This series of questions & answers appeared on the Bouvier Mail List.    By way of introduction, DrDenise is a DVM who owns & breeds Bouviers.

updated 31 Oct 1998

Forgive my ignorance of the latest news from the other side of the
pond, but I hear a rumour that AAHA, AVMA and AAFP have
recently issued new guidelines to those vets that vaccinate cats &
dogs: essentially that the old story of the necessity for annual
boosters is now discredited, and that 3 yearly boosters are all that
is required and recommended.

Is this so ?

Andrew Prentis, London, UK

I don't know if the recommendations have been issued yet, but at the North
American Veterinary Conference in January this year it was announced that
these associations were in the process of formulating new, more conservative
vaccination guidelines. At the AAHA meeting this year, Dr. Nels Pedersen
of UC Davis spoke on vaccinations and unequivocally stated that there was no
scientific basis for yearly revaccination. So.... if the recommendations
have not been issued yet, look for them: the AVMA would probably be able
to tell you.

Lynn
Lynn S. Peck, DVM, MS

Specifically, which vaccinations are being
referenced? Thanks.

Jan Rif & Truman
Pound Ridge, NY

The vaccines that are being referenced here are primarily those given on an
annual basis, and those being the combination vaccines such as the 5-way and
7-way vaccines with distemper, parvo, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and
leptospirosis for dogs, and the feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus,
panleukopenia vaccine.

DrDenise

Thanks for replying to my question.

I have passed it on to Truman's vets. Generally
they seem to take the position that it's ok not
to vaccinate every year. On the other hand,
they say, "it doesn't hurt either -- better safe
than sorry". It's difficult to consider that
choice because who wants to lose a friend or feel
guilty over a few bucks?

I'm assuming that the report mentioned is based
on negative data as the result of yearly
vaccinations rather than an educated supposition
that the vaccines are simply "strong" enough to
provide immunities.

JanRif & Truman
Pound Ridge, NY

Jan,

I believe it is based on some initial data that has been gathered on the
duration of vaccine immunity, and the finding that at the time of the annual
vaccine due date, the dogs titers were more than sufficient to protect the
dogs, and that the revaccination did little or nothing as far as further
improvements on the titer and immunity. I have heard that this is a topic
that is being researched further. Also, it is not generally agreed that "it
doesn't hurt to revaccinate just in case". In all actuality, many observant
veterinarians have found that many diseases arise within one month of
vaccinations. My recommendation to people, especially those with animals
that already have some form of chronic disease, is to test vaccine titers.

DrDenise

May I ask one more time - I still am not entirely sure of the procedure......

We received the yearly re-vaccination card in the mail the other day, saying
that Rufus is due for the following vaccinations:

Rabies DHPP ........(this is the 5 in 1 vaccine = Dist, Tet., influenza,Parvo)
Parvo

.........After all the discussion here on the list about not doing the
vaccinations just when the card tells you to, I called the vets office, and she
told me that Rabies is a MUST, and Dist. is a must too.....and no, they do not
have it by itself, also not the Parvo....it only comes in the cocktail/5........

So what should we do ????? I would appreciate some directions.....She told me
that in SC Rabies is a MUST..... but how about the other things...?????

With the card on the kitchen table, I need to take some action shortly.... I
also seem to remember that Rufus would somehow become slightly malaised with
something or the other in conjunction with his past vaccinations, and I remember
asking the vet several times whether there could be any connections between
vaccinations and him getting unwell - - - and of course they don't have an
answer to that - but a no! and my hunch was still "bothering" me to say the
least! it was too remarkable that he got sick when he did - always around
vaccinations.

Thanks for all the help
Greta and Rufus in South Carolina

Greta,

First, just a quick correction. The 5-way vaccine is distemper, hepatitis
(which is an adenovirus), Parainfluenze and parvovirus (DA2P-P, with there
being 2 adenos). Distemper/parvo combination is not a must......it is YOUR
option to do what you believe to be best for your animal. Period. Do not
ever feel forced into doing a vaccination if you do not feel comfortable with
it. I am forwarding to the list the newest vaccination protocol that is
being used by Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. If
you are just not comfortable with NOT vaccinating for the 5-way vaccine, then
I would strongly recommend going to your vet and asking for a vaccination
titer to be run for the distemper and parvo portions. This is an
immunity/vaccine titer, not a titer checking for infection......you need to
ask that a Serum Neutralizing (SN) titer or a Hemagluttination Inhibition (HI
or HAI) titer be run. There are many labs that will perform these titers.
Personally i use Cornell, because they are used by many research facilities
and researchers, including Dr. Schultz at U of Wisconsin-Madison, Intervet
Vaccine, and Dr. Johnny Hoskins at Lousianna (he is one of the "experts" in
the field of pediatric medicine).

As far as the rabies vaccination, it is indeed the law that these animals be
current on this particular vaccine, but the duration of legal immunity is 3
years. This one is a must......

I hope this helps with your dilemma.

DrDenise

Some further information on vaccinations and the newer vaccine schedules.
........ a later post stated that Dr. Dennis Macy was the driving force behind these changes.

DrDenise

After seeing Dr Denise's forwarded message re: change in vaccine protocols, I
called Colorado State University. Dr Macy the listed contact is out of the
office until 12/01. However I was informed that effective 01/01/98, that CSU
will recommend a vaccination protocol of every three years for dogs. I asked
if the protocol should be different for dogs that compete or show. I was told
that show/herding dogs should actually have more immunity due to their
exposure and that they do not need vaccines more than every 3 years. The
exception is bordatella.

Sherrod McDaniel
Avalon Bouviers
Boulder, CO

CHANGE IN CSU's SMALL ANIMAL VACCINATION PROTOCOL

Recently, Pfizer conducted a survey of small animal veterinarians,
vaccination recommendations around the country and found 1,700 different
Protocols were being used to vaccinate dogs and cats in the United States.
For some time now, we have been concerned that annual vaccination of dogs and
cats against most diseases was probably not necessary--"Did you go in for
your annual shots this year?". Recent scientific Publications and knowledge
of the long duration of immunity of many of the vaccines used in dogs and
cats have reinforced concerns that annual boosters are unnecessary. In
addition to the evidence that many vaccines provide more lasting protection
than was previously thought, has been the increasing documentation of harm
associated with overvaccination in both dogs and cats. Of particular note in
this regard has been the association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with
vaccination in dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats--both of which
are often fatal.

Based on the concern that annual vaccination of small animals for many
infectious agents is probably no longer scientifically justified, and our
desire to avoid vaccine-associated adverse effects, in October of 1997 we
will be recommending a new immunization protocol to our small animals clients
called "Program 1701".

Program 1701 recommends the standard three shot series for puppies
(parvovirus, adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza. distemper) and kittens
(Panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus) to include rabies after 12
weeks cf age for cats and 16 weeks of age for dogs. Following the initial
puppy and kitten immunization series, cats and dogs will be boostered one
year later and then every three years thereafter for all the above diseases.

Similar small animal vaccination programs to Program 1701 have been recently
adopted by the University of Wisconsin, Texas A & M, and the American
Association of Feline Practitioners.

Other available small animal vaccines. i.e., intranasal Parainfluenza.,
Bordatella, feline leukemia, Lyme, etc,. may be recommended for CSU client
animals on an 'at risk" basis but are not a part of the routine CSU protocol
for small animals.

The Pfizer survey clearly indicated the great diversity in small animal
vaccination protocol recommendations in this country. Program/701 should be
viewed as a further extension of this diversity.

For those interested in reading more about small animal immunization issues,
the attached is a suggested reading list.


SMALL ANIMAL VACCINES AVAILABLE AT THE CSU VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL

CANINE

Progard -5 (Intervet)
Modified live canine distemper. adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza.
parvovirus
vaccine

Progard KC (Intervet)
Canine parainfluenza, Bordatella bronchiseptica (intranasal)

FELINE

Protex -3 (Intervet, Inc)
Feline rhinotracheitis, calici, panleukopenia modified live virus

Trivalent (Heska)
Modified live rhinotracheitis, calici, panleukopenia (intranasal)

Fel-O-Vax Lv-K (Fort Dodge)
Killed FeLV vaccine

CANINE AND FELINE RABIES

lmrab 3 (Rhone Merieux)
Killed rabies vaccine - three year duration of immunity

* A new canarypox vector rabies vaccine From Rhone Merieux with a one year
duration of immunity will replace lmrab 3 in cats when it becomes
available,


Small Animal Vaccination Protocol (Program 1701)

Routine vaccination for Dogs - Canine distemper, adenovirus 2,
pararainfluenza, parvovirus

Routine vaccination recommendations for "well" dogs--all well animals will
receive the combined canine distemper. adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and
parvovirus vaccine following the described schedule.

1. Vaccine should be given SQ or IM.

2. Animals under 16 weeks of age should be vaccinated under the following
schedule:

a. Recommended first vaccination at 8 weeks of age. followed by
revaccination at 12 and 16 weeks of age.

b. If presented at 8-9 weeks. vaccinate and repeat at 12 and 16 weeks;
If presented at 10 weeks. vaccinate and repeat at 13 and 16 weeks;
If presented at 11 weeks, vaccinate and repeat at 13 and 16 weeks;
If presented at 12 weeks, vaccinate and repeat at 16 weeks.

3. Animals over 16 weeks of age should receive one vaccination.

4. Boosters are to be recommended every three years after one year of age.

5. Outpatient, unvaccinated, ill animals will be vaccinated at the
discretion of the clinician. Vaccination of a debilitated animal with a
modified live virus vaccine may induce disease!

6. Pregnant bitches should not, receive any modified live virus vaccines
unless previously determined to be safe. This recommendation is made as a
result of lack of information regarding possible side effects of the virus in
the fetus and not from any results indicating the vaccine virus can damage
the canine fetus.

7. Dogs considered for high risk kennel cough. i.e., planned boarding, etc.,
should receive intranasal canine parainfluenza, Bordatella bronchiseptica
vaccine (Progard* KC) at least 72 hours prior to possible exposure. This
vaccine may be repeated very two to four months to maintain secretory IgA
levels.

Rabies Vaccination for Dogs

1. Larimer County requires vaccination for dogs every three years.

2. The vaccine used is an inactivated. The same vaccine will be used in both
the dog and the cat until a canarypox vector vaccine becomes available. When
this vaccine becomes available. it will be used in cats but must be repeated
annually.

3. Puppies should be vaccinated at 16 weeks (4 months) of age. The vaccine
can be given at the same time as the last canine distemper, adenovirus type
2, parainfluenza vaccine.

4. Dogs vaccinated under one year of age should be revaccinated one year
later and also receive boosters for distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus,

5. Dogs vaccinated for rabies after one year of age should be revaccinated
every three years along with boosters for distemper, adenovirus 2,
parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

6. The vaccine should be given SQ

Routine Vaccination for cats - Panleukopenia,. rhinotracheitis,
calicivirus, rabies

No vaccine should be given iv the interscapular space in the cat! Rabies
should be given subcutaneously at a distal site on the rear limb on the right
side, and FeLV should be given subcutaneously at a distal site on the rear
limb on the left side. Other vaccines should be administered in the right
shoulder region.

Vaccination recommendations for "'well" cats:

1. All well animals will receive the combined feline panleukopenia
(distemper) feline rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calcivirus (FCV)
vaccines following the described schedule (FVRCP).

Vaccine to be given SQ.

3. Recommend begin vaccination program at 8 to 9 weeks of age and
revaccinate at 12 to 16 weeks of age.

a. Cats 16 weeks of age or older should be vaccinated twice 3 to 4 weeks
apart.
(Rhinotracheitis fraction often fails to be replicated even in
nonvaccinates.)

5. Kittens should receive a booster one year later and then every three
years thereafter.

6. Cats hospitalized for illness should not be vaccinated unless
specifically instructed by clinician,

7. Well unvaccinated cats that are introduced to environments with a high
probability of exposure, i.e., shelter care, should receive Heska's MLV
intranasal trivalent vaccine. Owners should be warned of possible sneezing
following vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination for Cats

1. The City of Fort Collins requires cats to be vaccinated against rabies .
(City Animal Control Ordinance, Sec. 35-21, 1979),

2. Kittens should be vaccinated against rabies between 12 to 16 weeks of
age. The vaccine should be given during the last kitten series while
receiving the vaccine for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

3. Cats vaccinated under one year of age should be revaccinated one year
later and also receive boosters for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and
calicivirus.

4. Cats vaccinated for rabies after one year of age should be revaccinated
every
three years along with boosters for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and
calicivirus.

5. The vaccine used in cats for the immunization against rabies is the same
used in the canine protocol until the canarypox rabies vaccine becomes
available.

6. The vaccine may be administered IM or SQ in the distal right rear limb of
the cat.

The students are to fill out the rabies certificate in its entirety and give
it to the
Business Office at the time of client checkout. "the Pharmacy will then enter
the rabies tag number on the computer, give the white copy of the certificate
10 the owner, and the remaining copies to Medical Records. This will help
ensure that every animal that gets a rabies vaccination also gets a
certificate and that the certificate is returned to the proper place. Please
instruct the student accordingly.

Exotics and Wildfire Species

No vaccine is licensed for use in wildlife or wildlife/domestic animal mixes
in the
United States, primarily because data on efficacy and duration of immunity
are lacking, FI generations of wolf-hybrids are considered wildlife, F2
generations are considered dogs. Given the fact that certain of these pets
share environments with wildlife rabies reservoirs and the unlikelihood of
owners giving these animals rabies vaccination presents an ethical dilemma.
Vaccination of exotic or exotic mixes may be advisable under certain
situations in the eyes of the clinician to protect public health. In such
cases, only killed vaccines should be used and no certificate of immunization
given. A statement of the type of rabies vaccine and date of vaccination may
be given to the owner. A Consent For Rabies Vaccination For Wild/Domestic
Mixed-Breed or Wild Animal Form (136a) must be signed prior to vaccination.


ROUTINE VACCINATION AND ANNUAL LABORATORY EVALUATION
RECOMMENDATION SCHEDULE FOR KITTENS AND CATS
UP TO 16 YEARS OF AGE

Cats under 16 weeks of age

Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Laboratory: FIV/FeLV, fecal, PCV, presurgical

Cats 1 year of age
Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Laboratory: PCV, local, presurgical

Cats 2 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: fecal. presurgical, PCV

Cats 3 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: PCV. presurgical

Cats 4 years of age
Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus

Laboratory: CBC, presurgical

Cats 5 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: presurgical, CBC

Cats 6 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA


Cats 7 years of age
Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 8 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 9 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 10 years of age
Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 11 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 12 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 13 years of age
Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 14 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 15 years of age
Vaccines: None
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA

Cats 16 years of age
Vaccines: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Laboratory: SADP, CBC, UA