New Vaccination Immunology: New Protocols
This information originates from the website of the Critter Fixer Pet Hospital which was established in 1996 by Robert L Rogers DVM. The hospital is in Spring, Texas, USA.
The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents (COBTA) presented their consensus at the July 2000 137th Annual AVMA Convention. They focused on the following points. I have included some of Dr Rogers' information here too.
When an annual booster vaccination with a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine such as distemper, parvovirus or feline distemper is given to a previously vaccinated adult animal no added protection is provided. Modified live virus vaccines depend on the replication of the virus for a response. Antibodies from previous vaccines do not allow the new virus to replicate. Antibody titers are not boosted significantly, memory cell populations are not expanded. No additional protection is provided.
Immunity is not controlled entirely by antibody levels as we once thought. Immunity is controlled by memory cells. These are white blood cells which stand ready in the body to respond with protective antibodies when challenged by a disease agent. Memory cells, once programmed, persist for the lifetime of the animal. Therefore it is possible to have low antibody levels (or titer) and still have protective immunity. Although memory cells cannot be measured, their presence can be demonstrated by challenge studies.
A series of vaccinations is recommended starting at 8 weeks and given 3 to 4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another MLV vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 16 months) will provide lifetime immunity. According to Dr Schultz in the Journal of the AVMA 15 Aug 1995, a vaccination series given at 2, 3, and 4 months and again at 1 year with an MLV vaccine, enables puppies and kittens to develop memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong immunity for diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Dogs' and cats' immune systems mature fully at six months therefore an MLV vaccine given after 6 months of age produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet.
Puppies receive antibodies through their mother's milk (colostrum) the very first time they nurse. This natural protection can last up to 8 to 14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and only a few babies (0 -35%) will be protected.
Dogs will not get parvo from the vaccine, but when the vaccine is administered at a vet clinic to 6 week old puppies only about 30% will respond to the vaccine with any protection while all will likely be exposedtherefore it is likely some of them will come down with parvo which they caught at the Vet Clinic. For this reason do not start the initial series of vaccinations until the puppies are 8 weeks old and are better able to respond to the vaccine. Where breeders have a problem with parvovirus they can vaccinate puppies at home with parvo, but not distemper, and only at 6 weeks and no younger, to aid in cutting losses.
Vaccination of dogs for distemper at too young an age has been shown to cause hypertropic osteodystrophy, especially in Weimaraners. Vaccinations given two weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system.
The duration of immunity for MLV vaccines like distemper and parvovirus have been proven to be 7 years by challenge and 15 and 7 years respectively by serology. Memory cells probably persist for life.
There is no justification for annual vaccination of adult cats for Feline Leukemia. Cats over one year of age are immune to FeLV whether they are vaccinated or not. This is age related immunity. There is no justification for vaccination of dogs for corona virus.
There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. The USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics has agreed that label claims on biologics must be backed up by scientific data.
Vaccinations are important for the prevention of diseases. Currently 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". Vets have failed to emphasize the importance of a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases.
Vaccines are not harmless. Unnecessary side effects and adverse events can be minimized by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations. Adverse events from canine distemper vaccine include vaccine induced distemper, vaccine induced folliculitis, and HOD (hypertropic osteodystrophy). These occur primarily when the vaccine is given too early, eg. when the animal is less than 6 to 8 weeks old.
Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to the potential risk of adverse reactions like allergic reactions, immune mediated hemolytic anemia (a disease where the dog rejects its' own blood) and injection site fibrosarcomas in cats. The risk for side effects outweigh the possible benefits for diseases like feline chlamydia and canine leptospirosis. Owners should be accurately informed of efficacy, risk vs. benefit, prevalence of disease, and potential side effects of each vaccine.
The vaccine for bordetella, commonly called "kennel cough," is 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 rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of "kennel cough." Dogs kept at home are at very low risk for these diseases, so vaccination is not necessary.
Virus drift is small. There are no new parvovirus strains, and the virus in the vaccine has remained essentially the same. Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for all types.
Vaccines should not be marketed in areas of the country where the diseases are very rare.
Veterinarians need a standard procedure to report adverse events from vaccinations.
Dr Bob Rogers writes, "I would like to make you aware that the American Association of Feline Practitioners, The Academy of Veterinary Internal Medicine, The American Animal Hospital Association, The American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, and 22 Veterinary Schools in North America have changed their recommended protocols for vaccinating cats & dogs. Our knowledge about immunity and the quality of available vaccines has improved greatly over the past seven years.
"This new information has presented an ethical and economic challenge to veterinarians. There are sceptics, and there are those who remain un-informed. I think you will agree with me that in the practice of medicine, the emphasis should be on safety, and that no medicine should be given more frequently, longer, or at a higher dose than is necessary. 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 decisions.
"IN CONCLUSION Dogs and cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus and 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.
"The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our biggest endorsement for these new protocols."
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Vaccine |
Initial |
>12 Weeks |
1st Annual |
Re-Administration Interval |
Comments |
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Parvovirus (MLV) |
8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks |
2 doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart
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Yes. Will provide lifetime immunity. |
None needed. Duration of immunity 7? years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending.
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At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. |
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Distemper (MLV) |
8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks |
2 doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart
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Yes. Will provide lifetime immunity. |
None needed. Duration of immunity 7? / 15 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending.
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Can have numerous side effects if given too young, eg. less than 8 weeks. |
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Rabies (killed) Not necessary for UK-only dogs |
16 weeks
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Initial vaccination at 4 months |
1 year later |
3 yr. vaccine given annually as required by law in Texas.
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Over 100 rabid skunks and rabid bats in Texas every year. |
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Boretella (Intranasal) (killed)
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Recommended 3 days prior to boarding, grooming & dog shows. Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of kennel cough. Duration of immunity 6 months. |
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Distemper & parvo @ 6 weeks or less |
Not recommended. At this age, maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the virus at the vet clinic.
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Corona |
Not recommended. 1) Disease only affects dogs <6 weeks of age. 2) Rare disease: TAMU has seen only one case in seven years. 3) Mild self-limiting disease. 4) Efficacy of the vaccine is questionable. |
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Leptospir-osis
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Not recommended. 1) There are an average of 12 cases reported annually in Texas. 2) Side effects common. 3) Most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars. (There is no cross-protection of serovars. There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection.) 4) Risk outweighs benefits. |
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Lyme
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Not recommended. 1) Low risk in Texas. 2) 85% of cases are in 9 New England states and Wisconsin. 3) Possible side effect of polyarthritis from whole cell bacterin. |
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Giardia |
Not recommended. Efficacy of vaccine unsubstantiated by independent studies. |
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These are the recommendations of Dr Bob Rogers and Critter Fixer Pet Hospital based on 1) peer reviewed journal publications and the recommendations of, 2) The American Veterinary Medical Association, 3) Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, 4) Texas A&M University, 5) Cornell University, 6) Colorado State University and 7) The American Animal Hospital Association. |
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Household Medications for pets
The following is a list of common household human medications that can be used on pets. These Medications can be especially useful if you can't reach a veterinarian.
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Buffered Aspirin |
pain relief, anti-inflammatory |
5 mg per lb. every 12 hrs |
not recommended |
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Vitamin B |
used as an appetite stimulant |
1/2 to 2 ml subcutaneously (under the skin) every 24 hrs |
1/2 to 1 ml subcutaneously (under the skin) every 24 hrs |
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Benadryl |
treats allergies, itching, etc. |
1/2 mg per lb. every 8 hrs (maximum dose 2 mg per lb.) |
1/2 mg per lb. every 8 hrs (maximum dose 2 mg per lb.) |
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Dramamine |
reduces motion (car) sickness |
up to 50 mg ever 8 hrs |
up to 10 mg every 8 hrs |
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Hydrogen Peroxide 3 % |
used to induce vomiting after accidental ingestion of poison |
10 ml by mouth every 15 mins |
10 ml by mouth every 15 mins |
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Epinephrine 1:1000 |
used to treat reactions following medications, insect stings & bites |
1/10 to 1/2 ml intramuscular (into the muscle) or subcutaneously |
1/10 to 2/10 ml intramuscular (into the muscle) or subcutaneously |
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Pepto Bismo |
for diarrhea, vomiting & ant-gas |
1 tsp per 5 lbs every 6 hrs |
not recommended |
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Di Gel Liquid |
antacid and anti-gas |
up to 4 tbs every 8 hrs |
up to 2 tbs every 8 hrs |
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Mineral Oil |
eliminates constipation |
up to 4 tbs daily |
up to 2 tbs daily |
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Kaopectate |
relieves diarrhea |
1 ml per lb. every 2 hrs |
1 ml per lb. every 2 hrs |
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Tylenol (Acetaminophen) |
not recommended |
not recommended |
not recommended |
Antibiotic Dosages for pets
The following is a list of common antibiotics prescribed by veterinarians. Recommended dosages and common usages are included. Please follow the advice of your veterinarian when using antibiotics.
Amoxicillin used to fight
bacterial infections 5 mg per lb.
every 12 hrs 5 mg per lb.
daily Ampicillian used to fight
bacterial infections 10 mg per lb.
every 6 hrs 10 mg per lb.
every 6 hrs Tetracycline used to fight
bacterial infections 110 mg per lb.
every 8 hrs 10 mg per lb.
every 8 hrs PEN
BP-40 used to fight
bacterial infections 1 cc per 20 lbs
subcutaneously (under the skin) every 48
hrs not
recommended Penicillian
i300,000 units/ml used to fight
bacterial infections 1 ml per 30 lbs
subcutaneously 1 ml per 30 lbs
subcutaneously
Be Disaster Ready
In case of an emergency (earthquake, storm etc.) all pet owners should make arrangement for their pets; if they plan to evacuate, leave them at home. Arrangements should be made prior to a disaster as supplies may be limited and veterinarian clinics or pet shelters full.
First Aid Kit For Pets
Veterinarian's phone number
Local Poison Control Center's phone number
Gauze to wrap wounds or muzzle animal
Adhesive tape for bandages
Nonstick bandages to protect wounds or control bleeding
Towels and cloth
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison (Be sure to get the advice of your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poisoning.)
Eyedropper to give oral treatments
Muzzle (soft cloth, rope, necktie or nylon stocking ) or use a towel to cover a small animal's head. Do not use in case of vomiting.
Stretcher (A door, board, blanket or floor mat)
Evacuation Preparations Supplies
Make arrangements with a clinic or kennel, most public shelters do not allow pets. If you live in an emergency prone area make arrangements with clinics or kennels as soon as possible so that you know where to take your pets in an emergency
Pet photographs with current immunization records.
• Makes sure pet always wears a collar with proper identification.
• A secure pet carrier of appropriate size
• Food/water bowls
• A one week supply of dry food
• Water in plastic containers
• Pet medications and health records
• Leashes and muzzles (even friendly dogs may become dangerous if frightened)
• Newspapers and paper towels for cleanup
• Animal Toys
If you must leave your pet at home in an emergency:
Place pets in room without windows, it must be well ventilated.
Leave at least a three day food supply
• Leave plenty of water
• Leave access to elevated spaces in the event of flooding
• Do not leave dogs and cats in the same room. They may fight.
