5-Way Vaccine Question - Page 1

Well, that glorious time's come 'round again, time to vaccinate my dogs. I usually buy my vaccines from Foster and Smith, and usually buy the

Duramune-Max 5:
canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus cough, parainfluenza, and parvovirus

$92.99 for 25 doses made by Fort Dodge

However, they have another vaccine, that protects against the same as listed with the Duramune-Max 5, here are it's details:

Vanguard Plus 5:

canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus cough, parainfluenza, and parvovirus

$54.99 for 25 doses made by Pfizer

So my question is this, what's the difference besides the makers of the vaccines? Is one better than the other? Here's the link if anyone wants to see where I'm getting this information:

www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm

Thanks in advance! Feel free to PM me if there's anything you want kept private.

I'd also like to know the answer to this question as I was getting ready to order puppy vacs for my litter and was planning to buy them at Foster Smith as well.  Good question to ask, now if only we get a response....

I use Spectra 7, myself.

I personally have issues with Fort Dodge, some bad lot #s of vaccines in the distant past, haven't heard of any problems recently...but you know how it is, since then I've not trusted them. It's a purely subjective thing, though, and I don't really see any difference otherwise, both are modified live vaccines--I chose the Phizer product, Vanguard 5, from Valley Vet. It's sitting in the fridge, waiting for Saturday; I like'd to do the pups on a day when I know I'll be home all day to keep an eye on them. jackie harris

Vangaurd by Pfizer is what we are using at the Vet Hosp where I work. We have not had any reactions (except the occasioanl 2# Chihuahua but that would happen anyway!) and the product seems good.

Tina

Vanguard kills all maternal antibodies, Fort Dodge does not. Sooo, your choice's are with these two in question  1) kill all maternal antibodies and add live attenuated strains or 2) keep all maternal antibodies and add live attenuated strains.

I've read that over vaccinating or poorly timed vaccinations can lead to various cancers auto-immune problems such as inflamatory bowel disease or skin problems.  If you have adult dogs you might consider having them titer tested to see if they already have adequate antibodies to protect agaist the various diseases.  Your healthy adult dogs may not need any further vaccines, so why expose them to something that messes with their immune system?

I'm no expert, but my gutt tells me that there is probably some truth in the theory that the annual vaccination schedule is based on big pharma making big bucks and vets getting repeat annual business.  Everyone needs to do their own research and do what they feel is best for their pets.  You must consider the environment(s) to which your pets are exposed and the potential risk(s) of infection associated with each of those environments.  Personally, I'd rather spend the $ on a good thorough annual exam complete with blood work than bombarding my animals with vaccines year after year.  

Cathy