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Canine Vaccination Protocol at WAH
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You may have become aware of the controversy regarding the frequency of vaccinations for dogs and cats necessary to ensure both their health and their safety. Few long-term studies have been offered to support a decision to vaccinate less frequently than the familiar once-per-year protocol for canine and feline distemper, enteric viruses, and respiratory viruses. However, more and more information points to the conclusion that less frequent vaccination may still provide excellent immunity, and with fewer potential side effects than are now occasionally seen with “yearly” vaccinations.
Already, the rabies vaccination protocol used in our clinic calls for a single vaccination at or after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster one year later. The interval for subsequent rabies vaccinations then jumps to every three years. (Note: this protocol varies from state to state, as determined by local health codes.)
A vaccine has been developed which assures a longer immunity against canine distemper, canine adenovirus, and canine parvovirus. This vaccine will be given to adult dogs after the completion of a primary or “puppy” series. Reminders will be generated only every 3 years for this vaccination, just as is now the case with rabies vaccinations.
We still provide either yearly or twice yearly vaccinations (depending upon your kennel’s requirement) for infectious tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough.”
Canine coronavirus vaccine is still part of our puppy series. However, canine coronavirus has been declared a “non-core” (i.e., less important) disease by researchers, and will no longer be administered to adult dogs. (Other non-core vaccines include those developed for Giardia and Lyme disease. These also are not part of our protocols.)
Leptospirosis has appeared recently as a problem in some areas. This bacteria-like disease attacks the urinary tract, and in turn is passed on in urine. The drinking of urine-contaminated ground water – from streams, ponds, etc. - is the primary means of infection. Vaccines to prevent infection are available. . However, there are a number of strains – or serovars – of Leptospira. The vaccines do not protect against all serovars, including some of the most common ones detected recently in Washington State. That complication, added to the fact that dogs occasionally react adversely to the vaccine, has prompted most veterinarians to drop leptospirosis from routine vaccination protocols. It is advised to consider leptospirosis vaccination on a case-by-case basis, where the chances of exposure are heightened, such as with hunting dogs.
Dogs and cats age rapidly, relative to us humans. We would not consider going five to seven years between physical examinations. Therefore, we recommend yearly exams for our canine and feline friends, and we will provide reminders for that service.
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Article Date:
May 14, 2009
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| 16511 140th Place N.E. |
| Woodinville, WA 98072 |
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| Phone: |
(425) 483-5005 |
| Fax: |
(425) 483-5558 |
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