A JAB WORTH DOING!
Vaccinations for our dogs have come under the spotlight recently, as Vicky Payne explains.
COVID-19 has brought vaccinations — both for us and our dogs — into the spotlight, says vet Vicky Payne.
As I write this, I have finally been able to book my first COVID-19 jab. This is something I have been keen to get, to protect me and my clients, and to start to get life back to some sort of normal. The interest in the COVID-19 vaccines has focused everyone’s attention on vaccines — both for humans and animals alike.
“Vaccines introduce a safe version of a bacteria or a virus into the body...”
VACCINATION BACKLOG
Back to this month’s work. In the clinic we are still working to catch up with the backlog of overdue vaccinations from the lockdowns. We have prioritised puppies and dogs needing their first annual boosters as these are most at risk from disease outbreaks. Rene the Cocker Spaniel was in for her first booster having had her puppy vaccines during the height of the first lockdown. Last year she had to come in on her own and be cuddled by the nurses. This year her owner could come in with her wearing a face covering. Rene’s first vaccinations had to be delayed until she was 12 weeks old (we usually start at eight weeks), so her early socialisation was a little compromised. Luckily, Rene’s owners took my advice and made sure Rene got lots of positive experiences in the home as well as taking her for walks in a puppy sling.
Now she is a confident young dog and was very brave for her injection. The first booster is particularly important as a small number of puppies have lingering maternal antibodies which prevent their puppy vaccinations working effectively. This is more common in certain breeds, such as Rottweilers, and I recommend titre testing or additional vaccinations.
VACCINE CONFUSION
Jeff’s owner was rather confused about which vaccinations Jeff needed and was quite cross that because we had delayed his booster a whole new course might be required. I looked at Jeff’s records and was able to reassure his owner that only a booster would be necessary. His leptospirosis vaccination had been given 16 months earlier, but the vaccine company has assured us that up to 18 months is
OK. Jeff had his DHP injection (distemper, hepatitis, and parvo) just over two years ago, so this wouldn’t be due until next year.
FEAR OF REACTIONS
Vaccine side-effects have also been in the headlines due to the COVID-19 vaccinations, and this seems to have worried pet owners too. The side-effect rate for dog vaccines is low, and the majority are mild and short-lived, such as a mild fever, being off-colour for 24 hours, or a small swelling at the injection site. Less than one in 10,000 dogs suffer more serious side-effects, such as immune-mediated illnesses, or anaphylactic reactions.
Coco is a Chihuahua who wasn’t vaccinated for several years due to his owner’s fear of reactions. After a consultation, where we discussed the relative risks and benefits, we decided that Coco should have leptospirosis vaccine every year, and titre testing to decide when he would need distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus vaccination. Coco also takes echinacea for a week before his vaccination to try to ensure an appropriate immune response (but please consult a herbal trained vet before trying this yourself).
Titre testing checks the level of antibodies to a disease in the blood. If there are no antibodies, the dog might not have protection and should have a booster vaccination. Unfortunately, titre testing can’t be used for leptospirosis as the protective effect from this vaccine comes from cellular immunity rather than circulating antibodies.
RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS
I have been talking to a lot of breeders about vaccines lately because they feel that as responsible breeders, they should give their puppies their first vaccines. As not all vaccines are compatible, I advise them to get their buyers to check what type their vet uses to avoid puppies having unnecessary additional vaccinations. Buyers should be given advice on vaccinations, but it is too simple to say good breeders vaccinate and bad ones don’t! A puppy will still have protection from his mother when you bring him home, and should be safe if you start vaccinations as soon as possible.
“Vaccine side-effects have also been in the headlines due to the COVID-19 vaccinations, and this seems to have worried pet owners too... ”