Vaccination Recommendations by Dr. Jean Dodds we follow

Dr. W. Jean Dodd’s vaccination protocol is now being adopted by ALL 27 North American veterinary  schools. I highly recommend that you read this.

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Vaccination Recommendations News Flash

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical &  economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics.

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 decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY

“Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper,parvo,  feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine  neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect.

The titer is not “boosted”  nor are more memory cells induced.” Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper  unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune‐mediated  hemolytic anemia. “There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual  administration of MLV vaccines.”

Puppies receive antibodies through their mother’s milk. This natural  protection can last 8‐14weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks.  Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0‐38%) will be produced.  Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine.

Vaccinations  given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given  starting at 8 weeks and given 3‐4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given  sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

There are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians: modified‐live vaccines and  inactivated (“killed”) vaccines.

Immunization Schedules

There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified‐live vaccines and breeders who have experienced  postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines.

It is also important to not begin a vaccination  program while maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother’s  colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them  before they can stimulate an immune response.

Many breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM  HEMOPET 
938 Stanford Street 
Santa Monica, CA 90403 
310/ 828‐4804  fax: 310/ 828‐8251 

Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and  choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune mediated disease, immune‐reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison’s or Cushing’s disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended. 

After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse  vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo,  Great Dane). 

I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3‐4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster. 

I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not  contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today. 

I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation. 

W. Jean Dodds, DVM  HEMOPET

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