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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Vaccinations and Our Pets In this article, I would like to comment on the current controversy with respect to vaccinations for our pets. The vaccinations are available because the diseases we vaccinate against do exist. The question has more to do with potential damage we inflict (iatrogenic disease) by over-vaccinating or vaccinating inappropriately. The purpose of this article is to display the facts and to imbibe some insight from an experiential point of view of this author as to the necessity of yearly vaccinations. In an article published in 1992 in Current Veterinary Therapy XI (A conventional veterinary text similar to Conn's Current Therapy for human medicine) by Tom Phillips DVM and Ron Schultz, Ph.D., "A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccination. Almost with no exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal. Successful vaccination to most bacterial pathogens produces an immunologic memory that remains for years, allowing an animal to develop a protective anamnestic (secondary) response when exposed to virulent organismsŠFurthermore, revaccination with most viral vaccines fails to stimulate an anamnestic (secondary) response as a result of interference by existing antibody... The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination or is required by law (i.e. certain states require annual revaccination for rabies)". As the momentum built, based on what I perceive as fear in both the public's eye as well as the veterinary community as to the devastating effects of contagious disease in the 70's, yearly vaccinations have become commonplace. Low cost vaccination clinics and drug store availability are now matter of fact. The perception of the general public is that vaccination is an absolute necessity to ensure a healthy pet. I believe this to be untrue. By indiscriminant use of vaccination, we may actually be causing more harm than good. In a 1998 report, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and the Academy of Feline Medicine (AFM) Advisory Panel on Feline Vaccines, recommended new guidelines for feline vaccination protocols, recommending vaccination to be done on cats every three years after kitten vaccines and their first year booster. Many U.S. Veterinary Colleges have adopted this protocol as well. These differ from standard practices including the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association's current recommended protocol as stated in 1999 (recommending yearly vaccinations until further scientific research is completed). These recommendations were based on a study published in 1997 in Feline Practice. Based on vaccination at 8 and 12 weeks of age, positive antibody titres to feline Panleukopenia, feline Herpes, and feline Calici virus lasted six, three, and four years respectively. When these cats were challenged with the viruses, there were a number who got ill but recovered uneventfully. My Experience I have been practicing veterinary medicine in British Columbia for the past 14 years. For the most part of those years, I practiced in an area that I feel is endemic to a number of diseases that affect our pet population. These include canine Parvovirus canine Distemper and feline Panleukopenia, Herpes and Calici viruses. Having had the experience of working in a very busy practice in an endemic area, I estimate having seen approximately 1,500 to 2,000 cases of canine Parvo, and about a dozen cases of dog distemper. Of all of these experiences, only a handful or less have been adult dogs (with either no vaccination history or minimal vaccine history). The majority of the cases I have witnessed have been puppies that have been unvaccinated. As for feline disease, I have seen thousands of cases of Herpes and Calici viral infections and about a dozen cases of feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper). In my experience, the vast majority of cases have recovered with proper treatment. I have no doubt that vaccines can help our pets. Based on the above study, I ask the question: do we need to vaccinate as often as every 12 months? The protocols that have been established over the years are to vaccinate on an annual basis. I have seen many diseases that have sprung up that I can associate with over-vaccination. There are a number of well documented "side affects" to vaccinations. By far, the most common being anaphylaxis, or acute life threatening systemic reaction to repeated vaccine, much like a bee sting reaction. There is also the issue of vaccine- induced sarcoma (cancer at the vaccination site) which is relatively rare unless it is your pet who gets this condition. Immune hemolytic anemia (a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the red blood cells) and a rise in antibodies against the thyroid gland are two very well documented vaccination reactions. What about those problems that are less subtle such as skin problems such as allergies, chronic upper respiratory disease, chronic cystitis (bladder inflammation), arthritis, seizure disorders, and so on. These conditions have been noted to develop in close association with the timing of vaccines. In my homeopathic practice, it is imperative to gather a detailed medical history of each of my patients, and through careful observation, I have noticed the chronological appearance of a number of conditions that appear to be related to the timing of vaccination. What can we do about the vaccination quandary? First and foremost, I would suggest maintaining optimal health through good nutrition and good vitamin supplementation. Lifestyle is important in minimizing the stress and maximizing exerciseŠ something we all are aware of. Another imperative is to see to it that our pets are parasite free, which includes internal as well as external parasites such as fleas and worms. A simple stool sample can elicit much information in this regard. Conventional safe dewormers or herbals preparations can be used as prevention. As for the vaccination question, there are a growing number of ways that you can hedge that your pet is protected. I still vaccinate puppies and kittens, though this is an individual decision that I discuss with each and every client as to the risks and benefits. I try to minimize the number of vaccines that I give as I feel when it comes to vaccination more is not better! In fact, some practitioners suggest using single ingredient vaccinations and rotating them every year. I urge every one of you that if your pet is ill with any ailment, DO NOT VACCINATE, as this seems to compound the stress on your pet! In fact, the vaccines are labeled for use on healthy pets only! Wait until they are fully healthy (i.e. no illness whatsoever). Homeopathic remedies such as Thuja, Silicea, or Sulphur, can be used after vaccination to prevent any untoward effects. A growing number of my clients elect to have their pet's antibodies tested to ensure adequate levels of antibody to the diseases that we see in our area. This is known as titer testing. It is based on the fact that if there a certain minimum level of antibodies in the system directed against the virus, if the pet comes in contact with that virus, he/she will mount a protective response. The above study in cats was based on testing the levels of antibodies the cats had developed from a series of 2 kitten vaccinations. In the past 8 years, I have been recommending titer testing to my clients. In 95% of the tests I have done thus far (these are excluding totals over the past 6 years of testing), these pets have NOT REQUIRED the yearly booster for canine distemper and parvo virus. My conclusion is that the vaccinations may very well last for more than the usual one year. I have had numerous pets that have remained protected after a five year absence in vaccination. Homeopathic nosodes are another option though their efficacy remains questionable. Nosodes are homeopathic preparations of the actual disease in which we are trying to prevent. A sort of vaccination made from the actual discharges and prepared specifically according to strict homeopathic guidelines. Dr. Chris Day, a veterinary Homeopath in England showed that nosodes were more effective at reducing disease than vaccines, in a study of Kennel Cough. The issue of vaccination is a complex one at best. I hope this article enlightens you to inquire more into this question and gives you a topic to discuss with your veterinarian. The important issue to take with you form this is to weigh the risks and the benefits of any procedure you do with your pet. References: Current Veterinary Therapy XI, 1992, Saunders Publishing Veterinary Medicine August 1999, pp. 727-735 Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs, Don Hamilton, 1999, North Atlantic Books Homeopathic Treatment of Small Animals, Christopher Day, 1990, C.W. Daniel Company Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |
