Similar programs to this one have been recently adopted by the University of Wisconsin, Texas A & M and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Other available small animal vaccines may need more frequent administration (Bordetella, feline leukemia, Lyme, etc) and may be recommended for client animals on an "at risk" basis. Recent studies clearly indicate that not all vaccines perform equally and some vaccine products may not be suitable for such a program.

 

   More Information on why this Problem Exists
A lot of this problem was caused by well-intentioned efforts to provide full coverage to pet Owners at a relatively low cost. The first step in this direction was to adopt a "One Size Fits All" approach. Vaccines were distributed in a single dosage to all animals. I.e. the same amount of vaccine was given to small Terriers as was to Great Danes. This was far more than the smaller dogs needed. The second step was to package multiple vaccines in a single injection. As many as seven different vaccines were given in the same shot. Both of these measures reduced costs to Owners.

This approach, though, invited two problems. First was that this massively overdosed the smaller animals, overwhelming their immune systems. While most dogs’ systems recovered quickly, others who were prone to immune system problems or those who were infected with diseases during this period suffered severe or even fatal reactions. At SeaJay, we have seen three instances of this in Cairn Terriers; all were severe, one was fatal.

The second problem is that some of these vaccines, themselves, can be dangerous. While most dogs can handle all of the vaccines in current use, others are not tolerated and cause other severe reactions.

 

   What You Can Do
First, you should insist that your Veterinarian follow the new CSU protocols; vaccinating every three years instead of annually.

Second, don’t allow your dog to be given those vaccines that are known to be potentially dangerous to the Cairn or are not necessary in your area. How can you know what to avoid? First, ask your Vets what vaccinations they want to administer. The names of vaccinations are coded according to the different vaccines contained in them. For example: For many years the standard injection was DHLPPC. This means that the shot contained vaccines for six different diseases, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Corona Virus. Of these, the Leptospirosis and Corona vaccines are known to be potentially dangerous to Cairns. Furthermore, neither of these diseases are seen in the Northwest and therefore it isn’t generally necessary to vaccinate against them. We no longer permit our dogs to be given DHLPPC. Instead, they are given just DHPP(also know as DH2P).

Furthermore, under ordinary circumstances, you should avoid several other vaccines. These include vaccines for Lyme Disease, Bordetella(Kennel Cough), and Heart Worm disease. These are unnecessary if your Cairn stays at home in the Northwest. Only if your dog goes to areas in which these diseases are endemic should they be vaccinated against them. Consult with your Vets before heading South or East with your dog or before placing them in a commercial Kennel.

 

 

Vaccinations Page 2

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN OUR HEALTH FILES ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS  OF THE CLUB OR IT’S MEMBERS BUT ARE MEANT FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.  PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN.