vaccinates dogs with CPiV according to the
schedule listed above for CPV, CDV and CAV-2.
For Bordetella bronchiseptica,
intranasal vaccination with live avirulent bacteria is recommended for
dogs expected to board, be shown, or to enter a kennel situation within
6 months of the time of vaccination. We currently stock the intranasal
vaccine containing both B. bronchiseptica and CPiV. For puppies and previously
unvaccinated dogs, only one dose of this vaccine is required (recommendations
differ for the parenteral, killed form of this vaccine). Most boarding
kennels require that this vaccine be given within 6 months of boarding;
the vaccine should be administered at least one week prior to the anticipated
boarding date for maximum effect.
-
Canine
Distemper-Measles Combination Vaccine
This vaccine has
been used between 4 and 12 weeks of age to protect dogs against distemper
in the face of maternal antibodies directed at CDV. Protection occurs within
72 hours of vaccination. It is indicated only for use in households/kennels/shelters
where CDV is a recognized problem. Only one dose of the vaccine should
be given, after which pups are boostered with the CDV vaccine to minimize
the transfer of anti-measles virus maternal antibodies to pups of the next
generation. The UC Davis VMTH does not stock the distemper-measles combination
vaccine as situations requiring its use do not arise commonly in our hospital
population.
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Canine
Leptospira Vaccines
Multiple leptospiral
serovars are capable of causing disease in dogs, and minimal cross-protection
is induced by each serovar. Currently available vaccines do not contain
all serovars, efficacies against infection with the targeted serovar are
between 50 and 75%, and duration of immunity is ? 1 year. However, leptospirosis
is not uncommon in Northern Californian dogs with exposure histories involving
livestock and areas frequented by wild mammals, the disease can be fatal
or have high morbidity, and also has zoonotic potential. Therefore, we
suggest annual vaccination of dogs living in/visiting rural areas or areas
frequented by wildlife with vaccines containing all four leptospiral serovars
(grippotyphosa, pomona, canicola and icterohemorrhagiae). The initial vaccination
should be followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later, and the first vaccine
be given no earlier than 12 weeks of age. Because the leptospiral vaccines
have been associated with more severe postvaccinal reactions (acute anaphylaxis)
than other vaccines, vaccination of dogs in suburban areas with minimal
exposure to farm animals or forested areas is not recommended. Anecdotally,
the incidence of reactions is greatest in puppies (< 12 weeks of age,
and especially < 9 weeks of age) and small-breed dogs. A careful risk-benefit
analysis is recommended before considering vaccination of small breed dogs
at risk of exposure to leptospires.
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Canine
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme) Vaccine
The incidence of
Lyme disease in California is currently considered extremely low. Furthermore,
use of the vaccine even in endemic areas (such as the east coast of the
US) has been controversial because of anecdotal reports of vaccine-associated
adverse events. Most infected dogs show no clinical signs, and the majority
of dogs contracting Lyme disease respond to treatment with antimicrobials.
Furthermore, prophylaxis may be effectively achieved by preventing exposure
to the tick vector. If travel to endemic areas (ie the east coast) is anticipated,
vaccination with the Lyme subunit vaccine could be considered followed
by boosters at intervals in line with risk of exposure. The UC Davis VMTH
does not stock the Lyme vaccine or recommend it for use in dogs residing
solely in Northern California.
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Other
Canine Vaccines
Several other canine
vaccines are currently available on the market. These are vaccines for
canine coronavirus, Giardia spp., and canine adenovirus-1. The reports
of the AVMA and the AAHA canine vaccine task force have listed these vaccines
as not generally recommended, because 'the diseases are either of little
clinical significance or respond readily to treatment', evidence for efficacy
of these vaccines is minimal, and they may 'produce adverse events with
limited benefit'. The UC Davis VMTH does not stock or routinely recommend
use of these vaccines.
-
Canine
Coronavirus Vaccine
Infection with canine
coronavirus alone has been associated with mild disease only, and only
in dogs < 6 weeks of age. It has not been possible to reproduce the
infection experimentally, unless immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids
are administered. Serum antibodies do not correlate with resistance to
infection, and duration of immunity is unknown. Vaccination against CPV
protects puppies against challenge with both CCV and CPV. Therefore, the
UC Davis VMTH does not routinely recommend vaccination against CCV and
the vaccine is not stocked by our pharmacy.
-
Canine
Giardia spp. Vaccine
Around 90% of dogs
respond to treatment for Giardia infection, most infected dogs are asymptomatic,
and the disease is not usually life-threatening. The vaccine does not prevent
infection but may reduce shedding and clinical signs. The zoonotic potential
of Giardia remains unclear. Based on existing evidence, the UC Davis VMTH
does not currently recommend routine vaccination of dogs for Giardia spp,
and the vaccine is not stocked by our pharmacy.
REFERENCES/SUGGESTED
FURTHER READING Paul MA, Appel M, Barrett R et al. 2003. Report of
the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Updated:
November 15, 2004
[CLICK
LINKS BELOW]
Please
take your time and thoroughly research the things you do for your animals.
Longevity and superior health is what you will gain, as will your companions.
HOMEOPATH
VIEWPOINT:
REGARDING
VACCINES & NOSODES IN PETS:
VACCINE
INFO & THE IMMUNE SYSTEM:
MORE
ANIMAL VACCINE INFO:
VACCINOSIS:
All
Star Disclaimer: We do not claim to be veterinarians & by listing any
information on this page we are not giving medical advice. We do not claim
that the information herein will guarantee that this correct with anyone
else's French Bulldog. Please do not use these links to attempt to diagnose
or treat your pet. A licensed veterinarian is the best source of health
advice for an individual pet. Remember that different veterinarians often
disagree about the best treatments for pets. There are often several perfectly
acceptable ways to treat the same condition. Just find the right Vet and
ask a lot of questions!!!! We place these articles here for the public
to read, as information, not FACTS. We found this information online, through
web sites and other sources of information and list it here to inform others
what we have read and what we think is important regarding French Bulldog
Health concerns. If we state certain methods we have used or use on or
have experienced with our own dogs, we do not wish to infringe these methods
on anyone else, it is solely our opinion and nothing else. By reading,
and/or using the material contained herein, reader or user of this
information fully understands the above and again agrees to utilize this
information at your own risk.
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