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We follow Dr. Jean Dodd's revised vaccination
schedule. Dr. Dodds, and other specialists in the field of
immunology, assert that while vaccines have reduced the
incidence of serious infectious disease, increasing evidence
indicates they are also triggering immune-mediated and other
chronic disorders. Challenge studies have shown that the
minimum life of a vaccine is 5 years with most providing
immunity over 7 years and some for the life of the dog. This
minimal vaccine use protocol
is considered to be less stressful on a dog's natural
immunity, allowing them to develop a natural level of
antibodies. It is particularly recommended for breeds susceptible
to or effected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated
disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or
autoimmune endocrine disease.
We've rarely had veterinarians
express concern over our policy on vaccinations. As time passes,
more veterinarians, breeders and pet owners are beginning to doubt
the necessity of annual vaccinations. In fact, some veterinarians
are recommending no additional vaccinations after one year of age
based on latest research. They are recommending annual titre
testing in lieu of vaccinations. I personally prefer the three
year rule and no additional vaccines after 6 years. My feeling
is that if some research is showing a minimum duration of 5 years
that vaccinating more than every 3 - 4 years on an adult dog is
unnecessary. I am leery about not vaccinating at all for parvo
in my area, because there is a big parvo issue due to the climate
and so many people not vaccinating their dogs at all.
If you prefer a printable version of this
information, it may be
obtained here.
| Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination
Schedule |
| Vaccine |
Initial |
1st Annual Booster |
Re-Administration
Interval |
Comments |
Distemper (MLV)
(e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) |
9 weeks
12 weeks
16 - 20
weeks |
At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only
|
None needed.
Duration of immunity 7.5 /
15 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending. |
Can have numerous side effects if given
too young (< 8 weeks). |
Parvovirus (MLV)
(e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) |
9 weeks
12 weeks
16 - 20
weeks |
At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only |
None needed.
Duration of immunity 7.5
years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending. |
At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are
protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. |
Rabies
(killed) |
24 weeks or older |
At 1 year (give 3-4 weeks apart from
Dist/Parvo booster) Killed 3 year rabies vaccine |
3 yr. vaccine given as required by law in
California (follow your state/provincial requirements) |
rabid animals may infect dogs. |
| Vaccines Not Recommended For
Dogs |
| Distemper & Parvo at 6 weeks or
younger |
Not recommended.
At this age,
maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the
vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the
virus at the vet clinic. |
| Corona |
Not recommended.
1. Disease
only affects dogs <6 weeks of age.
2. Rare disease: TAMU has seen only
one case in seven years.
3. Mild self-limiting disease.
4. Efficacy of
the vaccine is questionable.
5. If required, give at 18 & 22 weeks. |
| Leptospirosis |
Not recommended
1. There are
an average of 12 cases reported annually in California.
2. Side effects
common.
3. Most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars. (There is
no cross-protection of serovars) There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two
vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection.).
4. Risk
outweighs benefits. |
| Lyme |
Not recommended
1. Low risk in
California.
2. 85% of cases are in 9 New England states and Wisconsin.
3.
Possible side effect of polyarthritis from whole cell bacterin. |
Bordetella
(Intranasal)
(killed) |
Only recommended 3 days prior to
boarding when required (after 22 weeks).
Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of
kennel cough.
Duration of immunity 6 months. |
| Giardia |
Not recommended
Efficacy of
vaccine unsubstantiated by independent
studies | |
Boosters:
Every 18 months to 3 years until the 6th year of life. Boost first
with MLV Distemper/Adeno-2/Parainfluenza.
Wait an additional 3 - 4 weeks and give Killed Rabies if indicated.
Some veterinarians are recommending no additional vaccinations after
one year of age based on latest research. They are
recommending annual titre testing in lieu of vaccinations.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VACCINATION:
Don’t vaccinate under stress; corticosteriods
inhibit lymphocyte metabolism and cell growth. Adrenalin releases
lymphocytic AMP (cyclic) which is immunosuppressive. Stress
decreases the activity of natural killer cells.
Don't vaccinate a bitch in season, pregnant or lactating.
Don't administer drugs, flea preventative (other
than topical), heartworm preventative or wormers during vaccination
period.
Don’t vaccinate within 2 weeks of surgery. Anesthetics are
immunosuppressive.
Don’t vaccinate before 6 weeks of age. MLV vaccine can cause
encephalitis in pups under 4 wks.
Don’t routinely vaccinate older animals. After 6 yrs of age, titers
assay first to see if it is necessary to vaccinate at all.
Administer a biannual vaccine at ½ dose each 6 months if necessary.
Don’t vaccinate sick animals or those who have been exposed to
disease.
Don’t vaccinate during glucocorticoid therapy. Be cautious with
butazolidin, estrogens and insecticidal drugs including heartworm
preventives.
Don’t vaccinate animals with tumors, heart or kidney disease.
The diagramed schedule is based on Cornell Research of the early
90’s reported by Dr. W. Jean Dodds, currently a holistic
veterinarian in Southern California.
There
are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians:
modified-live vaccines and inactivated ("killed")
vaccines.
Immunization Schedules
There
is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate
immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified-live
vaccines and breeders who have experienced postvaccinal problems when using some
of these vaccines. It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while
maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother's
colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms
and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.
Many
breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.
Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)
Modified-live vaccines contain a weakened strain of the disease causing
agent. Weakening of the agent is typically accomplished by chemical means or by
genetic engineering. These vaccines replicate within the host, thus increasing
the amount of material available for provoking an immune response without
inducing clinical illness. This provocation primes the immune system to mount a
vigorous response if the disease causing agent is ever introduced to the animal.
Further, the immunity provided by a modified-live vaccine develops rather
swiftly and since they mimic infection with the actual disease agent, it
provides the best immune response.
Inactivated Vaccines (Killed)
Inactivated vaccines contain killed disease causing agents. Since the
agent is killed, it is much more stable and has a longer shelf life, there is no
possibility that they will revert to a virulent form, and they never spread from
the vaccinated host to other animals. They are also safe for use in pregnant
animals (a developing fetus may be susceptible to damage by some of the disease
agents, even though attenuated, present in modified-live vaccines).
Although more than a single dose of vaccine is always required and the duration
of immunity is generally shorter, inactivated vaccines are regaining importance
in this age of retrovirus and herpes virus infections and concern about the
safety of genetically modified microorganisms. Inactivated vaccines available
for use in dogs include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus,
etc.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford
Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310/ 828-4804
fax: 310/ 828-8251
Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and
should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a
veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment
and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with
immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with
vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or
Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended.
After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers
against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This
is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine
reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita,
American Eskimo, Great Dane).
Another alternative to booster vaccinations is
homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that
has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus
nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions.
However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its
use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be
provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be
obtained.
I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and
give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be
able to give titer test result in lieu of booster.
I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or
Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific
kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain
the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.
I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus,
pregnancy or lactation.
W. Jean Dodds,
DVM
HEMOPEThttp://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET
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