Pet Vaccinations
Vaccinating Dogs
Dr. Arnold Plotnick, D.V.M.
VP Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital ASPCA
In the Spring 2000 issue of Animal Watch ("Vaccinating Fluffy in the 21st Century"), we presented a summary of the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital's new protocols for feline vaccinations. Our recommendations for canine vaccinations are given here.
The Canine "Core"
Canine vaccines can be divided into "core" and "non-core"
vaccines. Core vaccines are those that every puppy or dog should
receive because the diseases they immunize against are both
widespread and life threatening. Non-core vaccines, against minor
diseases or diseases with limited risk of exposure, are
recommended in some but not all circumstances.
At Bergh Memorial, we believe that every dog should be vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza virus and rabies. Non-core vaccines are Bordetella ("kennel cough"), coronavirus, Lyme disease, leptospirosis and Giardia.
There are numerous brands of vaccines that simultaneously protect against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. However, when several vaccines are combined in one "shot" - which maximizes convenience for pet owners as well as profitability for manufacturers - there may well be variations in the efficacy of the various components. Most vaccines that contain distemper virus and adenovirus are very efficacious. Efficacy of parainfluenza vaccine, however, is hard to assess, because clinical signs of parainfluenza virus infection overlap with signs due to the other pathogens comprising kennel cough syndrome. On the other hand, it is not of much concern due to the benign course of the disease.
The efficacy of parvovirus vaccination has been a subject of ongoing research. Newer, highly potent parvovirus vaccines have recently been introduced in North America. These vaccines contain a greater number of viral particles per vaccine and are more effective in immunizing susceptible puppies. These new vaccines are currently the vaccines of choice for protecting dogs against potentially deadly parvoviral infection.
An Age Game
Although different studies draw somewhat different conclusions, a
reasonable protocol for vaccinating puppies would be for all
puppies under 16 weeks of age to receive a series of vaccines
containing distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and high-titer
parvovirus at approximately six weeks, nine weeks and 12 weeks of
age. Twelve weeks is probably an adequate stopping point, but to
achieve good, solid immunity from the pediatric series, it's a
good idea to give a final vaccine at 15 weeks of age. Puppies who
are older than 16 weeks of age when first examined should be
given the vaccine at their initial visit and, ideally, a second
dose three weeks later.
Some data suggest that a single multivalent (combination) vaccination in dogs older than 16 weeks may provide durable immunity, but we believe that the most reliable way to confer solid immunity is to administer two vaccines. Recent reports have demonstrated that pet dogs vaccinated against canine distemper virus as puppies develop immunity that lasts anywhere from five to 10 years. Studies have also shown that immunity to parvovirus lasts for several years and may in fact be lifelong.
Based on available data, a reasonable vaccine protocol would be to perform the pediatric series as described above, followed by a booster vaccination one year later, and then revaccination every three years (see chart).
With regard to rabies, all puppies should receive a rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age or as soon thereafter as possible. The vaccine should be boostered one year later, and then every three years.
The Canine "Non-Core"
Non-core vaccines are used to protect against minor diseases with
limited incidence or limited risk of exposure. The ASPCA
considers leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough) coronavirus,
Lyme disease and Giardia vaccines to be non-core.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic (potentially contagious to humans) disease that affects the kidneys and sometimes the liver. It is caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans. The core vaccine that contains distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus is also available with the leptospirosis organism. However, this portion of the vaccine is the most reactive fraction of the combination core vaccine and is a common offender in causing adverse vaccination reactions in dogs. In addition, the immunity conferred by the leptospirosis portion is believed to be short-lived, probably six months or less. For these reasons, we do not recommend the leptospirosis vaccine be routinely administered to all dogs. If a doctor feels that a particular dog is at high risk, i.e., due to increased contact with potential wildlife reservoirs or with rats, he or she can offer the vaccine to the client. It is not to be used in puppies less than 16 weeks of age.
Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is the most common respiratory infection of dogs. This highly contagious disease has worldwide distribution. Several organisms have been implicated in causing the condition, and most infections are likely to be associated with multiple agents. Bordatella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterium recovered from affected dogs, while canine parainfluenza virus is the most common viral isolate. Although the majority of infections are self-limiting, antibiotic therapy and cough-suppressive therapy are often indicated. A comprehensive vaccination program is an important factor in reducing the prevalence and severity of kennel cough in individual dogs and in kennels.
Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines are available as individual
vaccines or in combination with other pathogens, such as
distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus and parvovirus. They
are also available as intranasal vaccines. Vaccines against
kennel cough are considered non-core vaccines. They should be
considered for use in dogs that board frequently or are exposed
to large groups of dogs, particularly in enclosed environments,
such as dog shows, field trials and pet stores, where sanitation
or husbandry may be questionable. The intranasal vaccine confers
a more rapid onset of immunity and is less likely to cause any
vaccine-site or systemic reaction. Dogs three weeks of age or
older who fall into the high-risk category may be vaccinated with
an intranasal dose of a combination parainfluenza-Bordetella
bronchiseptica vaccine at least seven to 14 days prior to
anticipated exposure. One dose confers immunity; a second dose
three weeks later is not needed. Although most vaccine
manufacturers recommend annual r
evaccination, duration of immunity is believed to be less than
one year; therefore booster vaccinations are recommended every
six months.
Largely Unnecessary
Canine coronavirus infection is a disease that is limited to
puppies less than six weeks old and usually causes mild,
self-limiting diarrhea. This vaccine is largely unnecessary; some
veterinarians call it "a vaccine looking for a disease."
Lyme disease is characterized by single or intermittent episodes of fever, lethargy, anorexia, lameness, joint swelling and lymph node enlargement. It is caused by a bacterium transmitted by the bite of the deer tick. There is controversy as to whether vaccination against Lyme disease is warranted. Some data suggest that vaccination may actually induce Lyme disease in some dogs, and the Lyme vaccine has been reported to cause adverse reactions in roughly 3 percent of dogs. Probably the most persuasive argument against vaccination is the fact that the disease is self-limiting and treatable with a short course of safe, inexpensive antibiotics. If vaccination is chosen, it should be performed in early spring, before tick season begins. Exactly how long immunity lasts is not known, so annual revaccination is recommended until further studies suggest otherwise.
Giardia is a protozoan that can cause numerous gastrointestinal symptoms. Dogs may show acute diarrhea, often intermittent, sometimes associated with dehydration. Vomiting and flatulence are occasionally reported. The disease is usually treated successfully with medications. There are very few data published regarding the safety and efficacy of the Giardia vaccine. The vaccine probably is not necessary for the vast majority of dogs.
The Bottom Line
As we stressed with cats, vaccinations have probably done more to
ensure the health of companion animals than any other advance in
veterinary medicine. To not vaccinate dogs is not an option.
Rather, our goal should be to vaccinate more dogs, but only if
and when they need it.
| CORE VACCINES |
| Disease/ Vaccine |
Canine distemper virus (CDV) | Canine adenovirus/ infectious
canine hepititis (ICH) |
Canine parvovirus (CPV) | Canine parainfluenza virus (one pathogen in "kennel cough" syndrome) |
Rabies |
| Description | Severe contagious infection affecting many different tissues; often fatal | Contagious infection of the liver, ranges from mild to fatal | Severe, often fatal intestinal infection; highly contagious | Common, contagious airway inflammation, usually mild but can be serious in young puppies | Fatal infection of the central nervous system |
| Highest Risk |
Very young puppies | Puppies and young dogs | All dogs and especially puppies in puppy mills, kennels, shelters and pet stores | All dogs in crowded and stressful conditions, such as kennels, dog shows, etc. | All unvaccinated warm-blooded animals, including humans |
| Initial Dose(s) |
Six weeks, nine weeks, 12 weeks, 15 weeks
|
12 weeks or as soon as thereafter as possible | |||
| Boosters |
One year after pediatric series, then every three years
|
One year after initial vaccination, then every three years (local law may mandate greater frequency) | |||
| Comment |
For maximum immunity, puppies and dogs whose initial
vaccination is at 16 weeks of age or older should receive
a second vaccine three weeks later
|
One-year rabies vaccine offers no greater immunity than three-year vaccine | |||
| NON-CORE VACCINES |
| Disease/ Vaccine |
Canine leptospirosis | Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacterial component of "kennel cough" syndrome) | Canine coronavirus | Lyme disease | Giardia |
| Description | Bacterial infection affecting kidneys primarily; contagious to other dogs and to humans | Common respiratory infection in dogs; highly contagious, self-limiting but more serious in puppies | Self-limiting gastro-intestinal infection usually causing mild diarrhea | Bacterial infection spread by deer tick, causes swollen joints lameness and lethargy | Protozoan infection causing gastrointestinal signs, promarily acute, intermittent diarrhea |
| Highest Risk |
Dogs exposed to live stock, wildlife and rodents, esp. through contaminated water | All dogs in crowded stressful situations such as boarding kennels, shelters, dog shows | Puppies less than six weeks of age | Dogs who spend time in tick infested areas | Puppies and dogs exposed to standing water and unsanitary conditions |
| Initial Dose(s) |
16 weeks or older; second vaccine three weeks after first | If high risk, a single intranasal vaccine may be given as young as three weeks of age | Not believed necessary to vaccinate against this disease | Nine weeks or older if at high risk, repeat in three weeks | Little data exists on efficacy and safety of vaccine |
| Boosters | One year after initial vaccine; discontinue if dog becomes low risk | Every six months while risk is high; discontinue if risk becomes low | No indication for vaccination in adult dogs | Annually; dogs should receive vaccine prior to start od tick season | If vaccine is given, annual boosters are recommended |
| Comment | The most frequent cause of any adverse reactions in multivalent vaccines | Available as individual vaccine or in combination with core vaccines; also available as intranasal vaccine | "A vaccine looking for a disease" | Not clear if benefits of this vaccine outweigh the risks | Probably not necessary to vaccinate against Giadia |
Dr. Plotnick was the former vice president of animal health at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.
© 2000 ASPCA
ASPCA Animal Watch - Summer 2000
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