are vaccines harmful?

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

[quote=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.[/quote]

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?

[quote=gail]The tieter tests are fairly inexpensive and worth every penny.[/quote]

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.

[quote=Cassie's mama]Question... Are the puppers to be boosted at 1 yr of age or 1 year from their last puppy shot?
[/quote]

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

[quote=Cassie's mama] I do not want to vaccinate if at all possible...
[/quote]

The decision about whether to vaccinate (or not) is really a question of risk assessment. Is your puppy at high risk (going to dog shows, exposure to lots of unknown dogs, frequent trips to the groomer or vet hospital)? Is she a toy dog that barely goes outside?

Personally I follow the minimal vaccination protocol for my clients that insist on vaccinating their puppies and kittens. A core (Distemper/Parvo) vacccine is given at 10-12 weeks of age. One booster follows in about 1 month and then again in 1 year (from the last vaccination).

The practice of routine annual "boosting" of vacccinations is no longer followed by any of the university vet schools. That's because they are beginning to realize that these "benign" health maintenance can cause cancer, immune disruption and many chronic diseases. Holistic doctors however have known for many years how harmful over vaccination can be.

Read my document about raising a holistic pet http://www.homevet.com/newclient/rules.html for more general guidelines about healthy puppy rearing. The documents in my vaccination area of the info center will provide many more details about vaccination.

Above all, love and enjoy your puppy.

[quote=Janeinwestport]Is it a Connecticut state law that they HAVE to have them, or not? [/quote]

Hi Jane-

Unfortunately it is state law. What you choose to do however...

Dr. Jeff