That's the ones Chrisitne, knew it began with 'h'

poppy and diasys were due at the end of nov but with everything thats been happening here they havent been done yet, and ill hve to wait now till im fit enuf to walk them to the vets still theyre not going into kennels and the vet said last time theres a 4 month window so its ok!

Star is due to get her booster in 4 weeks. We live in a built up area in Glasgow and the parks are full of dogs all the time, which makes me lean toward getting them done.

If I lived in the country and Star did not come into contact with a lot of dogs I would think about getting them done less often.

my lot have injections as pups then booster wen 2 year...then thats it,i also heard its bad to give booster just before you plan to mate bitch dont know how true this is... my vet says every 2yr is enuff for booster,..the kenell cough inj i get done,altho didhave bad experience last year with it....abbey had reaction and it caused her to cough,id still get them done...just not the day before a show.. jayne

Carole We are as much at risk in the country as the town if not more Foxes are carriers of a number of canine diseases including Parvo and Infectious canine Hepatitis. In the field on the others side of my hedge a diseased and lame fox was until recently coming daily to eat the rotting apples from the trees, it comes during the day so must be desprate. I have reported it to the RSPCA but it still comes and it and many other foxes use the paths I do to walk my dog, any of these foxes may be carriers. There are also rats in abundance near me who come from the barns and cow sheds some of whom may be carrying Lepto.
GENERAL
I also have a suspicion that as in the case of many viruses parvo mutates (as does the flu virus) after all it is thought parvo came from a mutant cat virus in the first place. If this is the case, one would assume (as with flu vaccine) the recent batches of vaccine take into account any changes/mutations in the virus and in order get the best protection one would need to be up to date on vaccination. I am not a vet or a scientist and totally impartial, just wanting the best for all dogs and I try to view every aspect of a situation, I do not therefore seek to disagree with Christine in any way and have the greatest respect for her opinions. There is much info on the net giving both sides of the argument for and against vaccination it is hard to know what to do for the best. I found this article interesting but can't speak for its impartiality it just seems to make some sensible points .
http://www.verrere.org.uk/vaccination.pdf
this actualy comes from a Rottie kennel as it says"Your decision must be based on your own assessment of the risk. Sadly there will be no foolproof strategy and you should be sceptical of those who suggest there is."



Jayne re the above,I understand the bitch before mating should be up to date with vaccinations so the puppies will have acquired some immunity from her before birth. The puppies also absorb immune proteins from their mother’s milk providing they have an adequate supply in the first 12 to 24 hours of life, this process is called 'passive immunity'. The passive immunity levels gradually tail off and become ineffective at preventing disease between 8-10 weeks of age. The puppies own immune system start to become competent between about 6 to 10 weeks of age just as the levels of passive immunity are beginning to fail. It is important to vaccinate the puppy at just the right time to avoid the vaccine being destroyed by any remaining passive immunity still present in the puppy. As I have said I am not a vet buthave talked to vets and reseached this a little and to the best of my knowledge this is correct

Both my girls had their lepto boosters 2 months before being mated

It is correct Mini
I learnt about that at college last year

Mini I never thought about the foxes carrying canine diseases.

all ours have the yearly boosters i would sooner pay the costs and them have some protection.
i know this doesn't give total protection but it helps them if they do get any thing.
none of my dogs hve ever reacted badly to any form of jabs so i must be lucky.

Hi folks, I have the links somwhere but can`t find them right now, but I do have them copied
Sorry they are a bit long but here goes. This is what Dr Jean Dodds has written.
Just wanted to add Jean Dodds is a world renowned expert on immunology

Vaccine Protocols for Dogs Predisposed to Vaccine Reactions
W Jean Dodds DVM

Dr Jean Dodds is the woman who told the truth about vaccines to dog lovers. A member of the scientific community, Dr Dodds clearly felt that dog owners had a right to know the truth so that they could make informed and wise decisions. We all owe Dr Dodds a huge, enormous, debt of gratitude. The following paper was published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (37: 1-4, 2001).

There is increasing evidence in veterinary medicine that vaccines can trigger immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (i.e., vaccinosis), especially in certain apparently predisposed breeds (1-6). Accordingly, clinicians need to be aware of this potential and offer alternative approaches for preventing infectious diseases in these animals. Such alternatives to current vaccine practices include: measuring serum antibody titers; avoidance of unnecessary vaccines or overvaccinating; and using caution in vaccinating ill, geriatric, debilitated or febrile individuals, and animals from breeds or families known to be at increased risk for immunological reactions (3,5-.

Adverse Effects of Vaccines

As the most commonly recognized adverse effect of vaccination is an immediate hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction, practitioners are less familiar with the more rare but equally serious acute or chronic immune-mediated syndromes that can occur. The veterinary profession and vaccine industry have traditionally emphasized the importance of giving a series of vaccinations to young animals to prevent infectious diseases, to the extent that this practice is considered routine and is generally safe for the majority of animals. Few clinicians are prepared, therefore, for encourntering an adverse event and may overlook or even deny the possibility.

Beyond the immediate hypersensitivity reactions, other acute events tend to occur 24 to 72 hours afterward, or 7 to 45 days later in a delayed type immunological response (1,6,9,10). Even more delayed adverse effects include mortality from high-titered measles vaccine in infants, canine distemper antibodies in joint diseases of dogs, and feline injection-site fibrosarcomas (3,11). The increasing antigenic load presented to the host individual by modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines is presumed to be responsible for the immunological challenge that can result in a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (6,9).

The clinical signs associated with nonanaphylactic vaccine reactions typically include fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, neurological disorders and encephalitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) resulting in icterus, or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) resulting in petechiae and ecchymotic hemorrhage (1-4,9,10,12,15). Hepatic enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may occur by itself or accompany bone-marrow suppression (3). Furthermore, MLV vaccination has been associated with the development of transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs of breeds or crossbreeds susceptible to immune-mediated diseases, especially those involving hematological or endocrine tissues (e.g., AIHA, ITP, autoimmune thyroiditis) (1-3). Postvaccinal polyneuropathy is a recognized entity associated occasionally with the use of distemper, parvovirus, rabies and possibly other vaccines (3,6,9). This can result in various clinical signs, including muscular atrophy, inhibition or interruption of neuronal control of tissue and organ function, incoordination, and weakness (3). Therefore, we have the responsibility to advise companion animal breeders and caregivers of the potential for genetically susceptible littermates and relatives that are at increased risk for similar adverse vaccine reactions (1-5).

Commercial vaccines, on rare occasion, can also be contaminated with other adventitious viral agents (6,16) which can produce significant untoward effects such as occurred when a commercial canine parvovirus vaccine was contaminated by blue tongue virus. It produced abortion and death when given to pregnant dogs (16) and was linked casually to the ill-advised but all-too-common practice of vaccinating pregnant animals. The potential for side effects such as promotion of chronic disease sttes in male and nonpregnant female dogs receiving this lot of vaccine remains in question, although there have been anecdotal reports of reduced stamina and renal dysfunction in performance sled dogs (3). Recently, a vaccine manufacturer had to recall all biological producs containing a distemper component, because they were associated with a higher-than-expected rate of central nervous system postvaccinal reactions 1 to 2 weeks following administration (3).

If, as a profession, we conclude that we are overvaccinating, other issues come to bare, such as the needless client dollars spent on vaccines, despite the well-intentioned solicitation of clients to encourage annual booster vaccinations so that pets also can receive a wellness examination (5). Giving annual boosters when they are not necessary has the client paying for a service which is likely to be of little benefit to the pet’s existing level of protection against these infectious diseases. It also increases the risk of adverse reactions from the repeated exposure to foreign substances.

Polyvalent MLV vaccines, which multiply in the host, elicit a stronger antigenic challenge to the animal and should mount a more effective and sustained immune response (5,6,9). However, this can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even healthy host that has ongoing exposure to other environmental stimuli as well as a genetic predisposition that promotes adverse response to viral challenge (1-3,9,13). The recently weaned young puppy or kitten being placed in a new environment may be at particular risk. Furthermore, while the frequency of vaccinations is usually spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart, some veterinarians have advocated vaccination once a week in stressful situations. This practice makes little sense, scientifically or medically (5).

An augmented immune response to vaccination is seen in dogs with preexisting inhalant allergies (i.e., atopy) to pollens (3). Furthermore, the increasing current problems with allergic and immunological diseases have been linked to the introduction of MLV vaccines more than 20 years ago (6). While other environmental factors no doubt have a contributing role, the introduction of these vaccine antigens and their environmental shedding may provide the final insult that exceeds the immunological tolerance threshold of some individuals in the pet population.

Predisposed Breeds

Twenty years ago, this author began studying families of dogs with an apparent increased frequency of immune-mediated hematological disease (i.e., AIHA, ITP, or both) (12). Among the more commonly recognised predisposed breeds were the Akita, American Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Great Dane, Kerry Blue Terrier and all Dachshund and Poodle varieties; but predisposition was found especially in the Standard Poodle, Long-Haired Dachshund, Old English Sheepdog, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Vizsla, and Weimaraner, as well as breeds of white or predominantly white coat color or with coat color dilution (e.g., blue and fawn Doberman Pinschers, the merle Collie, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, and harlequin Great Dane) (1-3). Recently, other investigators have noted the relatively high frequency of AIHA, ITP or both in American Cocker Spaniels (10) and Old English Sheepdogs (13).

A significant proportion of these animals had been vaccinated with monovalent or polyvalent vaccines within the 30-45 day period prior to the onset of their autoimmune disease (1,2,10). Furthermore, the same breeds listed above appear to be more susceptible to other adverse vaccine reactions, particularly postvaccinal seizures, high fevers, and painful episodes of hypertrophic ostedystrophy (HOD) (3). For animals that have experienced an adverse vaccine reaction, the recommendation is often to refrain from vaccinating these animals until at least after puberty, and instead to measure serological antibody titers against the various diseases for which vaccination has been given. This recommendation raises an issue with the legal requirement for rabies vaccination. As rabies vaccines are strongly immunogenic and are known to elicit adverse neurological reaction (3,5) it would be advisable to postpone rabies vaccination for such cases. A letter from the primary care veterinarian stating the reason for requesting a waiver of rabies vaccination for puppies or adults with documented serious adverse vaccine reactions should suffice.

As further examples, findings from the author’s large accumulated database of three susceptible breeds are summarized below.

Vaccine-Associated Disease in Old English Sheepdogs

Old English Sheepdogs appear to be predisposed to a variety of autoimmune diseases (1-3,13). Of these, the most commonly seen are AIHA, ITP, thyroiditis, and Addison’s disease (2,17). Between 1980 and 1990, this author studied 162 cases of immune-mediated hematological diseases in this breed. One-hundred twenty-nine of these cases had AIHA, ITP, or both as a feature of their disease. Vaccination within the previous 30 days was the only identified triggering event in seven cases and was an apparent contributing factor in another 115 cases (2). Thyroid disease was recognized as either aprimary or secondary problem in 71 cases, which is likely an under-estimate of the true incidence, as thyroid function tests were not run or were inconclusive in most of the other cases.

Experience with a particular Old English Sheepdog family supported a genetic predisposition to autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, and AIHA or ITP or both - an example of the polyglandular autoimmune (2,17). Pedigrees were available from 108 of the 162 Old English Sheepdog cases of autoimmune disease; a close relationship was found among all but seven of the affected dogs (2). Two of three pedigrees available from the studies of Day and Penhale (13) were also related to this large North American study group.

Vaccine-Associated Disease in Young Akitas

Akitas are also subject to a variety of immun-mediated disorders, including Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH), pemphigus, and heritable juvenile-onset immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) (3,14). Juvenile-onset IMPA occurs in Akitas less than 8months of age. Of 11 closely related puppies in the author’s case series, themean age of onset was 14 weeks (3). Initial signs appeared 3 to 29 days following vaccination with polyvalent MLV or killed virus or both, with a mean reaction time of 14 days. All had profound joint pain and cyclic febrile illness lasting 24 to 48 hours. Hemograms revealed mild nonregenerative anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and occasional thrombocytopenia. Joint aspiration and radiography indicated nonseptic, nonerosive arthritis. Despite treatment for immune-mediated disease and pyrexia, all eight dogs had relapsing illness and died or were euthanized by 2 years of age from progressive systemic amyloidosis and renal failure. Necropsies were performed on three dogs, two of which had glomerular amyloiosis and wide spread evidence of vasculitis. The history, signs and close association with immunization suggested that juvenile-onset polyarthritis and subsequent amyloidosis in these Akitas may have been an autoimmune response triggered by the viral antigens or other components of vaccines (3).

The vaccine-related history was reviewed for 129 puppies belonging to the family of Akitas discussed above. Polyvalent MLV vaccine was given to 104 of them, with 10 (9.8%) puppies showing adverse reactions and death. Another six puppies received a polyvalent all-killed vaccine product (no longer commercially available) with no reactors, and 19 puppies received homeopathic nosides initially followed by killed canine parvovirus (CPV) vaccine, with one reactor (5.6% that died, and one that became ill but survived (3).

A genetic basis for immune-mediated disease and immunodeficiencies states is well known (1,2,12,13,15,17,1. The mechanism for triggering immune-mediated disease is poorly understood, but predisposing factors have been implicated when genetically susceptible individuals encounter environmental agents that induce nonspecific inflammation, molecular mimicry, or both (3,17). The comined effcts of these genetic and environmental factors override normal self-tolerance and are usually mediated by T-cell imbalance or dysregulation (17).

Since the modern Akita arose from a relatively small gene pool, understanding the potential environmental triggers of juvenile-onset IMPA has immediate importance. Numerous agents have been implicated, including drugs, vaccines, viruses, bacteria, chemicals and other toxins (1-3, 10,11). Although littermates from affected families typically end up in different locales, all undergo relatively standardized immunization procedures at a similar age.

Vaccine-Associated Disease in Young Weimaraners

The Weimaraner breed appears to be especially prone to both immune deficiency and autoimmune diseases, which have been recognized with increasing frequency in related members of the breed over the past 15 years (3). Autoimmune thyroiditis leading to clinically expressed hypothyroidism is probably the most common of these disorders, along with vaccine-associated HOD of young Weimaraners (2,3,17).

During a 2-year period (1986-198, Couto (3) evaluated 170 related Weimaraners, including affected puppies and their relatives. Clinical signs of the affected dogs included high fevers, polyarthritis with pain and swelling typical of HOD, coughing and respiratory distress from pneumonia, enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea, pyderma, and mouth ulcers. In most cases, clinical signs were first detected shortly after vaccination with a second dose of polyvalent MLV vaccine when the puppies were between 2 and 5 months of age. This author has studied more than 60 Weimaraners with vaccine-associated disease. In the 24 cases described in a previous article (3), themean age of onset of clinical signs was 13.5 weeks, with a mean reaction time of 10.5 days postvaccination. Males were predominantly affected. All affected puppies showed high-spiking fevers, cyclic episodes of pain, and polyarthritis (HOD) - a group of signs identical to those of the affected young Akitas described previously. Most affected puppies also showed leukocytosis (with neutrophilia or neutropenia), diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and enlarged lymph nodes. Some pupies also had levels of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, or both below those expected for their age, and one puppy had immunoglobulin G (IgG) deficiency as well. Other signs included coughing, pneumonia, depression, deizures or ‘spaced out’ behaviour, refusal to stand ormove, and hyperesthesia (‘walking on eggshells’). The outcome for half of these cases was good (12 of the 24 are healthy adults), although two died, three were euthanized as puppies, and three remained chronically ill as adults. Another four cases were lost to follow-up.

Management of this clinical syndrom is best accomplished with an initial dose of parenteral corticosteroids followed by a tapering course of corticosteroids over 4 to 6 weeks. Systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics may be given prophylactically, and vitamin C (500 to 1000mg daily) can be included to promote immune support. Recurring episodes are treated by increasing the corticosteroid dosage for a few days until the flare-up has subsided. The response to initial corticosteroid treatment is always dramatic, with fever and joint pain usually subsiding within a matter of hours.

Serological titers for canine distemper virus (CDV) and CPV were determined in 19 of the 24 affected Weimaraner puppies, and all were adequate. Upon reaching adulthood, serum antibody titers were reevaluated and detectable CDV- and CPV-specific IgG persisted. Several of these dogs have subsequently developed hypothyroidism and are receiving thyroid replacement (3,4,17). Thus, to avoid recurrence of adverse effects, which has been shown to be even more severe if another vaccine booster is given, serological titers for CDV and CPV are measured (7).

Another approach recommended by Weimaraner breeders and this author is to modify the vaccination protocol, especially for puppies from families known to have experienced adverse vaccine reactions. Examples would be to limit the number of antigens used in the vaccine series to those infectious agents of most clinical concer (i.e., CDV, CPV, and rabies virus), spearating these and other antigens to 2- to 3-week intervals, and giving rabies vaccine by itself at 6 months of age. A booster series is administered at 1 year by separating the CDV, CPV, rabies virus, and other vaccine components, where possible, and giving them on separate visits at least 2 weeks apart. Thereafter, serological antibody titers can be measured (except for those vaccines required by law, unless a specific exemption is made on an individual case basis).

Recommendations

Practitioners should be encouraged during the initial visit with a new puppy owner or breeder to review current informatin about the breed’s known congenital and heritable traits. Several databases, veterinary textbooks, and review articles contain the relevant information to assist here (2). For those breeds at increased risk, the potential for adverse reactions to routine vaccinations should be discussed as part of this wellness program. Because breeders of at-risk breeds have likely alerted the new puppy buyer to this possibility, we should be mindful and respectful of their viewpoint, which may be more informed than ours about a specific breed or family issue. To ignore or dismiss these issues can jeopardize the client-patient relationship and result in the client going elsewhere for veterinary services or even turning away from seeking professional care for these preventive health measures. As a minimum, if we are unaware of the particular concern expressed, we can research the matter or ask the client for any relevant scientific or medical documentation. The accumulated evidence indicates that vaccination protocols should no longer be considered as a ‘one size fits all’ program.

For these special cases, appropriate alternatives to current vaccine practices include: measuring serumn antibody titers; avoidance of unnecessary vaccines or overvaccinating; using caution in vaccinating sick, very old, debilitated, or febrile individuals; and tailoring a specific minimal vaccination protocol for dogs of breeds or families known to be at increased risk for adverse reactions (3,5-. Considerations include starting the vaccination series later, such as at 9 or 10 weeks of age, when the immune system is more able to handle antigenic challenge; alerting the caregiver to pay particular attention to the puppy’s behavior and overall health after the second or subsequent boosters; and avoiding revaccination of individuals already experiencing a significant adverse event. Littermates of affected puppies should be closely monitored after receiving additional vaccines in a puppy series, as they, too, are at higher risk. Altering the puppy vaccination protocol, as suggested above for the Weimaraner, is also advisable.

Following these recommendations may be a prudent way for our profession to balance the need for individual patient disease prevention with the age-old physician’s adage, forwarded by Hippocrates, of ‘to help, or at least do no harm’.

CHC comment: Dr Dodds has clearly referenced and outlined some of the vaccine-induced diseases that can occur, and has asked that veterinarians be mindful of these diseases and the various pre-dispositions that would render vaccines unsafe. She advises caution when vaccinating, rather than a total abolishment of vaccines, which is an extremely valid viewpoint.

Knowing Dr Dodds, we know that she will respect a differing view. Our own personal experience leads us at CHC to reject vaccines altogether. Samson, a Golden Retriever, experienced rear leg paralysis and dysentery after his second puppy shot. We didn’t know that vaccines could do this, so we ran around asking local farmers if they had put poison down. The next year we had him boosted, and his head swelled up like a football and he ran around screaming. At the age of two, autoimmune disease was diagnosed, and he died of cancer at the age of five. Samson died to tell you that one shot is all it takes.

Edward and Daniel, by contrast, have received the homoeopathic vaccine alternative. They are now four years old, and they are robustly healthy. Thousands of CHC members can tell you similar stories about their unvaccinated, homoeopathically protected, dogs. We refer you also to the foot and mouth articles which appeared in the last issue of CHC Update - where well fed and well-cared-for cattle remained immune to the disease, despite regular contact with it. Feed well, boost the animal’s immune system . . . this is the very best form of disese prevention. When you vaccinate, you run a huge risk of an adverse reaction. We believe that this risk is as high as one in every ten animals.

But the choice, ultimately, is your’s.

References
1. Dodds WJ. Immune-mediated diseases of the blood. Adv Vet Sci Comp Med
1983;27:163-196.
2. Dodds WJ. Estimating disease prevalence with health surveys and genetic screening.
Adv Vet Sci Comp Med 1995;39:29-96.
3. Dodds WJ. More bumps on the vaccine road. Adv Vet Med 1999;41:715-732.
4. Hogenesch H, Azcona-Olivera J, Scott-Moncrieff C, Snyder PW, Glickman LT.
Vaccine-induced autoimmunity in the dog. Adv Vet Med 1999;41:733-744.
5. Schultz R. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Vet Med
1998;93:233-254.
6. Tizard I. Risks associated with use of live vaccines. J Am Vet Med Assoc
1990;196:1851-1858.
7. Twark L, Dodds WJ. Clinical use of serum parvovirus and distemper virus antibody
titers for determining revaccination strategies in healthy dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2000;217:1021-1024.
8. Tizard I, Ni Y. Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion
animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;213:54-60.
9. Phillips TR, Jensen JL, Rubino MJ, Yang WC, Schultz RD. Effects of vaccines on the canine immune system. Can J Vet Res 1989;53:154-160.
10. Duval D, Giger U. Vaccine-associated immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in the
dog. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:290-295.
11. Cohen AD, Shoenfeld Y. Vaccine-induced autoimmunity. J Autoimmun
1996;9:699-703.
12. May C, Hammill J, Bennett D. Chinese shar pei fever syndrome: a preliminary report. Vet Rec 1992;131:586-587.
13. Day MJ, Penhale WJ. Immune-mediated disease in the old English sheepdog. Res Vet Sci 1992;53:87-92.
14. Dougherty SA. Center SA. Juvenile onset polyarthritis in akitas. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991;198:849-855.
15. Scott-Moncrieff JCR, Snyder PW, Glickman LT, Davis EL, Felsburg PJ. Systemic
necrotizing vasculitis in nine young beagles. J Am Vet Med Assoc
1992;201:1553-1558.
16. Wilbur LA, Evermann JF, Levings RL, et al. Abortion and death in pregnant bitches
associated with canine vaccine contaminated with blue tongue virus. J Am Vet Med
Assoc 1994;204:1762-1765.
17. Happ GM. Thyroiditis - a model canine autoimmune disease. Adv Vet Sci Comp Med 1995;39:97-139.
18. Rivas AL, Tintle L, Meyers-Wallen V, Scarlet JM, van Tassell CP. Inheritance of
renal amyloidosis in Chinese shar-pei dogs. J Hered 1993;84:438-442.




Vet Speaks UK

The following letter appeared in ‘Veterinary Times’ during May 2001


Dear Sir

Having recently been involved as an Expert Witness in a vaccine related
court case I would like to express my concern at the lack of knowledge with
which we are debating vaccine related issues.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that the American Association of
Feline Practitioners, the American Animal Hospital Association, Council on
Biologics and Therapeutic Agents and all 27 Veterinary Schools in North
America are in the process of changing their recommended protocols for
vaccinating cats and dogs. Knowledge about immunity with respect to
vaccination has improved greatly over the past five years (1). In making
these changes the following points have been focused on,

-When an annual booster vaccination with a modified live viral vaccine is
given to a previously vaccinated adult dog, no added protection is provided.
-Modified live virus vaccines depend on the replication of the virus for a
response.
-Antibodies from previous vaccines do not allow the new virus to replicate.
-Antibody titres are not boosted, more memory cells are not induced.
-No additional protection is provided.
-There is no scientific data to support label directions for re
administration of MLV vaccines annually.
-Vaccines are not harmless. Unnecessary side effects and adverse events can
be minimised by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.
-The emphasis should be on safety and no medicine should be given more
frequently, longer, or at a higher dose than is necessary.

All of the above points are relevant to UK practice, as Professor Richard
Ford stated at the BSAVA Vaccine Symposium 2000, "this is a global issue."
For those practitioners convinced that they have never seen an adverse event
post vaccination, the following mechanisms may be involved (2),

-Contamination with extraneous agents
-Residual virulence of vaccine organisms
-Vaccination of an immunosuppressed animal
-Immune suppression induced by the vaccine
-Excessive induction of cytokine release
-Multiple vaccines administered concurrently
-Hypersensitivity to vaccine antigens
Type I Â* immediate type
Type II Â* cytotoxic type
Type III Â* immune complex type
Type IV Â* delayed type

-Triggering or exacerbation of hypersensitivity to nonvaccine antigens
Allergies
Autoimmune disease
-Induction of neoplastic changes

Until we know what constitutes an adverse reaction post vaccination we are
unlikely to acknowledge one, let alone report it through the SAERS.
A group of researchers at Purdue University, Department of Veterinary
Pathobiology and Veterinary Clinical Sciences are investigating the effect
of vaccination on dogs in a series of experimental studies(3). One of their
early studies has concluded that vaccination of dogs using a routine
protocol and commonly used vaccines, induces autoantibodies.

In the UK the only information we have had with respect to vaccine issues
has come through the National Office of Animal Health, a briefing document
following the 1998 World in Action programme. Compiled by David Sutton, head
of veterinary services at Intervet in his role as Chairman of the Companion
Animal Vaccine Group and endorsed by the BSAVA Scientific Committee. A
comfortable symbiotic relationship seems to have developed here.
If ‘Standard Veterinary Practice’ is the only defense we have for our
current vaccination protocols then the honesty and integrity of our
profession is at risk.
Yours sincerely

Lyn J Thomson MRCVS

References -
(1)Schultz RD, Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs.
Veterinary Medicine 233-254,March 1998.
(2)Roth, J A, Mechanistic Bases for Adverse Vaccine Reactions and Vaccine
Failures. Advances in Veterinary Medicine, Vol 41, 681-699, 1999.
(3) Glickman L et al., Vaccine Induced Autoimmunity in the Dog. Advances in
Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 41, 733-747, 1999.


Christine.