posted 03-18-2004 06:25 AM         

Canine Vaccination Guidelines
Multivalent Vaccines
Vaccines incorporate combinations of agents: distemper (D), measles (M), hepatitis (A2), parainfluenza (P) and parvovirus (CPV) viruses and leptospira (L) bacterin. All vaccines are administered subcutaneously, except the distemper/measles vaccine which is given intramuscularly.

Puppies presented between 6 and < 8 weeks of age should initially receive a DA2 MP and a CPV vaccine followed by a DA2 PL & CPV every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 18 weeks old.

Puppies 8 weeks and older at initial presentation should receive a DA2 PL & CPV every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 18 weeks of age (usually 3 vaccines).
Annual revaccination of all dogs is recommended.

Dogs vaccinated for the first time after 16 weeks of age should receive 2 doses of DA2 PL & CPV, 2 to 3 weeks apart, in order to provide 12 months of protection against Leptospirosis.

Rabies Vaccines
First vaccination is given at 3 months of age. Revaccinate in 1 year, then every 3 years. Rabvac® is given intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

posted 03-18-2004 10:06 AM         

Vaccinations: All Veterinary Schools in North America Changing
Vaccination
Protocols

Recent editions of the Senior Dogs Project's newsletter have reported on
the ever-broadening trend of eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs,
except for rabies, where required by state law. We have now had a report
that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of
changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.

Here, in a nutshell, are the new guidelines under consideration: "Dogs
and
cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus
(MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity,
which
is good for the life of the pet (i.e., canine distemper, parvo, feline
distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies
from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and
there is little or no effect. The titer
is not
'boosted'
nor are more memory cells induced.

"Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they
subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and
immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation
to
back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies
receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection
can
last 8-14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS
than
8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little
protection (0-38%) will be produced.

Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first
highly
effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than
stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting
at
8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another
vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4
months) will provide lifetime immunity." srdogs.com http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/news.apr.may.3.html

The most recently accepted protocol that your vet should be following
can
be found at: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/SAVP2.HTM