| Most pet owners are aware that there is a controversy surrounding
vaccinations in the veterinary field. The current practice of vaccinating once
a year has never really been questioned, according to Canadian Veterinary Medical
Association spokesperson, Dr. N. Gumley. Vaccines are not thought to be harmful
by the majority of veterinarians. However, evidence supporting the view that vaccines
given every year can be harmful in some pets is mounting. Many veterinarians,
including some research scientists, believe that puppy and kitten vaccinations
provide your pet with adequate immunity for life or a good portion of it, just
like childhood vaccinations are good for life. Remember, your pets should still
be seen once a year for physical examinations and twice a year for senior pets. Vaccines
"protect" by creating a mild form of the disease in the body and thus stimulate
the immune system to make specific antibodies to the viruses injected. By giving
this injection, we have bypassed all of the body's primary defense mechanisms
(cellular-mediated immunity) and have skewed the immune system over to the humoral
or antibody side. When we continually do this year after year with multiple vaccines,
is it any wonder that sometimes the immune system can get confused, panic and
become either over or under active?? Immune system research in the human field
shows that we may be skewing the immune system too heavily to the humoral side,
thus potentially contributing to the sharp rise in autoimmune conditions seen
in humans as well as is in pets. There is no clear indication that vaccines cause
these problems, but the potential exists. It is known that vaccines play
the biggest role in the development of tumors in cats at the site of the vaccination.
This tumor is uncommon, but it is only one possible reaction a cat may have to
a vaccine. There are others. Reports have appeared over the last few years describing
diseases in both dogs and cats that follow routine vaccinations--bleeding disorders,
bone and joint inflammation, cancers, seizures, and others. Of critical
importance is the fact that vaccines are only approved for use in HEALTHY
animals. That means free from any disease, including things which seem quite minor
like skin and ear problems. Consider the risk of exposure for your pets
and decide along with your veterinarian if it is worth getting a vaccination at
any time following the puppy (or kitten) series. Recent research published in
2001 shows that there are even some breeds that require extra caution when administering
vaccinations as they show a much higher incidence of reactions than the average
(Dr. Jean Dodds, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, May/June,
2001). A growing number of leading veterinary colleges are now recommending vaccinations
every 3 years instead of annually. Alternatives are available for puppies and
kittens whose owners choose not to vaccinate and certainly there are modified
and minimal protocols with conventional vaccines that provide adequate protection.
Also available are blood tests to determine the level of immunity your pet already
has to see if vaccines are potentially necessary. -- You
can contact Dr. Moira by sending an e-mail to drmoi@home.com
or by telephone at 250-769-3895. -- -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ By Dr. Moira Drosdovech
(Pawsitive Veterinary Care) | 
