Return Home
Return to Canine Health
Veterinary Medical Care
Last revision 04/18/2007
(Please note: Nothing on this website is intended to replace veterinary care. If your pet is experiencing any health problem, please seek a holistic vet’s advice and treatment. Be sure to do your homework, however, before permitting your pet to be subjected to any surgical procedure or medication. The purpose of this information is to get you thinking, asking questions, and NOT taking things laying down! Educate yourself, learn all you can, and make the best choices YOU can possibly make for your furbabies!)
We battled Ashlee’s medical problems for about 19 months before losing her in September 1998. We tried everything conventional medicine had to offer, to no avail. I constantly felt deep in my gut that we were missing something important. Some vital piece of the puzzle that might turn the tide and calm the waters, but I could NOT find it. It wasn’t until a couple of years after her death that the piece fell into my lap quite unexpectedly one day, too late to help my Bug but not too late to shift the tide of later battles. Only I was wrong about one thing in a BIG way. It was not merely one puzzle piece we needed. There were more. More than I ever expected to find. Sometimes more than I wanted to know. But truth cannot be denied when it keeps slapping you in the face, so I finally resigned myself to it. And doing so has changed my life and the lives of my current companions in a BIG way. Ashlee was merely the start of it all. I continue to learn and travel the path she set me on. God willing, I will continue to learn and improve the choices I make for my companions and myself.
I think the hardest thing for me to accept in all that I have learned and experienced over the last several years was the realization that VETS DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING and they don’t always have our pets’ best interests at heart. Let’s face it. Vets must make money to keep their practices open. Does this mean all vets are money-grubbers who don’t care about our pets? Absolutely not! I have a fabulous holistic vet who is worth her weight in gold and then some. She has genuine compassion and love for the animals she treats, and I know she is not the only one out there with that same passion. She will go the extra mile to educate herself beyond the tenants of conventional medicine to help her patients. She doesn’t view drugs as a fix-all for every little issue that comes along. Unfortunately, the veterinarians out there that are NOT like her currently appear to far outweigh those who ARE like her.
I used to believe that my vet went to school, so surely he/she MUST know more than I do about ________________ (pick your disorder, procedure, medication, vaccination, dietary need). It seldom occurred to me to question them. When it did, I usually took their answers at face value and brushed off that gut reaction that said something wasn’t kosher. Surely he/she knew what he/she was doing far better than I could possibly know. As time passed, and I did more research, I came to the following conclusions. For the sake of clarity, I want to say that when I refer to “VETS”, I am using it as a generalized term for MANY, not ALL. There are some truly wonderful, caring and knowledgeable veterinarians out there. The trick is to separate the wheat from the chaff and find them.
DISORDERS/DISEASES –Vets do NOT know all about the various health problems our pets can and do confront in their lives. Vets are limited in understanding to what they are taught in vet school and what they experience in their practice. That is simply a fact of life. Unfortunately, they are all too often not willing to consult with other practitioners (whether conventional or holistic) who may have more experience and/or knowledge than them in some of the things with which they may be confronted. The worst thing a vet can do, in my opinion, is “wing it” when it comes to a pet’s health. If he/she does not know the answer, he/she should be willing to admit the problem is out of their depth and consult with someone who may be knowledgeable about it.
If your vet is not having any success diagnosing your dog’s problems, find another vet who may be more knowledgeable about what is going on with your dog. Don’t be afraid to consult a specialist.
If your vet supplies you with a diagnosis, educate yourself on that disorder/disease. Use all the resources available to you – books, on-line groups, websites, veterinarians, and other pet owners who might have struggled or be struggling with that same disorder/disease. The best hope for your pet is for you to understand WHAT is happening and how best to deal with it. If you can find the WHY and HOW, even better so you can deal with the root/cause of the problem, but this is not always possible.
NEVER be afraid to seek a second opinion on any diagnosis.
MEDICATIONS –Vets are VERY quick to dispense medications that can and do have serious adverse effects on pets. Medications should not be dispensed without absolute necessity, but far too many dispense medication like candy to treat problems for which they should NOT be dispensed. They often neglect to give information about possible side effects and toxicity of the drugs they dispense so freely. Many merely (and dangerously) deny the drugs can have serious side effects or, worse, kill pets outright even when used as prescribed. They also often do not take an animal’s history into account when dispensing medications. When a veterinarian health care practitioner wishes to provide your pet with any prescription medication, supplement or even a “natural” product, ask them to fully brief you on potential side effects and toxicity. You need to discuss the risk/benefit ratio and fully explore all possible alternatives. Ask for a client information sheet, if one is not provided.
(For purposes of this information, when I refer to “medications,” I mean ANY chemical or “natural” product sold or recommended by a veterinarian for any health issue, either as treatment or prevention. This includes topical and oral flea/tick and heartworm preventatives as well as herbal remedies.)
Things to keep in mind when your vet wants to give you a medication for your pet:
1 –NO medication is “SAFE”. There is NO such thing as a SAFE drug. There are only varying degrees of danger. Some are SAFER than others, but none are completely safe. Any vet who says otherwise is either lying or ignorant about the medications they sell. Any substance put into the body that alters body chemistry, the rhythms of the body, or controls a specific medical disorder can have other effects as well – those are side effects. Pets (and people) can also be allergic or sensitive to specific components of medications, which can trigger potentially deadly adverse reactions. Learn everything you can about a medication BEFORE you give it to your pet. This will empower you to make an educated decision should your pet exhibit side effects or have a serious adverse reaction.
2 –Has the vet completely and fully explained the possible risks associated with that particular medication? If no, run the other way as fast and as far as you can. Do NOT EVER give your pet a medication you know nothing about. (This is a good rule for yourself as well.) You will have no way of identifying potentially deadly reactions. Unfortunately, all too often I hear cases of people calling their vet to report various changes in a pet’s behavior after dosing with an unknown medication and the vet tells them it is NOTHING to worry about. Some even deny the medication is in any way related – merely coincidence, they claim. Sadly, many of those pets end up permanently damaged by those medications. Some even die.
3 –Short-term use does NOT guarantee a drug will not harm your pet. Many reactions occur in the first hours, days or even weeks of use of a drug, so your pet should be monitored very closely by YOU during the whole duration of treatment and, in the case of some drugs, for several days or weeks AFTER you complete use of that drug.
4 –If you use a drug long term, lack of an adverse reaction in the first days, weeks or even months is NOT a guarantee that your pet will not experience an adverse reaction or permanent damage from that drug. Some drugs used in some pets work very quietly and slowly to destroy various organs or systems. Your pet may not exhibit signs of that destruction until the body hits a crisis point. So, just because your pet has been on a specific drug for 2 years (as an example) does NOT mean he/she will not have a bad reaction to that drug. No matter how long your pet has been taking a particular medication, do NOT relax your guard. Continue to monitor your pet for any signs of an adverse reaction.
5 –Never give your pet a new medication and leave it alone. Your pet should be closely monitored while on medication, particularly any new medication, in case of an adverse reaction.
6 –If your pet experiences ANY kind of adverse reaction, please make sure it is reported to the Food & Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA/CVM). If your vet refuses or denies the reaction could possibly be caused by the drug in question, FILE THE REPORT YOURSELF. As a consumer, you have the right to file such reports. You do not have to KNOW without a doubt that the drug caused the reaction. The reports are for POSSIBLE reactions. The FDA/CVM will investigate the case from there. Include copies of your pet’s records and any other information you think might be useful to the FDA/CVM in their investigation. You can find the form you need to submit at: Form 1932A. It is only through consistent reporting of reactions that we can ever hope to find out the true frequency of adverse reactions. Currently, it is estimated that 10% or less of all adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines are reported. You, as a consumer, can help improve the accuracy and reliability of the data available.
Designed and made available by ZbirdBrain
If you wish to learn about the potential dangers of various medications, here are some sites I recommend:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/ade_cum.htm - The FDA/CVM adverse drug event (ADE) cumulative reports. Be aware that you may need to know the primary chemical component of a drug, rather than the name brand, to find it on this listing. For example – to find Heartguard (heartworm preventative) you need to look under “ivermectin”, which is the active component of the drug. Some drugs, such as prednisone, are listed under their common names.
Allergic Drug Reactions Affecting the Skin – by Pamela A. Davol
B.A.R.K.S. – Be Aware of Rimadyl’s Know Side-effects, by Jean Townsend
Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control for Dogs – Adverse Reactions
Common Drugs Used to Treat IVDD & Avoiding Their Adverse Reactions – by Kathy Nabhan
Deramaxx: Smart Drug or Clever Marketing – by Edward Murray
Dogs Adverse Reactions – Information on NSAIDs, heartworm preventatives, & vaccinations
Farnam’s Bio Spot Flea & Tick – Consumer alert about possible health risks of using this product
Hartz Flea & Tick Drops – Information to raise awareness of the hazards of this topical flea/tick prevention/treatment
ProHeart6 – The Senior Dogs Project
Recognizing Bone Diseases – by Linda Arndt; includes information about allergic reactions to antibiotics as well as vaccinations being misdiagnosed as some forms of bone disease
Rimadyl: News, Views & Advisories – The Senior Dogs Project
Rimadyl Death – Information about the reported dangers of NSAIDs, as well as information about vaccinations and a lot of other doggy related topics.
Rimadyl vs. EtoGesic – The Senior Dogs Project
Shirley’s Wellness Café – All variety of information about the hazards of various medications.
Understanding Deramaxx – by Edward Murray
VIDEO – Client Information Sheets
VIDEO – The Life and Times of Prince Itchybelly (NSAIDS)
There are so many more good references online that I could not possibly locate and list them all here. If you wish to learn about a specific medication, do a search specifically for that product and include the keyword “side effects” and/or “adverse reactions”. That will help narrow down the options.
Furthermore, there are websites that are asking for testimonials to help raise awareness of the truth about prescription medications. One website I can highly recommend that is getting a lot of attention and doing a great deal to spread the word is Dogs Adverse Reactions. There is an extensive testimonials section that continues to grow. If you would like to report your pet’s adverse reaction to be added, contact Laurryn and she can see your testimonial is added.
NUTRITION – Vets actually know very little about canine or feline nutrition beyond what they are taught in vet school. Unfortunately, what they are taught in vet school constitutes only about 40 hours and the textbooks are written by the pet food industry. Also, the pet food industry supplies free pet food to vet and vet tech students, thereby creating a ready and viable market for their products when those students graduate and go into practice. Thankfully, some vets take the initiative sometime in their career to educate themselves in nutrition well above and beyond what they learn in school. More join their ranks daily. I have covered diet in more detail on another page of this site, so I won’t go into it here.
One word on supplements, though, as it is most certainly related to the topic of this page. If you vet attempts to sell you a specific supplement, do your research. Pet-specific supplements are NO different in the majority of cases than human supplements and cost a lot more than human supplements. For example, if your vet wants to sell you an expensive glucosamine supplement, don’t let him/her. There is NO difference between pet glucosamine supplements and human glucosamine supplements except price (with the pet ones being more expensive). That difference can be quite staggering. Some vets are either ignorant or shady enough to sell you very expensive supplements, and they may even tell you that there IS a difference between the chemical make-up of human vs pet supplements. Ok, technically they ARE correct in one sense. Pet supplements are often chewable treats rather than the pills/capsules/gelcaps that human supplements come in. If THAT makes the supplement worth you paying 2, 3 or even 4 times as much money for, then go for it.
Do your homework if your vet recommends a particular supplement. Chances are good you will be able to find a human supplement (likely of better quality) of the same dose for a lot less money.
Furthermore, you might contact your local compounding pharmacy about making supplements you may need. There are national chains as well as local compounding pharmacies throughout the country. They are fully capable and very willing to formulate supplements or medications to your or your vet’s specifications. They can combine ingredients into one pill so you needn’t give multiple pills or make powdered supplements if you have a pet that can’t be pilled. They can also formulate medications and herbs to make them more palatable to your pet.
VACCINATIONS – Vets are taught that vaccinations are absolutely necessary for animals to be healthy, and vaccinations are SAFE. Neither could be further from the truth. Science does NOT support either of those assumptions, convictions, or whatever you wish to call them. Despite the science, and despite the adverse reaction reports that the FDA/CVM has on file showing adverse reactions, many vets continue to advocate annual vaccinations. They use fear to control their clientele. Vet schools and some vets have now moved to a triennial vaccination program, just as most states require for rabies. However, this practice is NOT scientifically based any more than the annual vaccination programs.
NECESSARY? Maybe not. More breeders and pet owners are opting OUT of all vaccinations. An increasing number who are vaccinating are doing so on a greatly decreased puppy schedule, many choosing not to vaccinate their adult dogs ever again. Some vaccinations are completely unnecessary, depending on the region you live in and the risk to your individual pet based on location, lifestyle, proximity to the potential threat, etc. Those diseases occur in various parts of the country but are completely absent in others, but vets push those non-necessary vaccinations anyway.
EFFECTIVE? Not always. Vaccines fail. They fail because the vaccine lot is contaminated. They fail because the dog simply fails to mount an immune response (which “boosters” will NOT change). They fail because of interference from maternal antibodies because puppies are vaccinated too early. Even vaccine manufacturers admit that no vaccine is 100% effective in creating immunity, which means that even “properly” vaccinated animals can and do get sick with the diseases they have been vaccinated against. Some vaccines are more effective than others in creating immunity.
SAFE? Not necessarily, and certainly not for all pets. For several reasons.
1 - Vaccines can generate an adverse immune response in some dogs – in the form of both immune suppression and autoimmune disease. They can generate a host of adverse reaction symptoms, ranging from low-grade fevers to severe behavioral changes, from lethargy to grand mal seizures. In addition, some vaccines can actually cause a form of the disease they are intended to prevent – for example, vaccine-induced parvovirus, which I have seen personally.
Designed and made available by ZbirdBrain
2 – Modified live virus vaccines cause the animal to shed virus into the environment, which other animals come into contact with. This shed virus can and does cause disease in susceptible animals as well as indirectly inducing immunity in healthy animals, despite adamant denials to the contrary from veterinarians and the vaccine manufacturers.
3 – The risk of some vaccines outweighs any possible benefit they may offer. For example, the Lyme vaccine causes a disturbing number of adverse reactions, many of which are fatal. The Lyme vaccine for humans was pulled from the market for the same reason, but the pet version remains on the market despite data showing how dangerous it is. In addition, its effectiveness is very low.
4 – The adjuvants in vaccines cause problems on their own. Some are known carcinogens, known neurotoxins, or can cause liver and kidney problems. In addition to cancer, neurological dysfunction, and kidney/liver damage, some pets may be allergic to the adjuvants, which can cause very serious, even fatal, adverse reactions.
5 – Contaminants remaining in the vaccine, even those considered to be “acceptable” (such as kidney cells or egg proteins), can cause allergic, autoimmune, and toxic reactions.
6 – Vets often ignore a history of adverse reactions to vaccinations. This sets your pet up for a second, potentially more serious adverse reaction. If your pet has EVER had an adverse reaction to any vaccination, that vaccination should NOT be given again. The next reaction could be and likely WILL be more serious than the previous one, even if it occurred 3 years ago.
7 – Vets ignore the manufacturers’ label warnings stating that ONLY “HEALTHY” pets should be vaccinated. If your pet has so much as a mild ear infection or slight allergy flare, it should NOT be vaccinated at that time. If your pet has chronic health problems such as hypothyroidism, allergies, seizures, etc, he/she should NOT be vaccinated again. Period. Ever. Vaccine manufacturers warn that even a mild illness can and does INCREASE your pet’s chance of experiencing an adverse reaction, so one can only imagine how a serious chronic illness may increase that risk. So, you ask, what does the manufacturer consider to be a “healthy” animal? Perhaps the best way to answer that is to use their own words to show what they consider to be a NOT “healthy” animal. This verbage is from the Vanguard DM (distemper, measles) vaccine package insert as well as the Vanguard Plus CPV (canine parvovirus) vaccine package insert, both produced by Pfizer (the same verbage is on several of Pfizer’s vaccine products):
“This product has been shown to be efficacious in healthy animals. A protective immune response may not be elicited if animals are incubating an infectious disease, are malnourished or parasitized, are stressed due to shipment or environmental conditions, are otherwise immuno-compromised, or the vaccine is not administered in accordance with label directions.”
Vaccination of an animal contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendations is considered off-license use, and the manufacturers are not responsible for problems that arise in these circumstances. If you have an animal that is NOT completely healthy and your vet recommends vaccination, he/she should be reminded that such use of the product is contrary to the product’s licensing and manufacturer’s recommendations.
Also, a pet should NOT receive antibiotics at the same time they are given a vaccination. Vaccine manufacturers recognize that antibiotics can actually cancel the effect of a vaccine. (Of course, if the pet has a condition that requires antibiotics, it should NOT be vaccinated anyway.) Furthermore, if a pet is under stress – such as being re-homed or going through surgery (such as spay/neuter) – it should NOT be vaccinated at that time. Such stress increases the risk of an adverse reaction. It is not uncommon for pets to go in for spay/neuter and receive vaccinations and be wormed all at the same time. It is a horrible, unhealthy practice that puts a tremendous strain on the immune system.
Designed and made available by ZbirdBrain
WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE SAY? Science NEVER proved that vaccination is needed every year or every three years. Annual vaccination is simply a matter of tradition, not based on scientific fact or studies of any kind. The move currently is toward triennial vaccination for most things rather than annual, but this is not scientific either. A study done by Dr. Ronald Schultz showed that immunity from vaccines lasts far longer than tradition would suggest. Unfortunately, there are not too many studies on the duration of immunity for various vaccinations. It is simply NOT in the vaccine manufacturers’ financial best interest to prove their products are needed LESS often than they currently recommend.
ANY vaccination can cause an adverse reaction. Read, study and understand what adverse reactions are possible for the vaccines you allow for your pet. If your pet experiences a reaction to a vaccination, whether mild or deadly, please make certain it is reported to the USDA/APHIS Center for Veterinary Biologics. If your vet refuses or denies the reaction could possibly be caused by the vaccination in question, FILE THE REPORT YOURSELF. As a consumer, you have the right to file such reports. You do not have to KNOW without a doubt that the vaccination caused the reaction. The reports are for POSSIBLE reactions. The USDA/CVB will investigate the case from there. Include the brand name, batch number and type of vaccination given, as complete a medical history on your pet as you can manage, and copies of your pet’s records if possible. Information on how to submit an Adverse Event Report is available at the USDA’s website. It is only through consistent reporting of reactions that we can ever hope to find out the true frequency of adverse reactions. Currently, it is estimated that 10% or less of all adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines are reported. You, as a consumer, can help remedy that and improve the accuracy and reliability of the data available. (If you file a Form 1932 with the FDA/CVM – as with medications – they will generally forward it to the USDA/CVB. However, don’t rely on that. File all reports yourself. Do NOT rely on anyone to take care of it for you.)
Furthermore, there are websites that are asking for testimonials to help raise awareness of the truth about vaccinations. One website I can highly recommend that is getting a lot of attention and doing a great deal to spread the word is Dogs Adverse Reactions. There is an extensive testimonials section that continues to grow. If you would like to report your pet’s adverse reaction to be added, contact Laurryn and she can see your testimonial is added.
Designed and made available by ZbirdBrain
What you MUST do is research the vaccinations your vet recommends (or, worse, coerces you through fear to accept). Do NOT simply take your vet’s word for it that your pet MUST have any vaccination. In most communities, ONLY the rabies vaccination is mandated by law. In some states and communities, you can obtain a medical waiver if your pet is elderly, pregnant, or has health problems that are contraindicated for vaccination (such as chronic or acute disease or has had an adverse reaction to the rabies vaccination in the past). Unfortunately, my state does NOT permit medical exemptions at this time. Research the laws in your area and KNOW them. Don’t allow your vet to convince you that ANY vaccination is REQUIRED that is NOT required BY LAW. Know the risk of disease in your area and to YOUR pet.
Here are some books I HIGHLY recommend. Well worth the purchase price!
Vaccine Guide for Dogs & Cats, by Catherine Diodati
What Vets Don’t Tell You About Vaccines, by Catherine O’Driscoll (out of print)
Shock to the System, by Catherine O’Driscoll (new for March 2005) (listed under “Books”)
Also, many books on holistic medicine, raw feeding, and holistic pet care have information about vaccinations.
If you want free information, there is plenty online. Here are some links to get you started.
Adverse Reactions to Vaccination
Canine Vaccination – by Catherine O’Driscoll
Critter Advocacy – “consumer warnings about unnecessary and potentially harmful vaccines, warnings about arthritis medications & heartworm preventatives.”
Critter Fixer – vaccination protocols & important information regarding adverse reactions
“The Dangers of Vaccination”– a comprehensive and easy to read article about the very real dangers of vaccination; includes links to more information/studies
Dogs Adverse Reactions– a site dedicated to collecting & sharing information about the real hazards of drugs and vaccinations; includes an ADE survey & information about reporting ADE events
The Immune System & Disease Resistance, by Dr. Jean Dodds
Lyme Disease: Fact from Fiction – by Allen M. Schoen, DVM, MS
Lyme Info – Lyme disease and vaccine information for both pets and people
New Vaccination Protocols: A Review of the Literature – a series of presentations by Dr. Bob Rogers at Critter Fixers
No Vaccines At All?, by Christie Keith
Puppy Shots: Vaccination Issues for Breeders, by Christie Keith
“Rabies Shots… a hidden risk?” – “An unexpected surprise awaited Dr. Richard Pitcairn as he researched the cause of chronic disease in dogs…”
Re-Vaccination: Vaccination for Previously Vaccinated Dogs and Older Puppies, by Christie Keith
Vaccinate or Assassinate – LOTS of vaccine related links on this page!
Vaccinations: Needed or Not? – FABULOUS layout of the facts; easy to read and follow with relevant quotes and information.
Vaccine Truth– all kinds of information about both human & pet vaccinations; also has information about homeopathy
Vaccine-Induced Autoimmunity in the Dog
Vaccines – Are they safe for your dog?, by Dee Blanco, DVM
Vexing Vaccinations: A Tale of Too Much of a Good Thing, by Ann Martin
VIDEO – Vaccination – The Hidden Truth (1 hr 30 min 31 secs long but WELL worth watching!)
Shirley’s Wellness Café also has a tremendous amount of info on vaccinations, for both pets AND people. The site covers a great deal more than vaccinations, so explore to your heart’s content.
Our pets are not the only ones suffering due to vaccinations, over-use of vaccinations, and the adverse reactions they can cause. Here are some fabulous sites that offer information about human vaccinations. These things work cross species, so seeking understanding on either the human side helps you understand the pet side, and vice versa.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) works in conjunction with the FDA and CDC to publish vaccination ADE cumulative reports for humans but none of them not currently doing so for pets. Why do they exclude pets? I wish I knew. If you would like to view the ADE reports submitted for humans, you can find the data at the VAERS site. I will warn you though. The reports are difficult to decipher as they list each report on a separate line. This can be good in one sense, as you can see each individual case that was reported. On the other hand, they don’t offer data simply in numbers format – for example, X number of adverse reactions to the Y vaccine. Honestly, I think they intentionally omit that data to keep people from getting a clear picture of what is going on.
If you are interested in a well-balanced, logical, and practical Yahoo list on vaccinations, consider joining Beyond Vaccinations, Just Say No To Vaccinations or AuNaturelK9s.
With regards to avoiding vaccinations – Some SAR, therapy, service dog, and other organizations, as well as boarding kennels, groomers and day care centers, are now permitting titer tests in lieu of repeated vaccinations. Titer tests are available for many of the diseases dogs and cats are vaccinated for, including parvovirus, coronavirus, herpesvirus, adenovirus and distemper in dogs, and panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus in cats. Rabies titer tests are also available, and some states, counties, and communities permit a rabies titer tests in lieu of rabies vaccination for licensing purposes.
Please note, however, that titer tests are not an entirely reliable gauge of immunity. High titers do NOT guarantee a pet is truly immune, and low titers do NOT guarantee that a pet is NOT immune. You can read more about this at Titers: What Do They Tell Us? Titers are, however, a great tool for determining how a pup’s immune system has responded to a vaccine. A test done about 2 weeks following a vaccination that has a high count indicates that the immune system did the necessary sero-conversion for the system to establish immunity.
SOMETHING JUST CAME TO MY ATTENTION (02/15/2006) – I am UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY HORRIFIED to report that some vets are actually recommending AND utilizing an increased vaccination schedule for breeds that have been deemed “parvo susceptible.” Breeds such as rottweilers, Dobermans, pits, shar peis, bulldogs and Australian shepherds have exhibited increased susceptibility to parvovirus infection. As a result, some vets have jumped on this and are now recommending vaccination as often as 2 PARVO SHOTS PER YEAR! This is probably one of the worst cases of medical malpractice I have yet to see in the canine world. Science does not support the current triennial revaccination schedules recommended and utilized by most vets any more than it does the annual vaccination schedule that some vets are STILL using. It completely contradicts any recommendation for a viral vaccination to be done every 6 months! With the proper use of vaccinations and titers, only one shot is necessary. Any vet who recommends such an increased vaccination schedule should lose their license and be run out of town!!!! It will only cause increased harm to the dogs, and emotional and financial strain on their owners in dealing with pets who are sickened by the worst of the worst as far as over-vaccination is concerned.
PERSONAL NOTES: My adult dogs are no longer vaccinated. I have dealt with adverse vaccine reactions, and I now choose to avoid them when possible and instead strive for good health and NATURAL disease resistance in my dogs. I don’t titer, given the unreliability of the tests when used in this fashion. If a titer count comes back low (which can and does happen if the dog has not been recently challenged), I have no intention of vaccinating for that disease, so there’s no point in spending the money on the titer test. I don’t board my dogs. I don’t take my dogs to day care. I am no longer involved in nursing home visits and other such ventures that require over-vaccination. I do, however, take my dogs all over my neighborhood as well as traveling with them around the state, particularly Xander.
As far as how I handle puppies, I was wavering on the brink of 2 choices until 2005. Continued research helped me choose which road to take.
#1 – NO vaccinations at all (except rabies – required by state law – but it will not be given until at LEAST 6 months of age and NOT if there is so much as a sniffle or runny eye). If an illness occurs, I will be prepared to deal with it holistically. Holistic medicine is having much greater success in treating distemper than conventional medicine, and I’ve seen some great success with alternative treatments for parvovirus as well.
-OR-
#2 – VERY limited vaccinations according to the following plan:
12 weeks – distemper vaccine ONLY (NO multivalent vaccines)
14 weeks – distemper titer test
16 weeks – parvovirus vaccine ONLY (NO multivalent vaccines)
18 weeks – parvovirus titer test
at least 6 months – rabies vaccine
As long as titer tests show sero-conversion has occurred, no more vaccinations will be given throughout the dog’s life except rabies per state law. Immunity cannot be “boosted” as we have been taught, and challenge tests have shown that immunity lasts for a MINIMUM of 7 years if not the entire lifetime of the animal in the case of viruses. (Incidentally, challenge tests require dogs to be actively exposed to the disease in question to PROVE they are immune – ie they do not contract the disease and get sick when exposed to it. Serum studies are sometimes used, but blood titers are not currently considered to be a “reliable” way of determining immunity.) Except in the case of maternal interference, a dog/pup either responds to a vaccination by producing effective immunity or it does not. If there is NOT sero-conversion, further boosters will NOT likely change that. If a dog fails to respond to initial vaccination, it’s system is highly unlikely to respond to further attempts to “booster” that non-existent immune response.
Also, 12 weeks is being shown in my research to be the best time to begin vaccinations as maternal antibodies have worn off sufficiently to avoid interference with the vaccination. Interestingly, some studies have suggested that maternal antibodies for certain diseases may circulate until approximately 22 weeks of age in some individuals.
I struggled with which option to follow before I got a pup in October 2005. When I brought him home, the decision became easier. I could NOT allow ANYONE to subject him to those puppy vaccinations. I have dealt with and seen too many adverse vaccine reactions in puppies and adult dogs to suit me. If adverse reactions were truly as rare as manufacturers and many veterinarians claim, I would not be seeing so many, including now 5 out of 5 of my own dogs – 2 of which eventually resulted in the dog’s death. Part of this problem is the vaccines themselves; part of it is in their implementation. By opting out, I avoid BOTH of those components. In so doing, I allow my pup to develop a natural, healthy immune system that is better equipped to deal with infectious disease instead of being suppressed or damaged by repeated unnatural attacks on his immune system. Should an illness arise, which can happen even in raw fed, holistically raised puppies, I will use homeopathy and natural therapies to contend with that illness.
FINDING A GOOD VET
Finding a good vet can be an exercise in frustration at times. Just when you think you have found someone you can work with, you often get hit with something that shows that vet is not what you thought. Here are some suggestions to help you find a vet to suit you and your pet(s).
1 – Talk to as many other pet owners as you can find who share your thoughts and feelings on pet care. Keep in mind that even like-minded people have set different standards of care for their pets, but the more input you get, the easier it will be to narrow down your options and rule out unsuitable candidates.
2 – Ask questions. Arrange time to visit with a prospective veterinarian BEFORE your pet must be seen. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you can’t ask questions before you need that individual’s services, you are not likely to be able to ask them when you DO need them. Follows are suggestions for questions to ask – add more as they occur to you or address your individual concerns:
- Where do you stand on annual vaccinations? Or vaccinations in general? (Which question depends on your own stance on vaccinations.)
- What diet do you recommend?
- What species do you treat? (If you only have cats or dogs, you can likely skip this question. If you have exotic pets, this question applies.)
- Do you offer any treatment modalities outside of conventional medicine? (For instance, does the clinic offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, or any other treatment method(s) you might be seeking?) If not, can you recommend someone to clients if and when those services are needed? (A good way to find out if vets are willing to work in conjunction with other practitioners to best meet a pet’s needs.)
- Do you have any objections to me sharing information (articles, books, references) with you?
- What equipment do you have in this office? (Are they current and up-to-date? Or will they have to send you elsewhere for bloodwork, x-rays, surgical procedures, etc.?)
- Who are your mentor(s)? What was significant about his/her/their affect on your way of doing things?
- Who do you go to when confronted by a medical problem that you can’t diagnose or have no experience treating?
- Do you work in conjunction with other clinics? If so, under what conditions? (Some vets work with other clinics to handle nighttime or weekend emergencies or as places to refer clients to when confronted with certain types of health issues, ie veterinary specialists.)
- Do you have a staff member who can answer questions about behavior and training? If not, can you refer me to someone who provides such services should the need arise?
- What duties and care are the vet techs responsible for? (Spend some time talking to the techs if you can. Are they knowledgeable?)
3 – Observe. Pay attention to how the staff interacts. How do they treat clients? How do they treat pets?
4 – Be Aware that a vet is not necessarily holistic simply because he/she advertises that to be the case. There is a movement among some vets to call themselves “holistic” to garner business from those seeking holistic care for their pets. Don’t accept a holistic title based on their word or advertising. Base that determination on what they practice and preach.
Here are some articles written by other individuals with suggestions about finding a vet to suit your needs:
Family Pet Tips: Finding a Great Vet
Finding a Vet (different article from above)
Know What Questions to Ask Your Future Veterinarian
10 Things Your Veterinarian Won’t Tell You
RED FLAGS – Vets to avoid!!!
- Vets who treat everything. No one vet can possibly or realistically diagnose and treat all conditions that may arise. Each vet has strengths and weaknesses as far as their areas of expertise and experience.
- Vets who are unwilling to answer questions or explain recommendations they make regarding tests or treatments. Some vets become defensive and angry when questioned. NOT something you should tolerate. You MUST be able to ask questions of your vet, and get straight answers.
- Vets who refuse to give you copies of your pet’s records, test results, etc. You paid for those exams, tests, etc, and those records legally belong to you.
- Holistic or homeopathic vets who push medications and conventional treatments even for basic illnesses without attempting or discussing possible alternatives with you. These individuals are selling themselves as “holistic” to draw clientele, however they are anything BUT holistic.
- Vets who blow off your concerns. Some vets are really bad to dismiss client concerns about medications, vaccinations or procedures. Some even use fear to sway clients to their way of thinking rather than discussing concerns logically.
REMEMBER, as you learn about and from your pet, your standards of care will shift. Do not be afraid to seek a vet that meets your needs as they change. Do NOT settle for care beneath your standards because of geography or some sense of obligation/loyalty to a current vet. Vets MUST be willing to learn and grow in their practice, and they MUST keep up with current research and available information. If your current vet is not doing so, find a new one that is and can better meet your and your pet’s needs. Be certain to get a copy of your pet’s records from your previous vet for your new vet if you change clinics/practitioners.
Incidentally, it is a good idea for you to keep a copy of your pet’s medical records on hand. Should the need arise for you to travel with your pet, having those records can be a tremendous aid to a veterinarian in case of some unforeseen emergency.
IN THE NEWS
This section includes links that may be of interest to those of you who have lost a pet to a vet-prescribed treatment, medication or vaccination. I will add more as they become available. There is increasing legal activity against veterinary malpractice and medication/vaccine manufacturers.
http://www.thepetguardian.com/html/proheart_6_info.html - Information about the recall of Pro-Hearrt 6, a heartworm “preventative” associated with many pet deaths. Includes links to many articles about the recall as well as many testimonials and cases of pets either seriously harmed or killed by this drug. This product may be returning to the market (and possibly under a new name), so please educate yourself about it.
http://kmheitkamplaw.com/ - This law firm is currently preparing forr a lawsuit involving the NSAID Rimadyl. If you have lost a pet to this sometimes-devastating drug, please fill out the questionnaire that is available. They are apparently seeking cases in all the states in the US, not just Texas. Get involved!
http://www.childresslaw.net/CM/Custom/Custom52.asp - A class action lawsuit related to vaccinnations and the over-use of them. If you pet has been booster vaccinated in the last 4 years, you may be eligible to participate in this action. Check it out!
Return Home
Return to Canine Health
|
|
