Comments on: Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/ Exposing Myths, Lies and Outdated Information Affecting Dogs Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:21:23 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Canine Flu Shots: Are They Necessary? | Truth4Dogs http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-7266 Canine Flu Shots: Are They Necessary? | Truth4Dogs Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:53:09 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-7266 [...] Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination Is Your Dog’s Vet a Vaccination Expert? Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & [...] [...] Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination Is Your Dog’s Vet a Vaccination Expert? Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & [...]

]]> By: Bethany http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-6998 Bethany Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:26:11 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-6998 Just a follow-up to my post dated October 2nd. First, thank you for all your information & recommendations, Jan - MUCH appreciated! The holistic vet we visited was interested in seeing blood-test results done on our cat a few months earlier by our 'regular' vet, so I had them faxed to her. A day or two later, the 'new' vet called to tell me my cat has 'chronic liver disease'. HUH?? Needless to say, this left me feeling quite skeptical, since our other vet interpreted those results as indicative of a simple urinary infection which was treated by a month-long antibiotic. I called our 'regular' vet to verify that she never diagnosed or suspected chronic liver disease, and she reassured me that the levels were most likely very high due solely to the infection, and would/should return to 'normal' about 6 months after the antibiotic treatment. So - with two vets ( one holistic & one 'regular') , giving two very different interpretations of the cat's blood work, I was totally baffled as to who, or what, to believe! I wound up talking via phone to the (wonderful) vet from the emergency/referral clinic that we saw quite often during my labrador's 6-month bout with IMHA . He heard my dilemna and kindly offered to look at the blood-work results (for free!) if I wanted him to, and since I place TOTAL confidence in him, I eagerly took him up on his offer, and had the results faxed to him. He soon called back to confirm precisely what the holistic vet was diagnosing. Looking at the enzyme numbers , he too was convinced that my cat indeed has chronic liver disease - AND - if we wait as long as our 'regular' vet suggested before retesting, the cat's liver could be totally destroyed by then. Wow. The cat went on holistic feline renal support tablets (notably inexpensive!) and will be going back to the holistic clinic next month for a recheck. I don't know for sure what the future will bring - but I do know that I am now TOTALLY content with my decision to get (and keep) both my surviving pets on the holistic treatment road, while saying 'adios' to the 'regular' veternary practices we've trusted for far too many years. Better late than never, right?! :-) Just a follow-up to my post dated October 2nd. First, thank you for all your information & recommendations, Jan – MUCH appreciated! The holistic vet we visited was interested in seeing blood-test results done on our cat a few months earlier by our ‘regular’ vet, so I had them faxed to her. A day or two later, the ‘new’ vet called to tell me my cat has ‘chronic liver disease’. HUH?? Needless to say, this left me feeling quite skeptical, since our other vet interpreted those results as indicative of a simple urinary infection which was treated by a month-long antibiotic. I called our ‘regular’ vet to verify that she never diagnosed or suspected chronic liver disease, and she reassured me that the levels were most likely very high due solely to the infection, and would/should return to ‘normal’ about 6 months after the antibiotic treatment.
So – with two vets ( one holistic & one ‘regular’) , giving two very different interpretations of the cat’s blood work, I was totally baffled as to who, or what, to believe! I wound up talking via phone to the (wonderful) vet from the emergency/referral clinic that we saw quite often during my labrador’s 6-month bout with IMHA . He heard my dilemna and kindly offered to look at the blood-work results (for free!) if I wanted him to, and since I place TOTAL confidence in him, I eagerly took him up on his offer, and had the results faxed to him.
He soon called back to confirm precisely what the holistic vet was diagnosing. Looking at the enzyme numbers , he too was convinced that my cat indeed has chronic liver disease – AND – if we wait as long as our ‘regular’ vet suggested before retesting, the cat’s liver could be totally destroyed by then. Wow.
The cat went on holistic feline renal support tablets (notably inexpensive!) and will be going back to the holistic clinic next month for a recheck. I don’t know for sure what the future will bring – but I do know that I am now TOTALLY content with my decision to get (and keep) both my surviving pets on the holistic treatment road, while saying ‘adios’ to the ‘regular’ veternary practices we’ve trusted for far too many years.
Better late than never, right?! :-)

]]> By: How to Avoid Vaccination Reactions in Dogs | Truth4Dogs http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-6090 How to Avoid Vaccination Reactions in Dogs | Truth4Dogs Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:16:46 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-6090 [...] multiple vaccines during one visit – especially to your small or medium-sized dogs. Important: a combination shot (like DHLPP)  goes in with just one needle prick but contains multiple vaccines – sometimes as [...] [...] multiple vaccines during one visit – especially to your small or medium-sized dogs. Important: a combination shot (like DHLPP)  goes in with just one needle prick but contains multiple vaccines – sometimes as [...]

]]> By: Jan http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-6039 Jan Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:35:43 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-6039 One more thing. I hope you'll read my newest article about a 2005 study showing the additional problems of giving multiple shots at one sitting and also the dangers of giving the same vaccine repeatedly. It's worse for small dogs, but still bad for all dogs and cats. <a href="http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/</a> One more thing. I hope you’ll read my newest article about a 2005 study showing the additional problems of giving multiple shots at one sitting and also the dangers of giving the same vaccine repeatedly. It’s worse for small dogs, but still bad for all dogs and cats. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/

]]> By: Jan http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-6038 Jan Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:33:07 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-6038 Hi Bethany. I'm so happy you've found what seems to be a good new vet. Still, remember that the ultimate responsibility for deciding on medical care is yours. Re the requirement of a veterinarian to fully inform you of the risks and benefits of any medical procedure, it is a national requirement for vets and MDs. In fact, it's an international requirement. Here's a great article by a vet who is also an attorney. It's called <a href="http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vaccination-informed-consent" rel="nofollow">Liability Related to Vaccination</a>. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vaccination-informed-consent <strong>Vaccinating annually when every vet school or veterinary medical association in North America recommends AGAINST it,</strong> also violates the veterinary oath: "Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. <strong>I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.</strong>" http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jun04/040601t.asp If you go to my web page Vaccinating Dogs: What Your Vet Hasn't Told You at www.dogs4dogs.com/shots, you'll find links near the page bottom to the AAHA and WSAVA vaccination studies. I also hope you read my blog article, quoting numerous vets, on <a href="http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/29/vaccinating-sick-dogs-cats/" rel="nofollow">vaccinating sick animals</a>. You wrote: "Yet now I’d be so very uncomfortable going back to her." Vaccinating sick animals also violates the recommendations of all vaccine manufacturers. I hope you report that vet to your local veterinary association so she'll stop these dangerous practices. I'd also consider taking her to court. To vaccinate sick animals annually and then charge for the additional health problems that develop is unconscionable. Re hypothyroidism, Dr. Jean Dodds at hemopet.com is the authority. You might want to have her do your next thyroid test. Her prices are excellent. Re diabetes, cats often become diabetic (and have kidney problems) if they eat dry food, especially if it contains corn. I did three interviews (available on CDs at www.dogs4dogs.com) with a top nutrition expert who's also a big cat lover. She's adamant about not giving kibble to cats. It's not so great for dogs, either. She has great cat articles at www.littlebigcat.com. Hope all of this is helpful. Jan Hi Bethany. I’m so happy you’ve found what seems to be a good new vet. Still, remember that the ultimate responsibility for deciding on medical care is yours.

Re the requirement of a veterinarian to fully inform you of the risks and benefits of any medical procedure, it is a national requirement for vets and MDs. In fact, it’s an international requirement. Here’s a great article by a vet who is also an attorney. It’s called Liability Related to Vaccination. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vaccination-informed-consent

Vaccinating annually when every vet school or veterinary medical association in North America recommends AGAINST it, also violates the veterinary oath: “Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.” http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jun04/040601t.asp

If you go to my web page Vaccinating Dogs: What Your Vet Hasn’t Told You at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots, you’ll find links near the page bottom to the AAHA and WSAVA vaccination studies. I also hope you read my blog article, quoting numerous vets, on vaccinating sick animals.

You wrote: “Yet now I’d be so very uncomfortable going back to her.” Vaccinating sick animals also violates the recommendations of all vaccine manufacturers. I hope you report that vet to your local veterinary association so she’ll stop these dangerous practices. I’d also consider taking her to court. To vaccinate sick animals annually and then charge for the additional health problems that develop is unconscionable.

Re hypothyroidism, Dr. Jean Dodds at hemopet.com is the authority. You might want to have her do your next thyroid test. Her prices are excellent.

Re diabetes, cats often become diabetic (and have kidney problems) if they eat dry food, especially if it contains corn. I did three interviews (available on CDs at http://www.dogs4dogs.com) with a top nutrition expert who’s also a big cat lover. She’s adamant about not giving kibble to cats. It’s not so great for dogs, either. She has great cat articles at http://www.littlebigcat.com.

Hope all of this is helpful.
Jan

]]> By: Bethany http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-6016 Bethany Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:45:40 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-6016 Thank you for replying to my (first) post dated 9/16. We currently have our first appointment set up with a holistic practice I found about 15 miles or so from us. I have checked them out, and they are quite reputable in various holistic treatments. I will be taking my german shepard and cat in to get evaluations, and hopefully I will come away being comfortable & confident with their suggestions. I didn't mention before that this cat once had hypothyroidism - which I have since learned is another potential result of over-vaccinating for so many years. We've also had an orange tabby cat who eventually died from his diabeties. I am not at all certain that these issues were caused by combo shots and/or over-vaccinating, but if there is even a 5 % chance that they were, then that is 5% too high for me! As for the lack of vaccine-disclosure or informed consent, is that really required nationally, or is that done on a state-by-state basis? I can't find anything showing that it is required here in Maryland. I've been with our 'regular' vet for many, many years and fully believed in her advise and knowledge. Yet now I'd be so very uncomfortable going back to her, especially since she knew of our 6-month bout with IMHA (costing over $20,000), our hypothyroid kitty, and our diabetic kitty, and still never even thought to warn me about all those darn annual shots she continues to jam into my pets. :-( Thank you for replying to my (first) post dated 9/16. We currently have our first appointment set up with a holistic practice I found about 15 miles or so from us. I have checked them out, and they are quite reputable in various holistic treatments. I will be taking my german shepard and cat in to get evaluations, and hopefully I will come away being comfortable & confident with their suggestions. I didn’t mention before that this cat once had hypothyroidism – which I have since learned is another potential result of over-vaccinating for so many years. We’ve also had an orange tabby cat who eventually died from his diabeties. I am not at all certain that these issues were caused by combo shots and/or over-vaccinating, but if there is even a 5 % chance that they were, then that is 5% too high for me!
As for the lack of vaccine-disclosure or informed consent, is that really required nationally, or is that done on a state-by-state basis? I can’t find anything showing that it is required here in Maryland. I’ve been with our ‘regular’ vet for many, many years and fully believed in her advise and knowledge. Yet now I’d be so very uncomfortable going back to her, especially since she knew of our 6-month bout with IMHA (costing over $20,000), our hypothyroid kitty, and our diabetic kitty, and still never even thought to warn me about all those darn annual shots she continues to jam into my pets. :-(

]]> By: Jan http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-5975 Jan Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:12:21 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-5975 Alanna, it is my opinion that you should run, not walk, away from that vet. Puppies don't have dental disease. Although most dogs have some degree of dental disease by age 3, at 9 months it would be rare and would indicate a major health problem. I don't know one vet who recommends the "dental vaccine." Have YOU ever had a dental vaccine? Of course, not. You need a vet who vaccinates as little as possible, not as much as possible. Read the recommendations of the Animal Animal Hospital Association or the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (see my page <a href="http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots" rel="nofollow">http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots</a>) for links. Try to find a recommendation for the dental vaccine. (You won't.) In my opinion -- and I'm not a vet -- I would NEVER give my dog this vaccine nor would I treat my dogs, or myself, with flouride. Do an Internet search on flouride and you'll see why. Good for you for being a good dog mom and doing your research! Stay tuned for my post tomorrow on the dangers of giving multiple vaccines in one clinic visit. Scary! Alanna, it is my opinion that you should run, not walk, away from that vet. Puppies don’t have dental disease. Although most dogs have some degree of dental disease by age 3, at 9 months it would be rare and would indicate a major health problem. I don’t know one vet who recommends the “dental vaccine.” Have YOU ever had a dental vaccine? Of course, not. You need a vet who vaccinates as little as possible, not as much as possible.

Read the recommendations of the Animal Animal Hospital Association or the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (see my page http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots) for links. Try to find a recommendation for the dental vaccine. (You won’t.) In my opinion — and I’m not a vet — I would NEVER give my dog this vaccine nor would I treat my dogs, or myself, with flouride. Do an Internet search on flouride and you’ll see why.

Good for you for being a good dog mom and doing your research!

Stay tuned for my post tomorrow on the dangers of giving multiple vaccines in one clinic visit. Scary!

]]> By: Alanna http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-5974 Alanna Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:56:29 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-5974 Hi Jan, I have a bear coat shar pei, just about 9 months old, the vet has wanted to give my dog a flouride and sealant treatment and now a dental vaccine. I have never heard of this and was hoping you have and could give me so insight as to whether the vaccine will do more harm than good? Alanna Hi Jan,

I have a bear coat shar pei, just about 9 months old, the vet has wanted to give my dog a flouride and sealant treatment and now a dental vaccine. I have never heard of this and was hoping you have and could give me so insight as to whether the vaccine will do more harm than good?

Alanna

]]> By: Jan http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-5904 Jan Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:48:38 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-5904 Barbara, I see I forgot to tell you which shots I recommend: parvovirus and distemper only, hopefully in single dose vials containing only one vaccine. You'll find details at Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination. I'm not a vet and can only tell you what I'd do for my own dogs. Two weeks after a shot at 15 or 16 weeks, I'd do a titer test to see if you need to vaccinate more. Learn more about titer testing at <a href="http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/</a> And don't forget to read my upcoming article on small dogs and puppies. If you sign up at <a href="http://www.truth4dogs.com" rel="nofollow">www.truth4dogs.com</a>, you'll get the article automatically. Barbara, I see I forgot to tell you which shots I recommend: parvovirus and distemper only, hopefully in single dose vials containing only one vaccine. You’ll find details at Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination. I’m not a vet and can only tell you what I’d do for my own dogs. Two weeks after a shot at 15 or 16 weeks, I’d do a titer test to see if you need to vaccinate more. Learn more about titer testing at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ And don’t forget to read my upcoming article on small dogs and puppies. If you sign up at http://www.truth4dogs.com, you’ll get the article automatically.

]]> By: Jan http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-5903 Jan Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:07:47 +0000 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/?p=675#comment-5903 Hi Barbara, most vets say that under normal circumstances you shouldn't vaccinate sooner than 8 weeks because of maternal immunity. Some vets vaccinate at 10 weeks and again at 16. It all depends on our dog's lifestyle and your willingness to keep the dog away from possible sources of disease. The most important thing is what you vaccinate with. Please see my article Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination at <a href="http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/</a> It will tell you what shots to give ... and not give. Also, I'm writing an article about the special dangers of giving multiple shots to small dogs which should be posted here tomorrow. Hi Barbara, most vets say that under normal circumstances you shouldn’t vaccinate sooner than 8 weeks because of maternal immunity. Some vets vaccinate at 10 weeks and again at 16. It all depends on our dog’s lifestyle and your willingness to keep the dog away from possible sources of disease.

The most important thing is what you vaccinate with. Please see my article Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/ It will tell you what shots to give … and not give. Also, I’m writing an article about the special dangers of giving multiple shots to small dogs which should be posted here tomorrow.

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