Dr. Dodd's newest vaccine protocol

Julie W · 05-07-2008, 12:48 PM

Taken from Whippet-L with permission to cross-post.

Dr. W. Jean Dodd's vaccination protocol is now being adopted by ALL 27 North American veterinary schools. I highly recommend that you read this. Copy and save it to your files. Print it and pass it out at dog fairs, cat shows, kennel club meetings, dog parks, give a copy to your veterinarian and groomer, etc., etc.*
Get the word out.

VACCINATION NEWS FLASH

*I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical &economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics.

Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well being should not be a factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY

"Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: 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 pa rvo 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 8-14weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8weeks. 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 4mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS
Distemper & Parvo * "According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months a nd again at 1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong immunity." Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and Dr. Schultz have studies showing immunity against challenge at 2-10 years for canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer duration are pending. "There are no new strains of parvovirus as one mfg. would like to suggest. Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for all types." Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is one of the agents known to be a cause of kennel cough. Only vaccines wi th CAV-2 should be used asCAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of "hepatitis blue-eye" reactions & kidney damage.**Bordetella Parainfluenza: Commonly called "Kennel cough" Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine
provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).*

*RABIES There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats in Harris, Montogomery or Ft. Bend Counties [Texas], there have been rabid skunks and bats so the potential exists. / It is a killed vaccineand must be given every year./*//
*Lyme disease_is a tick born disease which can cause lameness, kidney failure and heart disease in dogs. Ticks can also transmit the disease to humans. The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven to be the most effective vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz collars are more effective than Top Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick's mouthparts preventing transmission of disease.

**VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED**
Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune system and result in lesser immunity for each individual disease as well as increasing the risk of a reaction. Canine Corona Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell & Texas A&M have only diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not cause disease in adult dogs.*

*Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in dogs. Most of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa and bratsilvia. The vaccines contain different serovaars eanicola and ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive to puppies less than 16 weeks.

/NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS
Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal cancer related in inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines. This cancer is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines with aluminum adjuvant, an ingredient included to stimulate the immune system, have been implicated as a higher risk. We now recommend anon-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats. Testing by Dr. Macy, Colorado State , has shown this vaccine to have the lowest tissu e reaction and although there is no guarantee that a vaccine induced sarcoma will not develop, the risk will be much lower than with other vaccines.*

*Program injectable 6 mo flea prevention for cats has been shown to be very tissue reactive & therefore has the potential of inducing an injection site fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the site of a vaccination, we recommend that it be removed ASAP, within 3-12 weeks.*

*Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats should be tested prior to vaccination. /Cats over one year of age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary. The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your cat is in the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease. *

/Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine. Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease of kittens. It's extremely hardy and is resistant to extremes in temperature and to most available disinfectants. Although an effective treatment protocol is available, it is expensive to treat because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly recommended for all kittens. Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older with either killed or MLV vaccine will produce an immunity good for life. Adult cats do NOT need this vaccine./*

*/Feline Calicivirus/ Herpesvirus Vaccine. Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize the severity of upper respiratory infections, although none will prevent disease in all situations.* *Intranasal vaccines are more effective at preventing the disease entirely. Don't worry about normal sneezing for a couple of days. Because intranasal vaccines produce an immunity of shorter durations, annual vaccination is recommended.

VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED
Chlamydia or pneumonitis. The vaccine produces on a short (2 month)duration of immunity and accounts for less than 5% of upper respiratory infections in cats. The risks outweigh the benefits.*
**
*Feline Infectious Peritonitis. A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled foruse at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.*

Bordetella A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr. Wolfe of Texas A&M says that bordetella is a normal flora and does not cause disease in adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that a review of the Colorado State medical records reveals not one case diagnosed in 10 years.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans inNorth America , 30% or more of all dogs & cats are infected with giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit giardiato dogs & cats & vice versa. *

Heartworm preventative must be given year-round in Houston .

*VACCINES BADLY NEEDED New vaccines in development include: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and cat scratch fever vaccine for cats and Ehrlichia [one of the other tick diseases, much worse than Lymes] for dogs.

THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS
Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators require them. For years the pricing structure of vets has misled clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the "shots" they failed to emphasize the importance of a physical exam for early detection of treatable disea ses. It is my hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel cough and emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also hope you will accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently vaccinated. Those in the boarding business who will honor the new vaccine protocols can gain new customers who were turned away from vet owned boarding facilities reluctant to change.

CONCLUSION
Dogs & cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, & feline leukemia every year. Once the initial series of puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, i mmunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. It has been shown that cats over 1 year of age are immune to Feline Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated or not. Imagine the money you will save, not to mention less risks from side effects. PCR rabies vaccine, because it is not adjuvanted, will mean less risk of mediated hemolytic anemia and allergic reactions are reduced by less frequent use of vaccines as well as by avoiding unnecessary vaccines such as K-9 Corona virus and chlamydia for cats, as well as ineffective vaccines such as Leptospirosis and FIP. Intranasal vaccine for Rhiotracheitis and Calici virus, two upper respiratory viruses of cats provide more complete protection than injectable vaccines with less risk of serious reactions.

The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our biggest endorsement for these new protocols.*

*Dr. Bob Rogers* Please consider as current on all vaccinations for boarding purposes.

DOGS Initial series of puppy vaccines
1. distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze - 3 sets one month apart concluding at 16 weeks of age.*
2. Rabies at 16 weeks of age (later is better)
3. Bordetella within last 4-6 months First annual (usually at 1 year and4 months of age)*
1. DHP, Parvo, Rabies
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months 2 years or older
1. Rabies with in last year
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
3. DHP & Parvo given anytime over 6 months of age , but not necessarily within the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam for transmissible diseases and health risks.

*CATS Initial kitten series
1. Distemper [PLP], Rhino Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Vaccine - 3 sets given one month apart concluding at 16weeks.
2. Rabies at 16 weeks
First Annual [usually at 1 year and 4 months of age]
1. Distemper (PLP), Rhino Calicivirus, Rabies 2 years or older
1. Rabies within the last year
2. Rhino Calicivirus within last year
3. Distemper and FelV given anytime after 6 months of age, but not necessarily with the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam, FeLV/FIV testing, fecal exam for giardia.

Kris L. Christine · 05-09-2008, 06:15 AM

I work with Dr. W. Jean Dodds and Dr. Ronald Schultz at The Rabies Challenge Fund funds raised to date, and I can assure you that they are not recommending annual rabies vaccinations -- quite the contrary. The fund is financing concurrent 5 & 7 year challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine with the goal of extending mandated booster vaccinations from 5 years, then to 7 years. About the Rabies Challenge Fund

Regarding the other core canine vaccines, you might be interested in the following quotes from Dr. Dodds, Dr. Schultz, and Dr. Bob Rogers:

Are Our Pets Being Overvaccinated, by Melissa Burden, The Press Main News

(Dr. W. Jean Dodds) “But there is really no breed that is not at risk,” she said. The only vaccination needed, she asserts, is the rabies vaccine because it is legally required. Dogs’ and cats’ immune systems mature fully at 6 months old, she explained. If canine distemper, feline distemper and parvovirus vaccines are given after 6 months, a pet has immunity for the rest of its life.

(Dr. Robert Rogers) “Dogs and cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and feline leukemia every year,” Rogers said. “Once the initial series of puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity…persists for life. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to the potential risk of adverse reactions, he added.

This is what Dr. Ronald Schultz had to say in his 2007 presentation to the AKC Canine Health Foundation entitled,What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines and Vaccination Programs http://www.puliclub.org/CHF/AKC2007C...0Vaccines.htm:

"My own dogs, those of my children and grandchildren are vaccinated with MLV CDV, CPV-2, CPI, andCAV-2 vaccines once as puppies after the age of 12 weeks. An antibody titer is performed two or more weeks later and if found positive our dogs are never again vaccinated. " he further elaborates: "I have used this vaccination program with modifications (CAV-2 replaced CAV-1 vaccines in 1970's and CPV-2 vaccines were first used in 1980) since 1974! I have never had one of our dogs develop CDV, CAV-1 or CPV-2 even though they have had exposure to many dogs, wildlife and to virulent CPV-2 virus. You may say that I have been lucky, but it is not luck that protects my dogs, it is immunologic memory."

Further excellent information on canine vaccines from authoritative sources is available at the links below:

Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don't Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz Duration of Immunity

What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines - WSAVA - Scientific Advisory Committee Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at Special Report .

The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at About AAHA .

Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Rogers,has an excellent presentation on veterinary vaccines at Home

October 1, 2002 DVM Newsletter article entitled, AVMA, AAHA to Release Vaccine Positions, AVMA, AAHA to release vaccine positions - - DVM

July 1, 2003 DVM Newsletter article entitled, What Do We Tell Our Clients?, Developing thorough plan to educate staff on changing vaccine protocols essential for maintaining solid relationships with clients and ensuring quality care 'What do we tell our clients?' - Developing thorough plan to educate staff on changing vaccine protocols essential for maintaining solid relationships with clients and ensuring quality care - DVM

July 1, 2003, DVM Newsletter article, Developing Common Sense Strategies for Fiscal Responsibility: Using an interactive template to plan service protocol changes Developing common sense strategies for fiscal responsibility - Using an interactive template to plan service protocol changes - DVM

Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot Animal Wellness Magazine - devoted to natural health in animals

The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview
Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07)

The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show » The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91

US Declared Canine-Rabies Free -- CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press Release - September 7, 2007

Rabies Prevention -- United States, 1991 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP), Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly March 22, 1991 / 40(RR03);1-19 Rabies Prevention -- United States, 1991 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) "A fully vaccinated dog or cat is unlikely to become infected with rabies, although rare cases have been reported (48). In a nationwide study of rabies among dogs and cats in 1988, only one dog and two cats that were vaccinated contracted rabies (49). All three of these animals had received only single doses of vaccine; no documented vaccine failures occurred among dogs or cats that had received two vaccinations. "

**Lexus** · 05-09-2008, 08:17 AM

Thanks for sharing Julie!!! The only one that I don't fully understand is..

*Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats should be tested prior to vaccination. /Cats over one year of age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary. The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your cat is in the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease. *

The thought of cats over a year old being naturally immune to leukemia? I've heard so many stories of leukemia positive cats entering a household/outdoor population, only to infect others since it is spread through saliva. (hissing, spitting, drinking water...) I just don't honestly believe they are naturally immune after a year old??

But the rest of it, IMO, is great news!!! It really only stands to reason that vaccines should provide lifelong immunity. So what is the next step? If this is the opinion of one vet/group of vets, then how long does this take to be adapted into common veterinary protocol, and what steps do they have to take to do so? Vets are going to fight it tooth and nail due to the loss of income.

Dobemom2b · 05-09-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

*Feline Infectious Peritonitis. A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled foruse at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.*

I have personally seen a 2yr old cat with FIP which had been released from the breeders quarenteen by her vet to enter the rest of her cattery.

This cat was very bloated as the most visible sign of FIP. The cat was taken back 3 x to have the chest tapped for fluid, you could bounce a quarter off its stomach it was so bloated and tight.

The 3rd tap came up neg and she insisted he do it again with her in the room because it was so very obvious. He hit fluid, enough to shoot across the room from the pressure.

She lost her entire cattery,her loved pets years of work and thousands of dollars. That was 12 yrs ago, seems the FIP vaccine has not improved since.

I also have a hard time believing that they develop an immunity to feline lukemia unless it is possibly from mild non-deliberate exposure. For example I have been told if you booster one dog for kc with the nasal, then that dog sheds enough of it to allow the other household dogs to react (build immunity) as if they had been boostered themselves.

**Lexus** · 05-09-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobemom2b

I also have a hard time believing that they develop an immunity to feline lukemia unless it is possibly from mild non-deliberate exposure. For example I have been told if you booster one dog for kc with the nasal, then that dog sheds enough of it to allow the other household dogs to react (build immunity) as if they had been boostered themselves.

That is very interesting about the kc vaccine...

Well, I just won't be taking that kind of chance with Felv that's for sure. I have never vaccinated for FIP, and won't start doing so either. That is an awful story about the cattery... I couldn't imagine...

Dobeman · 05-12-2008, 01:35 AM

This is NOT Dr Dodd's protocol. This email has been going around for
a couple of years. To see Dr Dodd's protocol go to Itsfortheanimals.

**doberkim** · 05-12-2008, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexus

Thanks for sharing Julie!!! The only one that I don't fully understand is..

*Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats should be tested prior to vaccination. /Cats over one year of age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary. The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your cat is in the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease. *

The thought of cats over a year old being naturally immune to leukemia? I've heard so many stories of leukemia positive cats entering a household/outdoor population, only to infect others since it is spread through saliva. (hissing, spitting, drinking water...) I just don't honestly believe they are naturally immune after a year old??

But the rest of it, IMO, is great news!!! It really only stands to reason that vaccines should provide lifelong immunity. So what is the next step? If this is the opinion of one vet/group of vets, then how long does this take to be adapted into common veterinary protocol, and what steps do they have to take to do so? Vets are going to fight it tooth and nail due to the loss of income.

Lexus, they are likely either that - just stories, or the household is not healthy to start with.

It is very difficult to infect an adult cat with FeLV - so much so, that it is hard to study in adult cats without inducing heavy amounts of immuno-suppression. For an adult cat to become infected with FeLV, there is typically something else going that is suppressing the immune system, allowing them to become susceptible to FeLV.

**ellenm** · 05-12-2008, 07:41 AM

doberkim-
Why do most vets recommend an annual Felv vaccine then on adult cats? It wasn't until my daughter went to vet school last fall that she told me this and I will never give my 9 yr old cat another Felv shot. This cat only goes outdoors for one hour a day and prowls the front bushes in my yard. I've never seen her around another cat in this neighborhood...have not seen another cat, actually! (Maybe those loose pitbulls that are terrorizing my neighborhood have been exterminating the cat population!!)

gracieface · 05-12-2008, 09:34 AM

Has any one been to one of Dr Dodds seminars? there is one being offered in my area this fall and I was considering going, just wonder if it is really worth the money (equal to several entry fees) and time (Lord knows there is never enough of that).
thanks

**Lexus** · 05-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doberkim

Lexus, they are likely either that - just stories, or the household is not healthy to start with.

It is very difficult to infect an adult cat with FeLV -

Hmmm, well that's news to me.... I'll keep that in mind...