News & Updates
Latest announcements and updates from the K9 Academy Training Facility.
Latest announcements and updates from the K9 Academy Training Facility.
K9 Academy has Moved!!
The K9 Academy Training Facility has gotten larger. Effective June 10, 2013 we moved from a 8,000 sq ft building to a 25,000 sq ft vacant elementary school with 10 acres of land surrounding. We could not be more excited about the training possibilities and advantages for our customers and K9 partners. Please come and enjoy our new Headquarters!
24800 Hayes St.
Taylor, Michigan 48180
(old name was Wareing Elementary)
At the Adored Beast Veterinary Clinic we do not recommend yearly vaccine boosters. We do, however, recommend bi-yearly to yearly exams as a preventative health care measure. For our clients who would like the added reassurance that their companion has protective anti-body levels against infectious disease, the clinic offers titer tests; a procedure that measures the anti-body levels in your pet's blood. Therefore, if by chance one of the viruses has a low anti-body level, we can independently vaccinate for that one disease rather than bombarding your companion's immune system with numerous viruses that he or she does not need. We separate vaccines if they need to be given, in order to minimize stress on your animal's immune system. If he or she has an immune system imbalance or chronic disease, we may prefer to hold off on vaccines untill we get your companion into a more optimal state of health. Vaccinating your companion when their immune system is compromised can lead to a worsening of their present problems or a weakening of their immune system in general.
Most vaccines
are administered as "cocktails", which are a combination of many
vaccines given in one shot. We are one of the few clinics that will
specially order individual vaccinations for the welfare of your pet.
The challenge to produce effective and safe vaccines for the prevalent
infectious diseases of humans and animals has become increasingly
difficult. In veterinary medicine, evidence implicating vaccines in
triggering immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis) is
compelling. While some of these problems have been traced to
contaminated or poorly attenuated batches of vaccine that revert to
virulence, others apparently reflect the host's genetic predisposition
to react adversely upon receiving the single (monovalent) or multiple
antigen "combo" (polyvalent) products given routinely to animals.
Animals of certain susceptible breeds or families appear to be at
increased risk for severe and lingering adverse reactions to vaccines.
The
onset of adverse reactions to conventional vaccinations (or other
inciting drugs, chemicals, or infectious agents) can be an immediate
hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction, or can occur acutely (24-48
hours afterwards), or later on (10-45 days) in a delayed type immune
response often caused by immune-complex formation. Typical signs of
adverse immune reactions include fever, stiffness, sore joints and
abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, central and
peripheral nervous system disorders or inflammation, collapse with
autoagglutinated red blood cells and jaundice, or generalized pinpoint
hemorrhages or bruises. Liver enzymes may be markedly elevated, and
liver or kidney failure may accompany bone marrow suppression.
Furthermore, recent vaccination of genetically susceptible breeds has
been associated with transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs, as
well as a variety of autoimmune diseases including those affecting the
blood, endocrine organs, joints, skin and mucosa, central nervous
system, eyes, muscles, liver, kidneys, and bowel. It is postulated that
an underlying genetic predisposition to these conditions places other
littermates and close relatives at increased risk. Vaccination of pet
and research dogs with polyvalent vaccines containing rabies virus or
rabies vaccine alone was recently shown to induce production of
antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, a provocative and important finding
with implications for the subsequent development of hypothyroidism
(Scott-Moncrieff et al, 2002).
Vaccination also can overwhelm
the immunocompromised or even healthy host that is repeatedly
challenged with other environmental stimuli and is genetically
predisposed to react adversely upon viral exposure. The recently weaned
young puppy or kitten entering a new environment is at greater risk
here, as its relatively immature immune system can be temporarily or
more permanently harmed. Consequences in later life may be the
increased susceptibility to chronic debilitating diseases.
As
combination vaccines contain antigens other than those of the
clinically important infectious disease agents, some may be
unnecessary; and their use may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
With the exception of a recently introduced mutivalent Leptospira spp.
vaccine, the other leptospirosis vaccines afford little protection
against the clinically important fields strains of leptospirosis, and
the antibodies they elicit typically last only a few months. Other
vaccines, such as for Lyme disease, may not be needed, because the
disease is limited to certain geographical areas. Annual revaccination
for rabies is required by some states even though there are USDA
licensed rabies vaccine with a 3-year duration. Thus, the overall
risk-benefit ratio of using certain vaccines or multiple antigen
vaccines given simultaneously and repeatedly should be reexamined. It
must be recognized, however, that we have the luxury of asking such
questions today only because the risk of disease has been effectively
reduced by the widespread use of vaccination programs.
Given
this troublesome situation, what are the experts saying about these
issues? In 1995, a landmark review commentary focused the attention of
the veterinary profession on the advisability of current vaccine
practices. Are we overvaccinating companion animals, and if so, what is
the appropriate periodicity of booster vaccines? Discussion of this
provocative topic has generally lead to other questions about the
duration of immunity conferred by the currently licensed vaccine
components.
In response to questions posed in the first part
of this article, veterinary vaccinologists have recommended new
protocols for dogs and cats. These include: 1) giving the puppy or
kitten vaccine series followed by a booster at one year of age; 2)
administering further boosters in a combination vaccine every three
years or as split components alternating every other year until; 3) the
pet reaches geriatric age, at which time booster vaccination is likely
to be unnecessary and may be unadvisable for those with aging or
immunologic disorders. In the intervening years between booster
vaccinations, and in the case of geriatric pets, circulating humoral
immunity can be evaluated by measuring serum vaccine antibody titers as
an indication of the presence of Aimmune memory@. Titers do not
distinguish between immunity generated by vaccination and/or exposure
to the disease, although the magnitude of immunity produced just by
vaccination is usually lower (see Tables).
Except where
vaccination is required by law, all animals, but especially those dogs
or close relatives that previously experienced an adverse reaction to
vaccination can have serum antibody titers measured annually instead of
revaccination. If adequate titers are found, the animal should not need
revaccination until some future date. Rechecking antibody titers can be
performed annually, thereafter, or can be offered as an alternative to
pet owners who prefer not to follow the conventional practice of annual
boosters. Reliable serologic vaccine titering is available from several
university and commercial laboratories and the cost is reasonable.
Relatively
little has been published about the duration of immunity following
vaccination, although new data are beginning to appear for both dogs
and cats.
Our recent study (Twark and Dodds, 2000), evaluated
1441 dogs for CPV antibody titer and 1379 dogs for CDV antibody titer.
Of these, 95.1 % were judged to have adequate CPV titers, and nearly
all (97.6 %) had adequate CDV titers. Vaccine histories were available
for 444 dogs (CPV) and 433 dogs (CDV). Only 43 dogs had been vaccinated
within the previous year, with the majority of dogs (268 or 60%) having
received a booster vaccination 1-2 years beforehand. On the basis of
our data, we concluded that annual revaccination is unnecessary.
Similar findings and conclusions have been published recently for dogs
in New Zealand (Kyle et al, 2002), and cats (Scott and Geissinger,
1999; Lappin et al, 2002).
When an adequate immune memory has
already been established, there is little reason to introduce
unnecessary antigen, adjuvant, and preservatives by administering
booster vaccines. By titering annually, one can assess whether a given
animal's humoral immune response has fallen below levels of adequate
immune memory. In that event, an appropriate vaccine booster can be
administered.
References
Vaccine protocol
FORWARDED WITH PERMISSION
Dr. W. Jean Dodd's vaccination protocol is now being adopted by
ALL 27 North American veterinary schools.
Get the word out.
VACCINATION NEWS FLASH
*I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in
North America are in the process of changing their protocols for
vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical
&economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics.
Some organizations have come up with a political compromise
suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear
loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics,
traditions, or the doctor's economic well being should not be a
factor in medical decision.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
"Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a
modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it
prod uces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie:
canine distemper,parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine
is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine
neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little
or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory
cells induced." Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper
unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions
and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. "There is no scientific
documentation
to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines."
Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This
natural protection can last 8-14weeks. Puppies & kittens should
NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8weeks. Maternal immunity will
neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced.
Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly
effective vaccin e. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress
rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations
is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16
weeks of age.Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of
age (usually at 1 year 4mo) will provide lifetime immunity.
CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS
Distemper & Parvo * "According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95,
when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months and again at
1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program memory cells that survive for
life, providing lifelong immunity." Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and
Dr. Schultz have studies showing immunity against challenge at 2-10 years
for
canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer
duration are pending. "There are no new strains of parvovirus as
one mfg. would like to suggest. Parvovirus vaccination provides
cross immunity for all types." Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is one of
the agents known to be a cause of kennel cough. Only vaccines
with CAV-2 should be used asCAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of
"hepatitis blue-eye" reactions & kidney damage.**Bordetella
Parainfluenza:
Commonly called "Kennel cough" Recommended only for those dogs
boarded,
groomed, taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a
lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more
rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72
hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel cough. Immunity is of
short duration (4 to
6 months).*
*RABIES There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats
in Harris, Montogomery or Ft. Bend Counties [Texas], there have
been rabid skunks and bats so the potential exists. / It is a
killed vaccineand must be given every year./*//
*Lyme disease_is a tick born disease which can cause lameness,
kidney failure and heart disease in dog s. Ticks can also transmit
the disease to humans. The original Ft.
Dodge killed bacteria has
proven to
be the most effective vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should emphasize
early
removal of ticks. Amitraz collars are more effective than Top
Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick's mouthparts preventing
transmission of disease.
**VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED* *
Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the
immune system and result in lesser immunity for each individual
disease as well as increasing the risk of a reaction. Canine Corona Virus
is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs get well in
3 days without treatment). Cornell & Texas A&M have only
diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does
not cause disease in adult dogs.*
*Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in
dogs. Most of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the
US
are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa and
bratsilvia. The vaccines contain different serovaars eanicola and
ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided and protection
is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive to puppies
less than 16 weeks.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite
of humans inNorth America
, 30% or more of all dogs & cats are
infected with giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can
transmit
giardiato dogs & cats & vice versa. *
Heartworm preventative must be given year-round in Houston .
*VACCINES BADLY NEEDED New vaccines in development include:
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and cat scratch fever vaccine for
cats and Ehrlichia [one of the other tick diseases, much worse than Lymes]
for dogs.
THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS
Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators
require them. For years the prici ng structure of vets has misled
clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office
visit was in the "shots" they failed to emphasize the importance
of a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases. It
is my hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel
cough and emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also
hope you will accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently
vaccinated. Those in the boarding business who will honor the new vaccine
protocols can gain new customers who were turned away from vet owned
boarding facilities reluctant to
change.
CONCLUSION
Dogs & cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper,
parvo, & feline leukemia every year. Once the initial series of
puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are
completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. It has
been shown that cats over 1 year of age are immune to Fel ine
Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated or not. Imagine the
money you will save, not to mention less risks from side effects.
PCR rabies vaccine, because it is not adjuvanted, will mean less
risk of mediated hemolytic anemia and allergic reactions are
reduced by less frequent use of vaccines as well as by avoiding
unnecessary vaccines such as K-9 Corona virus and chlamydia for
cats, as well as ineffective vaccines such as Leptospirosis and
FIP. Intranasal vaccine for Rhiotracheitis and Calici virus, two
upper respiratory viruses of cats provide more complete
protection than injectable vaccines with less risk of serious
reactions.
The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America
are our
biggest endorsement for these new protocols.*
*Dr. Bob Rogers*
Please consider as current on all vaccinations
for boarding purposes.
DOGS Initial series of puppy vaccines
1. distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze - 3 sets one month
apart concluding at 16 weeks of age.*
2. Rabies at 16 weeks of age (later is better)
3. Bordetella within last 4-6 months First annual (usually at 1
year and4 months of age)*
1. DHP, Parvo, Rabies
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months 2 years or older
1. Rabies with in last year
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
3. DHP & Parvo given anytime over 6 months of age , but not
necessarily within the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam for transmissible diseases and health
risks.