VACCINATION PROTOCOL:
New Vaccine Protocols Produce Controversy
For years it went without saying that distemper vaccines were done yearly. Never any question about it. Kennels
and grooming shops have requested confirmation of vaccination before a pet enters the doors. Veterinarians
depended upon them as a major source of revenue. Breeders and pet shops routinely vaccinate their own
litters, and require vaccinations prior to breeding. ##
Then in the mid 1980’s, fibrosarcomas found in cats were linked to vaccine sites, and then to the vaccines
themselves. Recently a lot of controversy has developed over the vaccine protocols (yearly boosters), as we
know them. As some kennel owners have already found, local veterinarians may be recommending distemper
titer testing rather then the normal booster. A titer test demonstrates exposure to a disease (or vaccine) and the
amount of antibodies produced against it. A standard level of antibodies for protection against disease is
established from normal pets, and each test result is graded against this scale.At the heart of this controversy is
the question of how long a vaccine protects against disease, and how safe they are. One view contends that we
are over vaccinating our pets¾that a dog’s or cat’s immune system is taxed and stresses easily as medicine has
combined more products per vaccine, or as veterinarians recommend more and more vaccines. Certain breeds
and lines seem predisposed to poor immune systems that respond poorly to vaccines. Additionally, traditional
killed or modified live vaccines have a shorter duration than the newer types. Feline distemper vaccines (feline
panleukopenia) also include rhinotracheitis, calici, and chlamydia. Cats may additionally receive feline leukemia,
feline infectious peritonitis, and rabies. Canine yearly boosters combine distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus,
leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and corona. Add to that Lyme vaccines, bordetella and rabies. It looks like we do
give our pets lots of vaccines!Opposing views demonstrate the new technology of vaccines, the better efficacy
and higher safety margins that have been created. Over the last few years most vaccines have changed from
killed or modified live vaccines to recombinant vaccines. Rather than just kill or slightly modify the whole virus,
recombinant vaccines use artificially changed or recombined genetic material of the bacteria or virus. Genes of
the microorganism are removed or genes from another organism are inserted into the genetic code. ##
With this technology, the adjuvants causing reactions and fibrosarcoma are removed and no longer an issue.
The vaccine can not produce disease, can not revert to a pathological virus. They are less dangerous to
immunosuppressed or sick animals. As medical technology has improved, so have vaccines. ##
The small studies creating this dilemma have been done with results demonstrating immunity from common
vaccines may last longer than a year (two to five year durations have been reported). Unfortunately, the groups
of animals are small, and results not followed for more than a couple years; often the dogs or cats chosen for
study are not actually challenged with disease are the end of the study, but only have titer levels monitored
throughout. The question becomes one of whether or not they are still truly protected against disease. ##
Several veterinary associations have been quick to endorse these studies, and many articles regarding vaccine
usage are filtering into trade publications. Your local vets may agree or disagree with these new proposals;
more controlled studies are needed to confirm the findings. ##
The Result ##
Where does leave us as kennel owners? Until the veterinary community comes to a conclusion or consensus,
talk to your veterinarian and discuss the options, then decide for yourself what you are comfortable accepting.
As with all new things, our thinking may have to change. We may soon find ourselves accepting titer test levels
in lieu of the traditional vaccine certificate.