Canine Vaccinations Per 2006 AAHA Protocol - Page 1

Hello everyone. I know this topic has not been discussed for quite some time here but I feel it is important enough to revisit. I moved to a different state last year and eventually began to use a different veterinarian. I am pleased to say that this doctor is a person who is convinced that in the past canines have been vaccinated at a frequency that is much higher than necessary and just administered the three-year vaccinations to one bitch who was due. I have no quarrel with the previous veterinarian, as he is an excellent doctor who has an intense knowledge of canine medicine.

Another reason that I bring up this topic is that the other day I recieved an inquiry by private e-mail  that asked about the vaccination protocol that I use for puppies. I attached and sent a document from the A.A.H.A. that I believe is an excellent guide as it speaks of the value of titers as well as the acceptable use of vaccines administeres at three-year intervals. I know that many of us discussed this here quite some time ago, and many of us felt that annual vaccinations were just a moneymaker for a veterinarian and not really necessary. I have not seen any discussion about this in a long time.

We do nowadays know that many maladies (especially allergies) are eventually diagnosed as the results of overvaccination. And I know there are breeders of champion lines that still refuse to use most vaccines save for the required rabies vaccine, and some of these breeders have lost valuable adults to diseases such as canine parvovirus-perhaps the most insidious malady of all. For many of these breeders, even a blow like this has not changed their minds. While some might say their practice was "stupid",  I for one do not feel that way. I think they were onto something that most of us ignored or accepted "because the doctor said so."

During 2005 the A.A.H.A. issued a new vaccination protocol and revised it during 2006. I think the basis for this protocol is excellent as it relies on the opinions and observations of many veterinary doctors, the observed negative reactions of many dogs to the practice of overvaccination, and the reliance on titers to determine the animal's level of acquired immunity. Read all about it here at: http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf You may find other topics that interest you on their website as well.

Best Regards,

Bob-O

Bob-O,Thank you for this info.It is always refreshing to read your posts as you are a knowledgeable person with respect for others always.I am gratefull for the down to earth few on this DB like yourself.  Domenic

Thanks Bob-O. 

I printed out a copy of this and gave it to my vet to make sure that she saw it. She said that she knew of it, but hadn't been able to read it. Maybe people might want to do that...!

Thank you Bob-O -

I have been convinced of the over vaccinating for years and opted for my Himalayan cats for preventative after their kitten & 1 year shots - they turn 18 in January and still act like kittens.  I am going to print this link also as my boy in on his way to vet this week for his Hip Xrays and I wanted to speak with them about his vaccines - he had all upto one year.

Also, I think it pertinent to ask the vet in your area "what have you found active in our area in the past 5 years?"  If parvo is prevalent, vaccinate - IMO, etc.  Thoughts on this approach??

And yes, as Dominic states - refreshing post considering some of the crazy ones lately - glad you're still here Bob-O, I have alot to learn and do read all your posts.