are vaccines harmful?

drjeff · #1 05-05-2005, 01:24 PM

This is a hot topic which I'd love to open for discussion.

There is little question that vaccinations can help prevent acute diseases. There is growing evidence however that over vaccination (and that may be anywhere from repeated annual revaccinations to ONE single vaccine) triggers the development of chronic diseases.

The most obvious association of course is malignant, usually fatal vaccine sarcomas of cats (which is now also recognized in dogs). There are ongoing studies showing vaccine-associated kidney damage, thyroid damage, cancers, etc.

My opinion is that even one, single vaccine can act as a sufficient stress to trigger the development of serious disease symptoms IN SOME PETS.

In this folder we will discuss how to know what to do.

Dr. Jeff

Zahra · #2 05-23-2005, 06:08 PM

Where can you find the current
vaccine protocols for dogs (and other animals) ?
Is there a national veterinary association that recommends
a vaccination schedule ?

We are in the Northeast (USA), and have a healthy one
year old Old English Sheepdog. He is up to date on
the puppy shots right now. He is due for a Rabies vaccine
in July, but I am not sure what other vaccines are
recommended at this age.

Thank You !

drjeff · #3 05-24-2005, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zahra

Is there a national veterinary association that recommends
a vaccination schedule ?
He is due for a Rabies vaccine
in July, but I am not sure what other vaccines are
recommended at this age.

There currently is no "official" recommendation. Personally I recommend less than the current minimum. The *general* consensus is to boost twice as a pup (12 and 16 weeks) and then again 1 year later. Then every three years.

Personally I recommend rabies vaccination as required by law and that's it (except under extenuating circumstances).

Any other thoughts?

Zahra · #4 05-24-2005, 10:11 PM

Dr. Jeff,

There are so many points of view on this issue discussed
on the internet, I was more confused after the research !

Thank you for sharing your view on the vaccine issue.
I agree on giving only what is required.

Great forum, thanks for providing this wonderful informative
and educational site !

gail · #5 06-15-2005, 01:24 AM

After we adopted a 1 1/2 year old lab we brought him to the vet and he was vaccinated with everything that was required. 3 months later he came down with a horrible ear infection that became a constant problem for over 2 years. Yes, we vacinnated ( not aware that the shots may be the culprit) the next year and soon was followed by surgery to flush the ears and start from scratch. We tried prescription diets and many meds with no help. I did a little research of my own and found he had a low thyroid and I stopped vaccinating him except for rabies. There is titer (spelling) tests that check the dogs immunity to the certain virus you are needing to vaccinate for. The test results take a few days but will hopefully prevent unneccasary shots. For our dog, it has made a HUGE difference. He hasn't had an ear infection in a few years, though he continues to remain on thyroid meds for life. I can't help but wonder if he was over vaccinated due to the adoption and that put his thryoid at risk? If the tests come back that the dog is not immune to the disease than I would vaccinate. The tieter tests are fairly inexpensive and worth every penny.

drjeff · #6 06-15-2005, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gail

The tieter tests are fairly inexpensive and worth every penny.

Hi Gail-

Just for clarification. "Protective" antibody titers do not=protection from disease. The immunology (study of the immune system) that explains this is too complex for a short message I'm afraid.

Titers are indeed the best way that we have to reassure ourselves that the innoculations from two, three, or more years ago are still "effective". Realize however that is the strength of the immune system that protects against disease, not a protective titer.

One animal with no titer may remain well while another who has a protective titer gets ill during an epidemic (say a kennel cough outbreak at the groomer or kennel).

In addition to the titers you need to do everything possible to foster a strong immune system. A healthy lifestyle (fresh species-appropriate food, outdoor exercise, minimal vaccinations, no symptom suppression and homeopathic treatment) will protect against both acute and chronic degenerative diseases.

No matter what you do, do NOT suppress symptoms. Inevitably more serious or chronic recurring diseases will result. Work through all symptoms with a vet homeopath. For ear inflammations this means keeping the ear free of discharge without using drying agents (like alcohol which will help slow down the discharge without addressing the underlying problem). At the same time work with your vet homeopath to treat the internal imbalance and slowly the ear problem will resolve.

Good luck.

Anonymous · #7 08-10-2005, 06:20 AM

My sister and myself do not believe in yearly vaccinations as long as the cat is indoor only. We get the initial vaccines when they are kittens and that is it. I am very interested in going "natural" regarding the care of my 3 cats. UTI is so common in male cats, too common, it has to be because of the food. Years ago, there was no such thing as cat food in stores and my mom fed her cat liver and table scraps. I just want my cat to be healthy again and all of them to be at an ideal weight. i have to find the correct food, etc. and slowly switch them over to a healthier food. in the meantime i need help with getting my male cat's health back to 100% with this uti/cystitis or lower urinary infection. (he's straining in the litterbox, frequent trips and drops of urine/blood) taking him to the vet tomorrow but after this is completed i want to treat him naturally to maintain his urinary health.

Anonymous · #8 08-16-2005, 09:53 PM

Question... Are the puppers to be boosted at 1 yr of age or 1 year from their last puppy shot?
Thanks...confused
Diane

drjeff · #9 08-16-2005, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassie's mama

Question... Are the puppers to be boosted at 1 yr of age or 1 year from their last puppy shot?

If you decide to vaccinate your adult dog then it should be done at 1 year from the last booster for maximal effect.

Anonymous · #10 08-16-2005, 11:10 PM

OOOPS...it is a puppy 16 weeks...she has had the complete series of puppy shots & will get a rabies soon! I do not want to vaccinate if at all possible...
Thanks!