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Q&A
Q:
What vaccines should my pets have, and
how often?
A: On
rare occasions, vaccines, like any other foreign protein injected into
our bodies, can create serious medical problems. Addressing this, the
veterinary community has assembled a task force to reevaluate our
recommendations. The American
Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), has published guidelines for canine
vaccines, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
has published guidelines for feline vaccines.
Both task forces have delineated universally recommended vaccines (core
vaccines) to protect against potentially deadly viral infections.
RECOMMENDED
VACCINES
-
Dogs:
Canine Distemper
Modified Live
Vaccine (MLV) or
recombinant Canine
Distemper Vaccine (rCDV)
Canine Parvovirus (MLV)
Canine Adenovirus-2 (MLV by injection)
Rabies
-
Cats:
Feline Distemper (MLV or inactivated)
Feline Rhinotracheitis (MLV or inactivated)
Calici Virus (MLV or inactivated)
Rabies
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Optional
vaccines such as Feline Leukemia, and Bordetella are needed in certain
geographical
areas and/or lifestyles. Also, vaccines that are not recommended have
been specified by the task force.
With a simple blood test, some commercial veterinary laboratories can
accurately measure the degree of immunity (called titers) dogs and cats
have to some of the core diseases such as Canine and Feline Distemper,
and Canine Parvovirus and Canine Adenovirus.
Dr.
Sandy will customize a vaccine protocol for your pet based on:
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The
recommended vaccine guidelines
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Thorough
knowledge of your pet’s medical history (especially pertaining to
cancer or immune-mediated diseases)
-
Vaccine
titers
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Knowledge
of the risk potential of your pet’s environment and lifestyle
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