May, 1997

For several years, the veterinary community has had concern that we vaccinate dogs and cats far too often. The practice of annual vaccination has continued for decades for two main reasons,

1. vaccine manufacturers recommended annual boosters not providing data on duration of immunity and
2. lack of concrete information that indicated we were causing more harm than good. However, there has recently been mounting evidence that excessive vaccination of dogs and cats can result in serious, possibly fatal, adverse events. The introduction of better vaccines and research on duration of immunity suggest many of our vaccines provide lasting immunity and there is little need for annual revaccination.

A partial list of adverse vaccine reactions seen in dogs and cats follows:

• fever
• soreness/swelling at injection site
• anaphylaxis (acute allergic reaction)
• acute auto immune hemolytic anemia*
• polyarthritis
• vaccine site lumps
• vaccine site tumors **
• iritis (inflammation of the eye)

*currently recognized in dogs only/ ** predominantly cats

Recently the American Association of Feline Practitioners has changed its recommendations for panleukopenia vaccination from annually to every three years. Data collected by Dr. Fred Scott at the Cornell Feline Health Center suggests duration of immunity against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calici virus is up to eight years for a single vaccination. Other research has pointed out that feline leukemia vaccines are effective for 3 years between boosters. Work done at Colorado State University suggests anti-bodies to canine distemper are present three years after vaccination. Based on these events, and the unliklihood that definitive duration of immunity studies for all available vaccines will be done by anyone, Animal Hospital of Rowlett has changed our routine immunization recommendations for dogs and cats.

Specifically, Animal Hospital of Rowlett recomends the following:

1. A vaccination series of three for puppies to be completed by 16 weeks.
2. A vaccination series of two for kittens to be completed by 12-14 weeks.
3. Then a booster for dogs and cats one year later on all their needed vaccines.
4. After the first year, these vaccines will only be recommended every three years for the rest of the animal's life.
5. Rabies will be required annually in Texas due to the state law (based upon incidence of Rabies in the State of Texas).

The most important point is that yearly physical examinations and appropriate tests are still the most important preventive health care you can provide for your pets. AHR, for many years, has emphasized geriatric screenings, including labwork, radiographs, ultrasound, ECGs, blood pressure checks, glaucoma testing, etc. for pets as they age and annual physical exams from puppy and kittenhood to the golden years. Whether we are talking about cancer, kidney, heart or any other disease process, we know that early detection and treatment saves lives! We will continue to inform you of this important critical point. For many years veterinarians used the excuse of vaccinations to get your pet into the hospital at least once a year. However, as fast as medical knowledge changes, we must change with it to provide you the highest quality of care available today for your pets. This change is occurring at AHR before many veterinarians have even become aware of these important research findings.

We always strive to provide our clients and patients with the latest information on medical breakthroughs and meaningful changes that are important to your pets health and well-being.

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