1	Vaccinations & Immune System June 15, 2006 Brought to you by: The Brookside Barkery and Bath and Acupuncture and Herbs For Pets
2	Topics What are vaccines? Do vaccines help or hurt? What is titer testing? Core /extraneous vaccines? 1,2 ,or 3 year rabies? How the immune system works. Holistic approach to immunization
3	What are vaccines? Immunizations are biological products that are administered to pets in an attempt to activate a specific immune response Usually injected in the muscle or under the skin Some administered into the nasal passages Immunizations have saved millions of lives Immunizations have eradicated many diseases
4	So what is the problem? Vaccination programs have become “practice management tools” rather than medical procedures. Little or no education or choice for the caregiver Duration of immunity is not known Long term immunity studies were not done Adverse reactions were not monitored and publicized Required for entry to hospitals for routine services Grooming Dental cleanings
5	Canine vaccines Core vaccines Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) Modified live Canine distemper virus (CDV) Modified live Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) Modified live Rabies virus (RV) Killed Non-core vaccines Canine para-influenza (CPI) Corona virus Bordetella brochiseptica Leptospirosis Lyme disease Giardia Ringworm
6	Feline Vaccines Core vaccines Feline parvovirus (panleukopenia) Feline calicivirus Feline herpes virus (viral rhinotracheitis) Rabies virus Non-core vaccines Feline leukemia (FeLV) Chlamydia Feline Infectious Peritonitis Bordetella Giardia Feline Infectious Viremia (FIV) Ringworm (Microsporum Canis)
7	1,2 ,or 3 year rabies? “There is no benefit from annual rabies vaccination and most one year rabies products are similar or identical to the 3-year products with regard to duration of immunity and effectiveness. Revaccination annually does not improve immunity, however, it does significantly increase the risk for an adverse reaction in the dog.” Ronald D. Schultz, PhD (Sophie)
8	Kennel Cough Efficacy of the vaccine is not well-established Vaccinated dogs often get it Unvaccinated dogs often don’t get it when exposed Complex-3pathogens-2 viruses-1 bacteria CPI (immunity lasts at least 3 years) CAV-2 (immunity lasts at least 7 years) Bordetella bronchiseptica (immunity less than one year) Not a vaccine preventable disease Now required every six months at many veterinary clinics and boarding facilities
9	Real key to health… Not vaccines Immune systems Adequate titers to protect Responsive to challenges Trained to mobilize Avoid stress Proper nutrition Timely intervention with alternatives and conventional treatments when necessary
10	Situations Boarding kennels Grooming facilities Legal issues Bites Transport Health certificates Quarantine Licensing issues City ordinances
11	Do vaccines help or hurt? It depends… Young animals need some vaccines to protect against contagious diseases. Vaccines help puppies and kittens Many young animals are hurt by vaccines How many vaccines and how often? Mother’s antibodies interfere 8-22 weeks Appropriate timing and testing for boosters Vaccinosis-an adverse event due to a vaccine Too many vaccines Vaccinating too often
12	Vaccines often cause problems Instantly Minutes Hours Days Months (Weston) Years In one large study of major illnesses in pets, in >55% of the patients, symptoms began within three months of vaccination. Predictable response? No. Pray.
13	Vaccinosis: adverse reaction Fever Lethargy Swelling Abscess Vomiting Diarrhea Shock Thyroid disease Cause the disease Behavior/emotional problems/fearfulness Infections Cancer Seizures Auto-immune diseases Allergies Arthritis Death
14	What is titer testing? Blood tests that measure antibodies against pathogens. Advantages 1. safe Disadvantages 1. cost 2. lack of recognition 3. frequency to test is not known
15	Holistic approach to immunization: Acupuncture and Herbs For Pets recommendation. Sick animals: Don’t vaccinate Animals with chronic disease/cancer: Don’t vaccinate Geriatric animals: Don’t vaccinate During times of stress: Don’t vaccinate Don’t vaccinate for non-life-threatening diseases Don’t vaccinate if long term immunity is not possible. (avoid exposure, tonify immune)
16	Holistic approach to immunization: Acupuncture and Herbs For Pets recommendation. Puppies Distemper 2 doses Prefer separate/not multivalent last dose >12w 8-12 weeks 12-16 weeks Parvo 2 doses Prefer separate/not multivalent last dose >12w 8-12 weeks 12-16 weeks Rabies 4-6 mo Good for 1 year (3yr booster) Kittens RCP 2 doses 8-12 weeks 12-16 weeks Rabies 4-6 mo Good for 1 year (3yr booster)
17	Holistic approach to immunization: Acupuncture and Herbs For Pets recommendation. Adult Dogs Distemper Titer Test Parvo Titer Test Rabies 3 year vaccine Good for 3 years Probably much longer 7 year study underway Dr. Dodds Adult Cats RCP Titer Test Rabies 3 year vaccine Good for 3 years Probably much longer 7 year study underway Dr Dodds(canine only)
18	Best Protocol Custom vaccine and titer test for each animal based on: Age Risk factors/Lifestyle (indoors vs. outdoors) Previous history Test results Immune status
19	Holistic approach to immunization: Acupuncture and Herbs For Pets recommendation. What can be done if vaccines are mandatory? Thuja-homeopathic remedy to treat vaccinosis Chinese herbal formulas-help immune deal with insult of vaccination Antioxidants Detox Proper nutrition Avoid other stressors Avoid toxins Separate vaccines mono-valent not poly-valent
20	Changing times AVMA vaccine guidelines have changed AAHA vaccine guidelines have changed Vaccine manufacturers are (FINALLY) doing long term immunity studies and licensing their products for 3 years (Intervet) Vets are changing protocols Boarding kennels and cities are accepting titer tests Class action lawsuits are being filed against vets, vaccine manufacturers, boarding kennels, city governments Petition to make adverse reaction information mandatory
21	Veterinarians are good people They believe what they are recommending is the best thing for your pet They believe what we were taught at veterinary school They believe the industry would not tolerate poor research and development They believe the manufacturers are reputable and care about them and you and your pet They are starting to change-more and more are changing their protocols
22	You and your pet Get educated before vaccinating (y/n) Try to avoid unnecessary immunizations Have your pet titer tested Get a pet/house sitter (avoid corporate boarding) Choose communities with reasonable animal ordinances If vaccines are given, get the products to help the immune system recover (3 year Rabies and distemper/parvo) Ask for special consideration for ill animals Isolation ward? Excuse for non-vaccination
23	websites http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ Articles on "Vaccinosis" and problems associated with "Over-Vaccination“ http://home.earthlink.net/~texas2step/Vaccinosis.html
24	Next Month July 20 Raw food diets Presented by the Barkery staff, Nature’s Variety, Bark 2 Basics & Dr. Faris More beneficial than processed foods Transitioning to raw The GI tract & supporting supplements