Vaccinations
7 post(s)
|
Mon 09 Jul 2007 10:54AM PDT
TinaValant
845 post(s)
|
The second year, I had her, Lacey had an anaphalactic reaction to vaccines. I drove at 80 mph to get her to vet, her face swelled up 5 hr AFTER the shot. Since then, I have always titered (say it: ty-terd) my dogs (blood test to determine level of antibodies present), at their annual vet visit. Now in year three, all of my dogs STILL have 2-5 TIMES the needed immunity in their sysytems.
Here is a good piece on it:
http://www.newsday.com/search/ny-lspets5278482jul02,0,6559208.column
|
|
Mon 09 Jul 2007 11:03AM PDT
GoldenMom
85 post(s)
|
I had Banner for 6 years and he only had his puppy shots. Every year I had him titered and he never required any shots. Other than Rabies of course since it is required by law. I gave Justice his second set of shots at age 5. It's hard to find a vet who believes this since vaccinations are their bread and butter.
Thanks for the info Tina!
|
|
| |
|
Mon 09 Jul 2007 12:11PM PDT
TinaValant
845 post(s)
|
Doing things "because that's the way we always did them" is not a valid reason, whether it's what you fill the bowl with, or vaccinations. As responsible pet owners, we owe it to our pets to research, ask questions, and most importantly, LEARN! This site is a great vehicle for sharing info, thanx, Robert & Hershey ;-)
|
|
Wed 05 Sep 2007 08:29AM PDT
Unbeliever
67 post(s)
|
There's a reason I don't like those ideas and it really comes down to people and how much they really forget or don't care. If people have a reason to come to the Vet, they'll get their pet checked. Believe it or not, most people wouldn't bother bringing their pet in for a routine check up if they didn't have to bring them in yearly for vaccinations. Everyone in the world doesn't understand anything you tell them. If they ask why their dog isn't getting his Distemper Combo shot this time and we tell them that he doesn't need it, sooner or later after one or two times, they'll figure that they don't need to come anymore. Yeah. Ever. We hold Rabies Clinics once a year about 5-6 times for people who can't afford the vaccine. People will just figure that all they need is that silly free rabies vaccine once a year and they're done! Eh... not so much, right?
|
|
Wed 05 Sep 2007 08:45AM PDT
TinaValant
845 post(s)
|
Excellent point ~ I realize I (like most of us, here) are not typical owners ~ Our dogs are more than just pets, they are indeed part of our families. I agree, for some people that annual trip to the vet does get overlooked/seems like a unneeded expense ~ BUT, many times, that is when things can be picked up (lumps, dental problems). My vet jokes with me, that I know every inch or every one of my pets' bodies. And, yes, I DO ~ it's my job, as the Mom!!
|
|
| |
|
Wed 05 Sep 2007 09:04AM PDT
Unbeliever
67 post(s)
|
I thought this might be helpful / interesting to some people. Here's a list of the vaccines we give on a regular basis. Along with some of the signs and sympotms of a dog that has one of these virus' or diseases. NOTE: Not all the combo vaccines are listed here. SC doesn't see Corona so I'm not going to list it. :)
*Distemper* - Distemper is one of the two most important diseases of dogs. It is very widespread, and nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper within the first year of life in our area. Signs include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, fever, and discharges from the eyes and/or nose. “Squinting” of the eyes is often the first sign observed. Once the virus enters the nervous system, convulsions, twitches, or partial paralysis become evident. It is spread through all body secretions and is highly contagious. It is usually fatal.
*ParvoVirus* - Since its devastating worldwide appearance in 1978, most dog owners have heard of parvo. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces. A dog that recovers from the disease remains a “carrier” spreading the virus in its bowel movements for 1/3 months. Signs include vomiting, fever, depression, and diarrhea, which often will contain large amounts of blood. There is another form where the virus attacks the heart muscle causing a heart attack and death. The younger the pet, the GREATER the chance of death. The death rate is very high in dogs under 4/6 months of age.
Dogs remain susceptible to Parvovirus infection until two WEEKS AFTER THE LAST INJECTION in the vaccination series. This is the MOST SERIOUS and FATAL disease we see today.
*Infectious Canine Hepatitis* - Canine hepatitis affects the dog’s liver. Spread through an infected dog’s urine, exposure can mean anything from a mild infection to death. Puppies are at the most risk with this disease. Vaccination has controlled this disease for several years, making it rarely seen by the veterinarian today.
*Leptospirosis* - “Lepto” is a bacterial infection that affects the dog’s kidneys. It can reside as a low?level infection for months or years, infecting other dogs while weakening your pet. It is controlled by vaccination.
*Kennel Cough* - Technically known as “tracheobronchitis,” it is an upper respiratory infection with the major sign being a persistent, dry, hacking cough. It often lasts several weeks and is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. It is caused by several viruses and bacteria, which are included in the vaccinations.
*Rabies* - Rabies is a FATAL INFECTION of the nervous system that attacks all warm blooded animals, including humans. Rabies has become synonymous with the image of a vicious dog. Rabies is a public health hazard and a personal risk to all pet owners. Many states require vaccination against rabies, and most veterinarians recommend vaccination for all dogs and cats, regardless of state law. Rabies can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Even dogs kept indoors can come in contact with a rabies carrier in a basement, garage, or attic. Because there is no cure for rabies, vaccination is your pet’s only protection
|
|
Thu 06 Sep 2007 03:26PM PDT
kay
53 post(s)
|
What great topics I have missed, and I sometimes forget that many "pet owners" have a dog in the backyard, in a 6x6x10 kennel and give it food/water, but nothing else, until they get their reminder from the vet, then the "PET" gets to go to a strange place to be probed and poked, then back to the boring backyard, with no interaction for another year. But hopefully people will be able to learn from these posts, or at least investigate and become a little more knowledgeable about the care of our PETS/FAMILY and help spread the word, so others how to really "CARE" for animals, speak your mind if you see a dog who looks underweight, or maybe they don't have enough shade, but also help share your knowledge like we do here. Sorry to ramble
|
