Very interesting reading

[Booktigger]

Although this article is written with American Vets in mind, this is
interesting reading:

Dr. Dodd's vaccination protocol is now being adopted by ALL 27 North
American veterinary schools.
VACCINATION NEWSFLASH
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 produces an
immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: 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 & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8
weeks. 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 vaccine.
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 4 mo) will
provide lifetime immunity.



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 vaccine and must be
given every year.
NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS
Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal cancer
related in inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines . This
cancer is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines with
aluminum adjuvant, an ingredient included to stimulate the immune
system, have been implicated as a higher risk.We now recommend a
non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats . Testing by Dr. Macy, Colorado
State, has shown this vaccine to have the lowest tissue reaction and
although there is no guarantee that a vaccine induced sarcoma will not
develop, the risk will be much lower than with other vaccines. Program
injectable 6 mo flea prevention for cats has been shown to be very
tissue reactive & therefore has the potential of inducing an injection
site fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the site of a
vaccination, we recommend that it be removed ASAP, within 3-12 weeks.

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine
This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most
at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and
cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to
potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats
should be tested prior to vaccination. Cats over one year of age are
naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or not, so
annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary. The incubation
period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your cat is in
the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine
will not prevent the disease.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine.
Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly viral
disease of kittens. It's extremely hardy and is resistant to extremes
in temperature and to most available disinfectants. Although an
effective treatment protocol is available, it is expensive to treat
because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued
presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly
recommended for all kittens . Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older with
either killed or MLV vaccine will produce an immunity good for life.
Adult cats do NOT need this vaccine.
Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus Vaccine.
Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract
diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize
the severity of upper respiratory infections, although none will
prevent disease in all situations .. Intranasal vaccines are more
effective at preventing the disease entirely. Don't worry about normal
sneezing for a couple of days. Because intranasal vaccines produce an
immunity of shorter durations, annual vaccination is recommended.

VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED
Chlamydia or pneumonitis. The vaccine produces on a short (2 month)
duration of immunity and accounts for less than 5% of upper
respiratory infections in cats.The risks outweigh the benefits.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become
infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled for
use at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.
Bordetella
A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr. Wolfe of
Texas A&M says that bordetella is a normal flora and does not cause
disease in adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that a review
of the Colorado State medical records reveals not one case diagnosed
in 10 years.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North
America, 30% or more of all dogs & cats are infected with giardia. It
has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit giardia to 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 pricing 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 Feline 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 .
CATS Initial kitten series
1. Distemper [PLP], Rhino Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Vaccine - 3
sets given one month apart concluding at 16 weeks.
2. Rabies at 16 weeks First Annual [usually at 1 year and 4 months of
age]
1. Distemper (PLP), Rhino Calicivirus, Rabies 2 years or older
1. Rabies within the last year
2. Rhino Calicivirus within last year
3. Distemper and FelV given anytime after 6 months of age, but not
necessarily with the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam, FeLV/FIV testing, fecal exam for giardia.

Ande
Watkins Glen, NY

[yola]

Well that IS a revelation indeed. It demonstrates how much money is made out of the spurious need for vaccination

Thank you BT for that article.

[dinahsmum]

Yes - I've heard this kind of study before, and I think we are in a time of flux wrt vaccinations.
If you think of it - we humans get done once only, with boosters for various conditions but only at 10 year intervals.
A lot of people say that our pets are over-medicated/vaccinated. My niece, who has just started vet training, thinks so.
However................kennels are pretty much bound to get them done, as part of their licence requirements from the local authority. And maybe it's good for the vet to have the chance to look at our (apparently healthy) pets on an annual basis????????? Dunno.
Watch this space I guess. I think things are changing..........................

[Elaine]

Is that the same study that Dawn had posted on CC?

[candyshandy]

I think it is - I thought I recognised it

[DiddyDawn]

Des, I've got a few more decent articles if you want me to email them to you.....I know you like reading them

[tillytails]

Any more info on cat vacs would greatly appreciated! I can find lots about dog vacs but precious little on cats (they seem to be second-class citizens in the vetinary world).

One of my cats has been very quiet since her last annual booster in December and I'm worried about her. She's had Feligen RCP all her life, other than her first 2 vacs when she was still with the breeder which were Katavac CHP. Her sister is due her booster now but am very reluctant to take her until I feel more reassured about the absolute need for it. She rarely goes outside in any case.