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[Written for
Alaska Wellness Magazine, a holistic health guide for people;
Jan-Feb. 2003; www.alaskawellness.com]
Pet Vaccinations: Just How Safe ARE They?
Vaccinating annually, and giving more than
two vaccines in one shot, may create a health risk for your dog or cat.
By Kathleen A. Berard
Although certain breeds of dogs, such as
Weimaraners and Great Danes, are more susceptible to vaccine reactions than
others, any cat or dog can have an adverse reaction. This can range from
swelling and itching at the injection site, to severe anaphylactic
reactions, seizures, paralysis, and even death. Secondary responses may
include skin, eye and ear problems, food allergies, and much more.
The American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA) Executive Board issued Principles of Vaccination in April
2001. “Unnecessary stimulation of the immune system [by revaccinating] does
not result in enhanced disease resistance, and may increase the risk of
adverse post-vaccination events.” (See link 1)
What does this mean? Vaccinating annually,
and giving more than two vaccines in one shot, may create a health risk for
your dog or cat.
There is much controversy in the veterinary
community regarding which vaccines should be given, when, and in what
manner. If you're concerned about the potential long-term impact and
possible health issues that can result from over-vaccination, be sure to
read the DVM news links (2 and 3) below.
Another excellent resource is the web site
of Bob Rogers, DVM, Critter Fixer Pet Hospital (link 4). He posts extensive
information about various diseases for which dogs and cats are vaccinated;
which vaccines are necessary; which ones can be harmful, and why;
recommended administration schedules; and much more. Dr. Rogers has been
quoted in the Wall Street Journal regarding the vaccine controversy.
He also wrote a letter to the Texas Attorney General in April 2002, which
began: "I assert that the present practice of marketing of vaccinations for
companion animals constitutes fraud by misrepresentation, fraud by silence,
theft by deception, and undue influence by all Veterinarians engaged in
companion animal practice in this state." Although Dr. Rogers is not
against vaccinating, he is against using vaccines that are unnecessary or
have no real efficacy. The Attorney General responded but has yet to take
any real action; Dr. Rogers continues to pursue the matter. (See his web
site, link 4, for updated posts.)
Other research resources include
Vaccinations for Pets, an article by Will Falconer, DVM (link
5), and Canine Vaccinology, Part I, by Susan E. Anderson, DVM (link
6)
Titer Tests
Titer
tests are blood tests that measure antibody levels against particular
viruses. It takes several days after initial vaccinations for the body to
begin producing antibodies to the virus, so protection is not immediate.
Whether to revaccinate annually should be based on titer results, your own
research, and veterinary advice. Further vaccinations (as long as the
titers are positive for antibodies) do not increase the animal’s protection,
and can potentially cause vaccine-induced medical problems.
My Weimaraner, Max, was last vaccinated in
November 1997. He was titered for Parvo and Distemper in April 2002, and
showed ongoing protection against these diseases. Max is no longer
vaccinated because he suffered severe, long-term medical problems as a
result of the assault on his immune system from 6- and 7-way vaccines at a
young age. These problems included the onset of aggressive behavior,
seizures, skin problems, ear infections, corneal ulcers, food intolerances,
anaphylactic drug and vaccine reactions, and others. Max was diagnosed with
rabies miasm (exhibiting the signs of the disease without actually having it
~ see link 7), and treated homeopathically with great success, but it was a
long road back to health. He was switched to a raw food diet several years
ago, and I support his immune system with various natural supplements.
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Max’s Veterinarian wrote a letter detailing
Max’s reactions to vaccines, antibiotics and injectible steroids, and warns
veterinary personnel that extreme caution must be exercised in these areas
where Max is concerned. Every clinic and pet sitter who works with Max
receives a copy. If your pet has reactions to vaccines and/or medications,
ask your Veterinarian for such a letter. Max is no longer vaccinated for
anything, including rabies. (Rabies vaccination is governed by law in many
states.)
The decision about whether to vaccinate, how
and when, should be based upon your own research and upon your
Veterinarian’s feedback to your questions about the risks of
over-vaccinating and improper timing. Consider consulting with a holistic or
homeopathic Veterinarian for natural remedies which can minimize or prevent
vaccine reactions (link 8).
For kittens and puppies, ask your
Veterinarian and/or breeder for the appropriate vaccination schedule. As an
example, Weimaraner puppies can experience severe vaccine reactions.
Researchers such as Dr. Jean Dodds and Dr. John Angles have recommended a
specific vaccine protocol for Weimaraners, and this is the case for certain
other breeds as well (link 9).
Vaccinating Cats
For specifics on vaccinating cats, see Dr.
Don Hamilton’s article (link 10), which also appears in his book,
Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals. If
you don’t have access to a holistic Veterinarian, Dr. Hamilton resides in
New Mexico and is available for long-distance phone consultations
(505-666-2091). See the AVMA’s website (link 11) regarding its
Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force, which researches the high
occurrence rate of soft tissue sarcomas in cats at vaccine injection sites.
Summary
Vaccinate cautiously. Support your pet’s
immune system with a premium quality kibble (for dogs, Wellness Super5,
MMillennia, and others rated by Whole Dog Journal; for cats, Wellness Dry
Cat Food, Nutro Natural Choice for Complete Care, and others ~ see links 12
and 13). Even better: transition to a raw food diet, and use holistic care
options. Doing so will improve the quality and length of your animal
companion’s life, and can drastically reduce your Veterinarian bills.
May you and your animal companions
experience the best of health and happiness!
LINKS
(1) http://www.avma.org/policies/vaccination.htm
(2) http://www.dvmnewsmagazine.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=35171
(3) http://www.dvmnewsmagazine.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=35185
(4) http://www.critterfixer.com/Default.htm
(5) http://www.alt4animals.com
(6) http://www.pettribune.com/2001/090101/dogtime.html
(7)
http://www.weim.net/homeovet/documents.htm (See the link to the article
written by Dr. Pitcairn, which compares acute disease symptoms with chronic
vaccine-induced symptoms.)
(8) http://betamillion.homestead.com/vaccinosis.html
(This is one example; there are other purebred cases as well.)
(9) www.altvetmed.com
(10)
http://www.holisticat.com/vaccinations.html
(11)
http://www.avma.org/vafstf/default.asp
(12)
http://members.aol.com/smplyschnz/nutrition/wdjtopten.html
(13)
http://cats.about.com/library/reviews/aatpdryfood.htm
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