Truth4Dogs

AVMA Passes a Rabies Vaccination Waiver Recommendation

Jan — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:36:48 +0000

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has passed The Annual Rabies Vaccination waiver. What does it mean? Kris Christine, Founder of the Rabies Challenge Fund, says: “It will help us in our efforts to get exemption legislation passed!”

I say, it should also provide “cover” to those wonderful veterinarians who fight for our dogs every day.

The AVMA language says: “[The] AVMA recognizes some animals might require a waiver from rabies vaccination because the vaccination poses an unacceptably high risk to the health of the individual animal …. If adequate steps can be taken to minimize the chance of exposure to rabies virus, the AVMA recommends that such animals be granted a waiver from mandatory rabies vaccination, upon recommendation of a licensed veterinarian and with the concurrence of the appropriate public health authorities.

Read the Waiver here: http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/annual-rabies-vaccination-waiver.asp

The AVMA has also provided an Annual Rabies Vaccination Waiver Form.

Does your state already allow exemptions? Read this: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2012/03/05/does-your-state-permit-rabies-vaccination-medical-exemptions/

Read your state’s rabies law here.

So get busy! Change those laws!

Bordetella: Does Your Dog Really Need the Kennel Cough Vaccine?

Jan — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:01:46 +0000

Your veterinarian, kennel owner, day care provider or groomer says your dog should/must be vaccinated against kennel cough, but you’re trying not to over-vaccinate.

What should you do?

More and more, pet parents are finding another vet, kennel owner, day care provider or groomer — or keeping their dog at home! Vaccination is a serious medical procedure with significant potential risks. If that isn’t enough, the vaccine is unlikely to prevent kennel cough. It can even produce kennel-cough like symptoms. The WSAVA Guidelines say, “Transient (3–10 days) coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge may occur in a small percentage of vaccinates.” It can also cause a serious anaphylactoid reaction. Look it up. You won’t like it.

About kennels, day care providers and groomers: In general, if they have good ventilation and practice good hygiene, kennel cough shouldn’t be an issue. Bordetella is not for dogs playing together in well-ventilated areas — like dog parks or backyards or living rooms.

Think of kennel cough as a canine cold, transmitted as human colds are transmitted — from an infected individual in close contact with another individual with compromised immunity. Like a cold, it is also considered a mild self-limiting disease. A veterinarian friend uses an OTC remedy called B & T Cough and Bronchial Syrup to treat the cough. For small dogs she uses the children’s variety. See your vet for further treatment information.

If your service provider is afraid your dog will contract kennel cough at their establishment, offer to sign a letter of informed consent saying you’ve been informed of the risk and will waive liability. That should do it. Should. It’s really just liability at issue, not your dog’s overall health.

If the person insisting on the Bordetella vaccine is afraid other dogs at their establishment will contract kennel cough from your unvaccinated dog, this person clearly doesn’t trust that the vaccinated dogs actually have immunity. If they don’t believe the vaccine is protective, why insist that you or anyone else vaccinate?

Note: If you decide to give the vaccine, make sure it is the intranasal form, that is, given as nose drops, not injected. And give the vaccine at least a week before contact with other dogs, for the sake of both your dog and other dogs.

Don’t take my word for any of this. Read what two vets and a PhD have to say about the Bordetella vaccine:

World-renowned vaccination scientist, Dr. Ronald Schultz, says [emphasis is mine]: “Many animals receive “kennel cough” vaccines that include Bordetella and CPI and/or CAV-2 every 6 to 9 months without evidence that this frequency of vaccination is necessary or beneficial. In contrast, other dogs are never vaccinated for kennel cough and disease is not seen. CPI immunity lasts at least 3 years when given intranasally, and CAV -2 immunity lasts a minimum of 7 years parenterally for CAV-I. These two viruses in combination with Bordetella bronchiseptica are the agents most often associated with kennel cough, however, other factors play an important role in disease (e.g. stress, dust, humidity, molds, mycoplasma, etc.), thus kennel cough is not a vaccine preventable disease because of the complex factors associated with this disease. Furthermore, this is often a mild to moderate self limiting disease. I refer to it as the ‘Canine Cold.’”

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From Dr. Eric Barchas, Dogster Vet Blog, “I generally do not recommend kennel cough vaccines unless dogs are staying in a boarding facility that requires them (and even then I don’t truly recommend vaccination — instead, I recommend finding a facility that doesn’t require them).

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Bordetella Vaccination for Dogs: Fraud and Fallacy

by Dogs Naturally Magazine July/August 2010 Issue
Reprinted with permission

Bordetella or Kennel Cough is commonly required by boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals. These vaccinations are delivered to a staggeringly large percentage of dogs and the reason is not to protect your dog: the reason is to protect these facilities against liability.

The proprietors who push for these vaccines may be assuming more liability than they can handle and the stakes are very high. The truth is, the vaccines are not only ineffective but they are far from safe. Yet they are routinely given to combat a self limiting disease that amounts to as much danger to your dog as the common cold does to you.

What is interesting is that when you bring your dog to the vet for his Bordetella vaccination, he will have already been exposed to the natural flora: all animals are exposed to both Bordetella and Parainfluenza prior to vaccination. It makes little sense to vaccinate an animal for something he has already been exposed to.

There are at least forty agents capable of initiating Bordetella so vaccination might appear to be prudent if it weren’t for the fact that only two of these agents are contained in the intranasal vaccine. This poor percentage truly makes the Bordetella vaccine a shot in the dark. The lack of efficacy is well summarized by noted immunologist Dr. Ronald Schultz: “Kennel Cough is not a vaccinatable disease”.

Despite the lack of any real effectiveness, the Bordetella vaccine is routinely given and touted as safe, especially in the intranasal form. Make no mistake however: the dangers and misinformation surrounding this seemingly innocuous spray are just as tangible and frightening as any other vaccination. A major problem with the Bordetella vaccine is that it is part of a combination vaccine. Unbeknownst to most pet owners, the Bordetella intranasal spray also contains Parainfluenza (the vaccine for which is not surprisingly, just as ineffective as Bordetella). The problems with the Parainfluenza portion are threefold.

First, there is a real danger of dangerous immunological overload when vaccinations are offered in combination. Second, like Bordetella, most dogs have already been exposed to Parainfluenza, making the necessity of vaccination questionable. Third, the Parainfluenza vaccine is just as ineffective as the Bordetella vaccine because the vaccine does not provide antibody against Parainfluenza where it is most needed: on the mucosal surfaces.

Other dangers associated with the Bordetella vaccine are obviously not far removed from the dangers associated with any other vaccination. Although Bordetella is a bacterial vaccine, we now know that bacterial vaccines present the same threat as Modified Live Vaccines. Modified Live Viruses from human vaccines are now known to become incorporated in the genes of the host and can shuffle, reassert, and reactivate thirty or more years after vaccination.

Bacterial genes are capable of the same activity, lurking in the genetic makeup, waiting to replicate and awaken. The intranasal Bordetella vaccine has been known to activate a previously asymptomatic collapsing trachea and disrupt phagocytic activity which can progress to pneumonia. The toxins from the vaccine will also kill the ciliated lining of the trachea, creating a denuded area susceptible to anything coming down the windpipe. Perhaps collapsing trachea, irritable tracheas and pneumonias are all complications of Bordetella and the Bordetella vaccine.

Vaccination of any sort also elevates histamine which can promote cancer, chronic inflammation and loss of tolerance. In general, all vaccination creates immune dysregulation and is responsible for a vast array of pathology. The Bordetella vaccine can wreak havoc outside the body as well. Bordetella will shed from a vaccinated host for seven weeks while Parainfluenza will shed for a week. This means that every vaccinated dog is a walking dispenser of potentially damaging bacteria.

While the risk to other dogs is obvious, it should be of little concern to healthy dogs because Bordetella is generally a self limiting disease. What you might find surprising is that the shed bacteria is a risk to other animals…and to people. The reason we now have a feline Bordetella (and not surprisingly, a feline Bordetella vaccine), is likely thanks to the widespread use and subsequent shedding of Bordetella from vaccinated dogs to cats sharing the household. If this seems hard to imagine, consider how dogs first fell victim to Canine Influenza.

Canine Influenza was initially documented in racing greyhounds. It is worth noting that many of these dogs shared tracks with race horses: race horses who are routinely vaccinated with Equine Influenza. It is not a stretch to predict Bordetella will infect gerbils, hamsters and rabbits in the near future and it is with certainty that the vaccine manufacturers will be well rewarded with the continued fruits of their canine Bordetella vaccine.

Not surprisingly, humans are not left out of the equation. Ruth Berkelman MD (Former Assistant Surgeon General, US Public Health Service) writes: “The potential for both exposure and for adverse consequences secondary to exposure to veterinary vaccines in humans is growing. Enhanced efforts are needed to recognize and to prevent human illness associated with the use of veterinary vaccines”. Dr. Berkelman noted that pertussis an whooping cough-like complaints in children followed exposure to Bordetella bronchiseptica from the Bordetella vaccine and it is no coincidence that Bordetella bronchiseptica and whooping cough pertussis are very closely related. Interestingly, the rate of whooping cough is highest in highly vaccinated populations.

Immunocompromised humans and animals are at an elevated risk of infection from these canine vaccines. There is a recently reported case of Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia in a kidney and pancreas transplant patient who had to board and subsequently vaccinate her dogs at a veterinary clinic while she was hospitalized. Vaccines contain contaminating agents including mycoplasmas which are also very communicable to humans and other mammals.

In the end, vaccination for Bordetella is at best fruitless and at worst, a pathetic fraudulence at the hands of veterinarians and vaccine manufacturers. It is up to you whether or not your dog receives this vaccination and that is not overstating the obvious. Sadly, most pet owners are aware of this but choose vaccination because they feel they are at the mercy of boarding kennels, training schools and veterinarians.

Patricia Monahan Jordan is a graduate of the North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine. She practiced conventional veterinary medicine for twenty years and founded six different veterinary facilities in North Carolina. Dr. Jordan has traced the paths of immunopathology to vaccine administration and uncovered the cycle of disease and the endless cycle of disease management that results from vaccine administration. Dr. Jordan can be reached at www.dr-jordan.com. She is the author of Mark of the Beast, Hidden in Plain Sight.

Does Your State Permit Rabies Vaccination Medical Exemptions?

Jan — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:23:55 +0000

You and your veterinarian both agree: your dog is too ill to be vaccinated. Animal Control insists that you vaccinate against rabies. What should you do?

Kris Christine, Founder of the Rabies Challenge Fund, has been instrumental in helping to change state laws to allow rabies vaccination medical exemptions for unhealthy dogs! See below the language of the various state laws (supplied by Kris). If your state isn’t listed, please change the law! Virtually every exemption was brought about by concerned pet parents and their veterinarians not wanting to vaccinate a health-compromised pet.

If you have an unhealthy pet and your state is not listed below, find your laws at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/rabies-laws. Then call your state legislator and change the law! And please support the Rabies Challenge Fund. 2012 is the year that should finally produce antibody blood titer standards for dogs. Can you imagine being able to test your dog’s blood rather than have to unnecessarily revaccinate? Please donate to help continue this amazing vaccine study.

IMPORTANT: Please tell your veterinarians if your state permits exemptions. Many of them don’t know! And insist they apply for an exemption for your unhealthy dog. Sadly, few will volunteer. Kris says: We weren’t involved in any legislation in Illinois; the exemption language was in another section of the law — kind of like Massachusetts. A woman from the Illinois Cocker Rescue sent me the link & information. Obviously very few people were aware of it.

Other articles of interest: Rabies Vaccination Medical Exemptions for Unhealthy Dogs
Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction
Why Vets Don’t Recognize Vaccine Reactions

15 STATES with MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS
AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OR, VT, VA, WI

(please copy & paste links into browser if they do not work by clicking on them)

ALABAMA Alabama Code Alabama Code Title 3 Section 7A-2 http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLogin.asp effective August 1, 2009

(c)(1) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Health by rule may establish procedures and qualifications for an exemption from the requirement for a vaccination for an animal if a rabies vaccination would be injurious to the animal’s health.

(2) An animal exempted under subdivision (1) shall be considered unvaccinated by the State Board of Health in the event of the animal’s exposure to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal.

CALIFORNIA On October 7, 2011, California became the 14th state with a rabies medical exemption when the Governor signed AB 258, Molly’s Bill, into law: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0251-0300/ab_258_bill_20111007_chaptered.html

COLORADO http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/rules%20and%20regs%206%20ccr%201009_1.pdf

A veterinarian licensed in Colorado may issue a written waiver as provided in this section exempting an animal from a rabies vaccination order if the veterinarian, in his or her professional opinion, determines the rabies inoculation is contraindicated due to the animal’s medical condition. The terms “waiver” and “exemption” as used in this section are interchangeable. A veterinarian may issue a waiver if:

1. The animal to be exempted has a medical condition defined as “a disease, illness, or other pathological state” for which, in the opinion of the exempting veterinarian, a rabies inoculation is contraindicated;

2. A valid veterinary-client-patient relationship, as definied under C.R.S. Section 12-64-103 (15.5), has been established between the veterinarian, owner and animal to be exempted from rabies inoculation;

3. The veterinarian completes and signs the veterinary section of the Exemption from Rabies Vaccination form provided by the department.

4. The animal owner signs the informed consent section of the Exemption from Rabies Vaccination form;

5. The veterinarian maintains the signed exemption as part of the animal’s medical record and provides a copy to the owner;

6. The exemption issued is limited to the anticipated duration of the animal’s medical condition that precludes inoculation; and

7. The veterinarian provides a copy of the exemption form to the department, the local health department or animal control agency when requested.

C. A waiver may not exceed a period of three years from the date of issuance. If the medical condition persists beyond a three year period and, in the professional opinion of a veterinarian licensed in the State of Colorado the exemption continues to be appropriate, a new waiver may be issued.

D. Upon receiving a complaint regarding the validity of a rabies inoculation exemption, the executive direction or his/her designee(s) may review Exemption from Rabies Vaccination forms and examine the veterinary records pertaining to the medical condition to determine if the medical condition legitimately contraindicates rabies inoculation. If appropriate, the executive director or his/her designee(s) may refer the case to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

CONNECTICUT http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap435.htm#Sec22-338.htm

(b) The State Veterinarian or the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner’s designee, may grant an exemption from vaccination against rabies for a dog or cat if a licensed veterinarian has examined such animal and determined that a rabies vaccination would endanger the animal’s life due to disease or other medical considerations. Such exemption may be granted for an individual animal only after the veterinarian has consulted with the State Veterinarian, the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner’s designee, and completed and submitted to the department an application for exemption from rabies vaccination on a form approved by the Department of Agriculture. After approval of such exemption, the department shall issue a rabies vaccination exemption certificate, copies of which shall be provided to the veterinarian, the owner of the dog or cat exempted from rabies vaccination and the animal control officer of the municipality in which the owner of the dog or cat resides. Certification that a dog or cat is exempt from rabies vaccination shall be valid for one year, after which time the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies or the application for exemption shall be renewed.

(c) Any veterinarian aggrieved by a denial of a request for an exemption from rabies vaccination by the State Veterinarian, the Commissioner of Agriculture or the commissioner’s designee may appeal such denial as provided in the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, sections 4-166 to 4-189, inclusive.

FLORIDA http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?StatuteYear=2011&AppMode=Display_Results&Mode=Search%2520Statutes&Submenu=2&Tab=statutes&Search_String=vaccine

(2) A dog, cat, or ferret is exempt from vaccination against rabies if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal’s health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. An exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health permits.

ILLINOIS http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41

If a licensed veterinarian determines in writing that a rabies inoculation would compromise an animal's health, then the animal shall be exempt from the rabies shot requirement, but the owner must still be responsible for the fees.

MAINE http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/maine-cdc-rules.html
Click on Chapter 260

A. A letter of exemption from vaccination may be submitted for licensure, if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the dog. Qualifying letters must be in the form of a written statement, signed by a licensed veterinarian, that includes a description of the dog, and the medical reason that precludes vaccination. If the medical reason is temporary, the letter shall indicate a time of expiration of the exemption.B. A dog exempted under the provisions of paragraph 5 A, above, shall be considered unvaccinated, for the purposes of 10-144 C.M.R. Ch.251, Section 7(B)(1), (Rules Governing Rabies Management) in the case of said dog’s exposure to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal.

MASSACHUSETTS http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-145b.htm

In order for a dog or cat to be accepted at an animal hospital, veterinarian’s office or boarding facility an owner or keeper of such animal shall show proof of current vaccination against rabies; provided however, that if a dog or cat has not been so vaccinated or such owner or keeper fails to show such proof the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies prior to being discharged if the animal’s medical condition permits.

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 137 http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section137

§ 137. Registration and licenses

A person who at the commencement of a license period is, or who during any license period becomes, the owner or keeper of a dog six months old or over which is not duly licensed, and the owner or keeper of a dog when it becomes six months old during a license period, shall cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed until the end of such license period, and the owner or keeper of a dog so registered, numbered, described and licensed during any license period, in order to own or keep such dog after the beginning of the succeeding license period, shall, before the beginning thereof, cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed for such period. The registering, numbering, describing and licensing of a dog, if kept in Boston shall be in the office of the police commissioner or if kept in any other town in the office of the clerk thereof.

No town clerk or, in Boston, the police commissioner, shall grant such license for any dog unless the owner thereof provides such town clerk or, in Boston, the police commissioner, either a veterinarian’s certification that such dog has been vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of section one hundred and forty-five B, or has been certified exempt from such provision as hereinafter provided, or a notarized letter from a veterinarian that a certification was issued or a metal rabies tag bearing an expiration date indicating that such certification is still in effect.

A dog licensing official may grant an exemption from the provisions of section one hundred and forty-five B for any dog which has not yet attained the age of six months, any dog which the local board of health, for a specified period of time, declared exempt upon presentation of a veterinarian’s certificate stating that because of an infirmity, other physical condition or regimen of therapy, that inoculation is thereby deemed inadvisable, or any dog in transit, or dog brought into the commonwealth, temporarily, for the sole purpose of showing in dog shows or exhibition.

NEW HAMPSHIRE http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xl/436/436-100.htm

II. A rabies immunization exemption may be issued, where illness or a veterinary medical condition warrants, by the local rabies control authority upon the written recommendation of a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B. The recommendation shall also be signed by an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine diplomate and the state veterinarian. The exempted animal shall be maintained in strict rabies isolation, under conditions that are at the discretion of the local rabies control authority, until such time as the medical condition has been resolved and the animal can be immunized against rabies. Exempted animals shall not be allowed outdoors without being on a leash and shall be under the direct physical control of an adult owner at all times. In addition, when the animal is outdoors, it shall be muzzled in a manner approved by the local rabies control authority.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1992, 250:3. 1995, 202:4, eff. June 12, 1995. 2007, 79:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.

NEW JERSEY http://www.state.nj.us/health/animalwelfare/law.shtml

The State Department of Health shall promulgate regulations providing for the recognized duration of immunity, interval of inoculation, certificate of vaccination, certificate of exemption, and such other matters related to this act.

Medical exemption form http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/ravacpolicy.doc

NEW YORK http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/docs/pet_owners_fact_sheet.pdf ExemptionsThe vaccination requirements hall not apply to any dog, cat, domesticated ferret if …. a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal’s health…. NY Medical exemption form http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/vetpage/Rabies%20Exempt%20Form.pdf

OREGON http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARs_300/OAR_333/333_019.html

(1) Except where specifically exempt, all dogs at least three months old shall be immunized against rabies by the age of six months.

(b) Dogs for which rabies immunization is contraindicated for health reasons, as determined by a licensed veterinarian subsequent to an examination. The reasons for the exemption and a specific description of the dog, including name, age, sex, breed, and color, shall be recorded by the examining veterinarian on a Rabies Vaccination Certificate, which shall bear the owner’s name and address. The veterinarian shall also record whether the exemption is permanent, and if it is not, the date the exemption ends;

VERMONT http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/rabies/documents/RabiesControlManual_vaccination.pdf

2.C.4.D. Rabies vaccination must be administered to domestic pets and wolf/hybrids prior to the age of 4 months unless in the judgment of the veterinarian the animal’s medical condition would prevent the development of adequate immunity to rabies. Animals so exempted must be inoculated against rabies as soon as their medical condition permits.

VIRGINIA http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+CHAP0182 § 3.2-6521. (enacted March 29, 2010)

D. The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of § 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of §§ 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.

WISCONSIN http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0095.pdf

(d) A city, village, or town may exempt the owner of a dog from the requirement to have the dog vaccinated against rabies for ayear based on a letter from a veterinarian stating that vaccination
is inadvisable because of a reaction to a previous vaccination, a physical condition, or a regimen of therapy that the dog is undergoing. The city, village, or town shall require the owner to providea new letter for each year in which the owner seeks an exemption under this paragraph.

Why Vets Don’t Recognize Vaccine Reactions

Jan — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:01:06 +0000

You take your perfectly healthy dog to the vet for “her shots.” Early the next morning, she has a seizure — her first seizure ever. You rush your dog back to the vet or an emergency clinic and ask if the seizure had something to do with the shot. Odds are, the vet will tell you, No, it’s not the shot! She might a genetic disorder or possibly even a brain tumor. The timing is just a coincidence.

Or … your dog is suddenly having trouble walking after rabies vaccination. Or he suddenly becomes aggressive. You ask your vet if the condition could be tied to the rabies shot. No, it’s not possible, the vet says. He says has never heard of such a thing. But something tells you the condition and vaccine are related.

Of course, not all veterinarians are reluctant or unable to recognize and deal with vaccine reactions. In fact, the practices of vets trained in homeopathy, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, etc. often revolve around treating reactions caused by vaccination. And, happily, many conventional vets are becoming increasingly worried about over-vaccination and vaccine reactions. But these vets are not the norm.

Many people have written me that they have had to fight with their vet to even get a vaccine reaction considered and noted in their dog’s or cat’s file. The vet doesn’t even want to call the vaccine maker to report or inquire about the reaction. After you do extensive Internet research, your suspicions grow. You see another vet, or maybe post on this blog looking for answers or you e-mail me. You wonder: why are vets so reluctant to admit that a vaccine (or vaccine combo) caused a reaction? Here are some potential reasons why.

Primary vets don’t see every vaccine reactions because pets are often treated at emergency clinics or by specialists and not reported back. An emergency clinic vet told me about a Basset Hound she had diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. She asked the client if the dog had been recently vaccinated. Finding that he had, she called the Basset’s primary vet to inquire about the vaccine. The primary vet, surprised by the call, asked, “Do you see a lot of immune-mediated disease after vaccination?” She told him she did, usually about 3-4 weeks later. Astounded by the news, he admitted he was glad he hadn’t vaccinated his own dogs in 8 years. He continues to vaccinate clients’ dogs annually.

Vets lack sufficient education. Dr. Ronald Schultz, a member of the AAHA Canine Vaccination Task Force (in 2003, 2006 and 2011) and the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group, has said: “Our new [vet school] grads don’t know a heck of a lot more about vaccines than our older grads. And I’ve figured out why this is. They know a lot more about basic immunology, but they don’t know about vaccinology and the two are not the same.… So we haven’t gone very far from where we were ten years ago or twenty years ago with regard to training veterinarians about vaccines.” (Hear Dr. Schultz talking about this in our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar DVD. )

Most continuing education is done by drug company representatives calling on veterinary practices — to sell vaccines. Their message is that vaccines are safe and reactions are extremely rare. Vets buy the products and the message. Despite studies showing that each additional vaccine given during one visit dramatically increases the chance of an adverse reaction, reps peddle products with as many as 7 vaccines to be given at once — with no warnings. Hear safety claims enough and the claims become the truth, whether they are true or not.

Vets don’t want the blame for harming your pet. No veterinarian wants to harm an animal. It’s more comfortable to blame the problem on coincidence, genetic defects, other medications, etc.

Vets don’t tie the reaction to the vaccine unless it happens almost immediately. Here is what the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) tells dog or cat owners to watch for after vaccination. Note that most reactions listed are only those happening almost immediately:

Discomfort and swelling at the vaccination site
Mild fever
Decreased appetite and activity
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Hives
Swelling of the muzzle. face, neck or eyes
Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
Collapse
Respiratory distress occurring 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal Bordetella [kennel cough vaccine]

This list fails to include reactions like shock and death – 8.3% and 5.5% respectively of reactions reported to the USDA. It also doesn’t include vaccine reactions happening within three or more days after vaccination – despite a major study published in the AVMA’s own Journal in 2005. And what about reactions occurring weeks, months and even years after vaccination?

Here is the list first handed out in 2007 by Dr. Ron Schultz regarding adverse events known to be induced via vaccines:

Common Reactions:
Lethargy
Hair loss; hair color change at injection site
Fever
Soreness
Stiffness
Refusal to Eat
Conjunctivitis
Sneezing
Oral ulcers
Moderate Reactions:
Immunosupression
Behavioral Changes
Vitiligo
Weight Loss (Cachexia)
Reduced Milk Production
Lameness
Granulomas/Abscesses
Hives
Facial Edema
Atopy [allergic hypersensitivity]
Respiratory Disease
Allergic uveitis (Blue Eye)
Severe Reactions Triggered by Vaccines:
Vaccine injection site sarcomas
Anaphylaxis [life-threatening shock]
Arthritis, polyarthritis-HOD hypertrophy Osteodystrophy
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Immune Mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP)
Hemolytic Disease of the newborn (Neonatal Isoerythrolysis)
Thyroiditis
Glomerulonephritis
Disease or Enhanced Disease which with the vaccine was designed to prevent
Myocarditis [inflammation of the heart muscle caused by infections, viruses, or immune diseases]
Post vaccinal Encephalitis or polyneuritis
Seizures
Abortion, congenital anomalies, embryonic/fetal death, failure to conceive fertility

Vaccine manufacturers generally test vaccines for reactions for only one year, with the exception of the 3-year rabies vaccine. Testing is expensive so they do only what is required to get approval. After approval, vets seldom report reactions and the USDA rarely takes action unless an inordinate of animals become seriously ill or die. Even then, vaccines are rarely pulled off the market unless they affect human health. Thus, vaccines are considered safe and reactions don’t really happen!!!

Vets may worry that they did something wrong. Did your vet fail to tell you about possible reactions? Did he/she vaccinate an unhealthy dog against vaccine label warnings? Was the vaccine given less than two weeks after another vaccine, increasing the likelihood of a reaction? Or given with multiple other vaccines or medications? Or given without examining the dog or cat first? Or was the wrong vaccine used? Or had the vaccine been improperly refrigerated?

Vets aren’t taught how to treat many of the reactions. Conventional vets generally treat vaccine reactions with corticosteroids, antibiotics (just in case they’re needed) and/or Benadryl no matter what the reaction is. Conversely, holistic vets treat reactions with diet, supplements, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy and a whole bag of tricks. You have to “believe” in reactions to want to learn how to treat them.

Vets worry they failed to get your “informed consent” before vaccination. Informed consent means that the vet should have told you about possible reactions and also explained why the shot was necessary before vaccinating. Unfortunately, the great majority of revaccination of adult dogs is unnecessary and never explained. (See Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots.) If your dog had a vaccine that wasn’t needed and then suffered a reaction, your vet might worry about a lawsuit or reprimand from state authorities — or unwanted attention from the media.

Vets don’t want to lose your business.

Vets don’t want to bother reporting the reaction to the vaccine maker. Despite repeated requests by veterinary organizations to report all suspected reactions, it is suspected that only 1% are reported. Reporting is time consuming.

Vets are told by superiors not to admit responsibility. This can be a particular problem for junior members of a practice operating under the rules of the senior partners or practice owner.

Vets have to believe vaccines are safe. Vaccines are a big part of veterinary business, both for the direct income derived from vaccines and the office visit, but also for income from medications and other sales and services stemming from the visit — and also for income derived from treating reactions. If they see reaction after reaction, particularly from unnecessary vaccination, they may feel the need to change their policies or change jobs. Please read Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back for more details on why veterinarians continue to over-vaccinate.

No matter why your vet isn’t at least considering a vaccine reaction, when something adverse happens after vaccination, it is important to educate yourself. Allow only those vaccines required given your dog’s age, locale and lifestyle. Ask to read the package insert to learn about what reactions are possible. (Don’t presume the vet has read it.) Learn to recognize a vaccine reaction when you see one and push your vet to consider a reaction if you suspect one. And read What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction for help in treating your dog, reporting the problem and contacting the manufacturer to try to recover your expenses.

There’s an old medical adage: when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras. That is, when something bad happens to your dog after vaccination, think vaccine reaction, not brain tumor! Trust your instincts!

Related links:
Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure
Post your dog’s rabies reaction and read other readers’ stories here: The Rabies Vaccine and Your Dog: Side Effects
Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely

DVD: world-renowned scientists Ronald D. Schultz, PhD and W. Jean Dodds, DVM spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March 2010. A 2-hour DVD of the event, along with articles by the speakers, is available here. Or learn more about it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/saferpet. All proceeds less actual shipping costs benefit the study of the rabies vaccine.

Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back

Jan — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:02:49 +0000

Why do vets continue to vaccinate yearly or triennially when many vaccines have been shown to give immunity as long as the pet’s lifetime? Read this article from our friends at Dogs Naturally Magazine.

The duration of immunity for Rabies vaccine, Canine distemper vaccine, Canine Parvovirus vaccine, Feline Panleukopenia vaccine, Feline Rhinotracheitis, feline Calicivirus, have all been demonstrated to be a minimum of 7 years by serology [blood antibody testing] for rabies and challenge [exposure] studies for all others. [Note: bracketed explanations added by Jan Rasmusen.]

In the Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and What We Don’t Know, Proceedings – Canine Infectious Diseases: From Clinics to Molecular Pathogenesis, Ithaca, NY, 1999, Dr. Ronald Schultz, a veterinary immunologist at the forefront of vaccine research and chair of the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Pathobiological Sciences, outlines the DOI for the following vaccines:

Minimum Duration of Immunity for Canine Vaccines:

Distemper- 7 years by challenge/15 years by serology
Parvovirus – 7 years by challenge/ 7 years by serology
Adenovirus – 7 years by challenge/ 9 years by serology
Canine rabies – 3 years by challenge/ 7 years by serology

Dr. Schultz concludes: “Vaccines for diseases like distemper and canine parvovirus, once administered to adult animals, provide lifetime immunity.” “Are we vaccinating too much?” JAVMA, No. 4, August 15, 1995, pg. 421.

Yet vets continue to vaccinate annually. Dog owners feel that their vets are doing their dogs a great service by vaccinating every three years instead of annually – why do we allow it when these studies were done over thirty years ago and have been replicated time and again by other researchers?

Ian Tizard states: “With modified live virus vaccines like canine parvovirus, canine distemper and feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis the virus in the vaccine must replicate to stimulate the immune system. In a patient that has been previously immunized, antibodies from the previous vaccine will block the replication of the new vaccinal virus. Antibody titers are not significantly boosted. Memory cell populations are not expanded. The immune status of the patient is not enhanced.

After the second rabies vaccination, re-administration of rabies vaccine does not enhance the immune status of the patient at one or two year intervals. We do not know the interval at which re-administration of vaccines will enhance the immunity of a significant percentage of the pet population, but it is certainly not at one or two year intervals.
Tizard Ian, Yawei N, Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion animals, JAVMA, vol 213, No 1, July 1, 1998.

“The recommendation for annual re-vaccination is a practice that was officially started in 1978.” says Dr. Schultz. “This recommendation was made without any scientific validation of the need to booster immunity so frequently. In fact the presence of good humoral antibody levels blocks the anamnestic response to vaccine boosters just as maternal antibody blocks the response in some young animals.”

He adds: “The patient receives no benefit and may be placed at serious risk when an unnecessary vaccine is given. Few or no scientific studies have demonstrated a need for cats or dogs to be revaccinated. Annual vaccination for diseases caused by CDV, CPV2, FPLP and FeLV has not been shown to provide a level of immunity any different from the immunity in an animal vaccinated and immunized at an early age and challenged years later. We have found that annual revaccination with the vaccines that provide long-term immunity provides no demonstrable benefit.”

Why then, have vets not embraced the concept of lifelong immunity in dogs?

“Profits are what vaccine critics believe is at the root of the profession’s resistance to update its protocols. Without the lure of vaccines, clients might be less inclined to make yearly veterinary visits. Vaccines add up to 14 percent of the average practice’s income, AAHA reports, and veterinarians stand to lose big. I suspect some are ignoring my work,” says Schultz, who claims some distemper vaccines last as long as 15 years. “Tying vaccinations into the annual visit became prominent in the 1980s and a way of practicing in the 1990s. Now veterinarians don’t want to give it up.”

The report of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Taskforce in JAAHA (39 March/April 2003)3 includes the following information for vets: ‘Misunderstanding, misinformation and the conservative nature of our profession have largely slowed adoption of protocols advocating decreased frequency of vaccination’; ‘Immunological memory provides durations of immunity for core infectious diseases that far exceed the traditional recommendations for annual vaccination.’

‘This is supported by a growing body of veterinary information as well-developed epidemiological vigilance in human medicine that indicates immunity induced by vaccination is extremely long lasting and, in most cases, lifelong.’

Both the AAHA and the AVMA must do more to “step up to the plate” says noted immunologist, Dr. Richard Ford. But the reality is the vets do not have to listen to the AAHA or the AVMA and it appears the state veterinary medical boards are not interested in enforcing vaccine schedules, opting to leave it up to the individual vet.

Dr. Bob Rogers hired a Chicago based law firm and initiated a class action suit for pet owners who were not given informed consent and full disclosure prior to vaccination administration. His article entitled “The Courage to Embrace the Truth”, states “While attending conferences like WSVMA and NAVMC I have asked over 400 DVMs from various parts of the country if they attended the seminars on New Vaccination Protocols. I was told by all but one, “I don’t care what the data says, I am not changing.” One DVM here on VIN even said “I am not changing until the AVMA makes me change.”

It seems that pet owners are against the wall when it comes to vaccination. The obvious conclusion is that pet owners who are concerned about the long term health of their companion animals must take it upon themselves to research vaccines, duration of immunity and vaccine dangers. At the very least, question every vaccine that goes into your animal – but none of the above information indicates you will get an honest or well-informed answer.

Be your dog’s advocate – protect him with knowledge and by taking a stand against unnecessary vaccination. His life may depend on it!
*****
Related links at Truth4Dogs.com:
Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
Titer Test: Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely
Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions
Analyzing New Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs

Dogs Naturally Magazine publishes excellent articles on holistic dog care from recognized authorities on a wealth of canine health subjects. They’ve even published a number of articles by me, Jan Rasmusen! Many thanks to veterinarian Patricia Monahan Jordan, author of Mark of the Beast: Hidden in Plain Sight, for contributing much of the source material for this article.

Analyzing New Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs

Jan — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:01:51 +0000

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recently issued its 2011 Canine Vaccination Guidelines. The 2003 report, revised in 2006 and 2007, caused quite a stir. Many veterinarians and pet parents didn’t trust the findings –and still don’t – even though the report was backed by scientific studies and written by 14 well-respected experts. Change can be scary.

The report’s recommendation to eliminate or limit many unnecessary and/or dangerous vaccines, and to give the important “core vaccines” no more often than every three years (NOT annually!), was and is unpalatable to many practices. It could represent a huge drop in income.

Though veterinary organizations and every North American vet school changed their vaccination protocols to accommodate the report’s findings, most clinics continue to over-vaccinate. Pet guardians still overpay for shots their pets don’t need and too many pets (and pocketbooks) suffer from the subsequent vaccine reactions.

The AAHA report contains good information and acts as a resource for pet guardians wanting to stand up to vets pushing shots their pets don’t really need. But this report is very conservative — with decisions made by committee. It doesn’t go as far as many of us would like. Important note: do not presume that your veterinarian abides by the report’s recommendations or that he/she has even read it.

Possible problems with the report

When reading any study, see who sponsored it and then look for possible conflicts of interest. This particular study was sponsored by four vaccine manufacturers: Merck, Merial, Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. In addition, the AAHA has close financial ties to both veterinarians and sponsors. I am not suggesting bias, but in a perfect world, studies would be funded by disinterested parties, not by parties with a financial interest in decisions.

To arrive at a consensus, and to accommodate readers with the least vaccination expertise, individual taskforce members had to compromise. The consensus may or may not represent the personal view of any individual member.

For example, in 2003 task force member Dr. Richard Ford, Professor of Medicine, North Carolina State University, said that the decision to recommend a 3-year revaccination schedule for core vaccines was a compromise. “It’s completely arbitrary…,” he said. “I will say there is no science behind the three-year recommendation…”

Several committee members have personally told me this was a “political” decision, meant to ruffle the fewest veterinary feathers. (Read about vaccine duration of immunity at Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots.)

I would have liked a section showing how taskforce members vaccinate their own dogs, just as the Supreme Court publishes ”dissenting opinions,” although this might have presented legal problems and required endless caveats.

Outside the report, renowned expert and taskforce member Dr. Ronald Schultz has a very different puppy vaccination protocol for his own family’s dogs. He uses only the three core vaccines: parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus-2 (hepatitis). He does not revaccinate every three years. He runs antibody titers on the pups to know exactly when is the best time to effectively vaccinate. Then, 2 to 3 weeks or more after vaccination, he titers (tests the blood of) the offspring. If there is ANY positive antibody response, he doesn’t revaccinate for the reminder of the pet’s life. (Before doing this yourself, listen to what he says during this YouTube video and consult your veterinarian. Advance 8 1/2 minutes into the video. Also find his cat vaccination advice there.)

Notable quotes from the report

My dear friend Kris Christine read this report and pulled out the following quotations of note. Kris is the founder of the Rabies Challenge Fund and a tireless activist who was largely responsible for helping every US state to switch from 1- and 2-year rabies vaccination schedules to 3 year (though sadly not all local laws have followed suit). Kris is currently working with other activists and state legislators to provide rabies vaccination exemptions for dogs with health problems. The fight goes on.

Note from Jan: I highlighted the important topics in the quotes below.

Don’t vaccinate dogs with health problems:

p. 21 ”It is reasonable to avoid administration of any vaccine to patients with a history of systemic disease suspected to be associated with previous vaccination (e.g., immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia) or known to be caused by vaccine (vaccination-site cutaneous ischemic vasculitis after administration of rabies vaccine).

p. 28 ”As with pregnant dogs, veterinary medicine has advised against vaccination during illness, due to concerns about suboptimal protection, or worse, vaccine-induced illness.”

p. 29 “Manufacturers only recommend administration of vaccine to healthy dogs. Dogs receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy should not be vaccinated. Doing so may result in a suboptimal immune response or may aggravate (reactivate) an immune-mediated illness.”

(Also read my article Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure)

The difference between noninfectious (“killed” vaccines like rabies) and infectious vaccines (“modified live” vaccines like parvovirus and distemper):

p. 3 ”When compared with infectious (attenuated, avirulent, modified live, recombinant viral vectored) vaccines, noninfectious vaccines are more likely to produce local and systemic adverse reactions in some dogs.”

p.10 ”Most noninfectious vaccines require at least two initial doses to immunize, regardless of the dog’s age. The first dose of a noninfectious vaccine generally primes the immune response and the second dose, which should be administered 2-6 weeks later, provides the protective immune response. Immunity typically develops approximately 7 days after the second dose. Therefore, the minimum time for onset of immunity is approximately 3 wk after administration of the first dose of a noninfectious vaccine”

p. 12 “Because dogs older than 14-16 wk of age are not likely to have interfering levels of MDA [maternally derived antibodies], administration of a single initial dose of an infectious vaccine to an adult dog can be expected to induce a protective immune response. ….. MDA is the most common reason early vaccination fails to immunize.”

p. 12 “The onset of immunity after administration of a single dose of infectious core vaccine is approximately 4±3 days in the absence of MDA [maternally derived antibodies].”

p.13 ”Infectious core vaccines are not only highly effective, they also provide the longest DOI [duration of immunity], extending from 5 yr up to the life of the dog.”

Note: see Box 1 beginning on page 14 of the report for more info.

Antibody titer testing (blood testing) to prove immunity

p. 17 ”Despite the confusion and controversy surrounding antibody testing, these serologic tests are useful for monitoring immunity to CDV, CPV-2, CAV-1, and RV. …..On completion of the puppy core vaccination series with the last dose given at 14-16 wk of age, a dog can be expected to have an antibody titer or positive test result, regardless of the serologic test performed, provided the serum sample is collected > 2 wks after the last dose of vaccine.” (CDV=distemper, CPV-2 = parvovirus, CAV-1 hepatitis, RV= rabies)

p. 18 “….the last dose of CDV and CPV should be administered at 14-16 wk of age. At this age, MDA should be at a level that will not block active immunity in most puppies (>98%) when a combination MLV vaccine is administered.”

p. 18 ”In a study reported in 1997, dogs vaccinated with a product containing CDV (canine distemper virus) and then placed in an environment without CDV maintained antibody titers for at least 10 yr.”

Adverse reactions:

p. 20 ”…the list that follows includes categories of adverse reactions that have been attributed to vaccine administration.

Injection-site reactions: lumps (abscess, granuloma, seroma), pain, swelling, hair loss associated with ischemic vasculitis
Transient postvaccinal nonspecific illness: lethargy, anorexia, fever, regional lymphadenomegaly, soreness, abortion, encephalitis, polyneuritis, arthritis, seizures, behavioral changes, hair loss or color change at the injection site, respiratory disease
Allergic (hypersensitivity) and immune-mediated reactions:Type 1 (acute anaphylaxis): angiodema (especially the head), anaphylaxis (shock) and death;Type 2 (cytolytic): immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (suspected only; causality has not been confirmed);Type 3 (immune-complex): cutaneous ischemic vasculopathy associated with rabies vaccine, corneal edema (‘blue-eye’) associated with CAV-1 vaccine, immune-mediated disease.
Tumorigenesis: vaccine-associated sarcoma or other tumors
Multisystemic infectious/inflammatory disorder of young Weimaraner dogs
Vaccine-induced immunosuppression: associated with first or second dose of combination MLV vaccines containing CDV and CAV-1 or CAV-2 with or without other vaccines (e.g., CPV-2, CPI). Immunosuppression begins 3 days after vaccination and persists for 7-10 days. The suppression may be associated with increased susceptibility to other diseases.

p.33 ”Vaccine adverse events are significantly underreported in veterinary medicine.”

Minimal vaccination protocols
In answer to the question: “Is there a vaccination program that could be recommended for those owners only wanting the least number of vaccines possible or for those dogs that are not likely to be seen again by a veterinarian?”

p. 34 ”The vaccination protocol that includes the minimum number of vaccines yet still provides a reasonable opportunity to immunize the dog would be: a single dose of combined infectious (attenuated, avirulent, modified live, recombinant viral vectored) CDV, MLV CPV-2, with MLV CAV-2, administered at 16 wk of age or older, plus a rabies shot at the same time (but inoculated at a separate site on the body).

Note from Jan: It is important NOT to give the rabies vaccine with other vaccines or medications if at all possible. Renowned rabies vaccine experts and principals of the Rabies Challenge Fund, Drs. Ron Schultz (a member of the AAHA taskforce) and Jean Dodds both agree on this. The protocol above is for dogs not likely to be seen again by a veterinarian.” Both have also told me, and the AAHA report warns as well, about the dangers of adverse reactions for multiple vaccines given at once, especially for smaller and medium-sized breeds. Please read Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing for the particular risks of giving multiple vaccines to small dogs.

Links of interest:

A DVD: world-renowned scientists W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March 2010. A 2-hour DVD of the event, along with articles by the speakers, is available here. Or learn more about it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/saferpet. All proceeds less actual shipping costs benefit the study of the rabies vaccine.
Learn more about rabies vaccination and about canine vaccination in general and read articles elsewhere on this blog.
Read the 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
Read the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Guidelines for Vaccinating Dogs and Cats. This report addressed to a worldwide audience prepared by a small academic panel. Dr. Schultz sits on this panel in addition to the AAHA task force. Intervet-Schering Plough Animal Health sponsored the report.

Vaccination Reactions Can Mimic Disease Symptoms

Jan — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:00:02 +0000

Chronic and acute disease in dogs can be caused by the very vaccines given to prevent disease. Read what homeopathic veterinarian Dr. Michael Dym has to say.

Vaccination is often thought of by the conventional veterinary community as a benign procedure intended to prevent acute diseases, with side effects occurring only rarely. However, vaccination in certain sensitive individuals can result in a chronic disease state that is long lasting or even fatal.

Vaccine-induced disease, called “vaccinosis,” is understood as the disturbance of the life force or chi of the patient that may result in mental, emotional and physical changes. These are induced by laboratory modification of a virus or bacterium to make a vaccine. Then, instead of seeing acute expressions of disease, we are seeing symptoms of chronic illness over years or even a lifetime.

For example, symptoms of acute distemper virus infection in dogs include eye and nose discharge; conjunctivitis; vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite; watery feces with blood, mucous and often a foul odor; spasms or seizures and paralysis; eruptions around the mouth; swelling of feet often with red foot pads; pneumonia; skin eruptions; and in chronic cases, emaciation.

What I have seen in my many years of private practice is that distemper and other vaccines administered to prevent acute illness can contribute to symptoms seen in chronic disease and pathologies. Some symptoms often seen in chronic canine illness include chronic runny eyes and conjunctivitis (tear stains in dogs, dry eye, chronic eye allergies); chronic vomiting, diarrhea, appetite issues; emaciation; pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, GI lymphoma; chronic spasms and seizures (epilepsy, brain tumors); skin eruptions and swelling of feet and red feet pads; itching from lifelong skin allergies; and eruptions around the mouth (seen in lip fold dermatitis). That is, adverse reactions from vaccination may mimic symptoms of the very disease the vaccine was meant to prevent. Reactions may occur immediately or months or even years later.

Symptoms of acute rabies infection include restlessness, viciousness, avoidance of company, unusual affection, desire to travel, and inability to be restrained. Other symptoms are self biting; strange cries and howls; inability to swallow resulting in gagging when eating and drinking; staring eyes; swallowing wood, stones and other inedibles; destruction of blankets, clothing, etc.; convulsive seizures; throat spasms; increased sexual desire; disturbed heart function; or excited and jerky breathing.

My biggest concern with pets are behavior changes presenting after vaccination with either the distemper or rabies vaccine. This is usually along the lines of aggression, suspicion, unusual fears, etc. The essential aspect in rabies vaccinosis is loss of impulse control. (Read more from Dr. Dym about reactions seen after the rabies vaccine.)

Many pets may exhibit behaviors such as “reverse sneezing” and increased mounting by neutered pets. Conventional medicine does not explain these odd symptoms, but homeopathically these pets may be exhibiting symptoms of rabies vaccinosis. In my opinion, they are fairly common.

Other vaccines may also contribute in their own way to chronic illness in our pets. Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccination can lead to chronic coughing (diagnosed as collapsing trachea, COPD, or possibly eventual heart disease). Leptospirosis vaccination often leads to chronic liver or kidney disease down the road, as well as chronic skin allergies. You certainly need to follow the law with regards to rabies vaccination, however, most other vaccinations are optional, particularly in adult pets vaccinated as puppies.

A homeopathic remedy given at the time of some immunizations can help reduce adverse reactions. Seek out a veterinarian trained in homeopathy. If your pet is suffering from cancer or another acute or chronic disease, know that more and more states and localities will allow an exemption to rabies vaccination. We hope that states will soon allow a rabies antibody titer blood test instead of vaccination. (Please see the nonprofit study of the rabies vaccine by the Rabies Challenge Fund).

If your pet is suffering from the above chronic disease symptoms, especially in the days to months following a vaccination, he/she should be evaluated by a homeopathic veterinarian to try to cure this disease state over time. Important note: Vaccine labels state that vaccines are to be administered to “healthy pets only.”

———————————-

To learn more about Dr Dym, see his website at www.canineworld.com/drdym To schedule a homeopathic phone consultation, please phone 856-577-8064 or 609-413-2194. You can also e-mail Dr Dym for a homeopathic or holistic consultation.

Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure

Post your dog’s rabies reaction and read other readers’ stories here: The Rabies Vaccine and Your Dog: Side Effects

Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions

Is Your Dog’s Bad Behavior Caused by a Health Problem?
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely

Get Our Vaccination DVD: World-renowned scientists W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March 2010. A DVD of the event, along with articles by the speakers, is available here. Or learn more about it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/saferpet. Click these links to learn more about rabies vaccination and about canine vaccination in general and read articles elsewhere on this blog.

Rabies Vaccination: Caution! The Devil is in the Details

Jan — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:01:08 +0000

It’s that time again: time for your dog to get her rabies shot. Wait! Proceed with caution. This is a serious medical procedure. And no, you can’t just leave it to your vet. Please read on for answers to questions you may not even have thought to ask.

How long do rabies vaccines last? The “three-year” vaccine has been proven by vaccine manufacturers, to the satisfaction of the US Department of Agriculture, to be effective for at least three years. Despite this, many veterinarians vaccinate every one or two years. In fact, in a recent article by Edie Lau for the Veterinary Information News Service, the Vice-President of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association admitted that he gives a “3 year” rabies vaccine every 2 years! Surely, these vets have seen the “3″ on the label. Or have read the 1992 French study proving five year immunity, or the blood studies suggesting seven or more years immunity. The Rabies Challenge Fund (a nonprofit funded solely by dog lovers) expects to confirm five year immunity in the US by November 2012 and seven years immunity two years later.

Why is vaccinating more often than required a problem? In addition to the unnecessary expense for the office visit and innoculations, this shot can be dangerous for your dog. According to a 2008 Report: “Rabies vaccines are the most common group of biological products identified in adverse event reports received by the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB).”

Adverse reactions, by percentage reported, include: Vomiting-28.1%; facial swelling-26.3%; injection site swelling or lump-19.4%; lethargy-12%; urticaria-10.1%; circulatory shock-8.3%; injection site pain-7.4%; pruritus-7.4%; injection site alopecia or hair loss-6.9%; death-5.5%; lack of consciousness-5.5; diarrhea-4.6%; hypersensitivity (not specified)-4.6%; fever-4.1%;, anaphylaxis-2.8%; ataxia-2.8%; lameness-2.8%; general signs of pain-2.3%; hyperactivity-2.3%; injection site scab or crust-2.3%;, muscle tremor-2.3%; tachycardia-2.3%; and thrombocytopenia-2.3%.

Even adverse reactions occuring within several days of vaccination are reported only an estimated 1% of the time (according to a former FDA official). Most long-term reactions are not reported at all – or even recognized. Long-term studies using a large number of dogs are not performed because of the expense. Long-term reactions, to name just some, include injection-site and other tumors, autoimmune diseases, lack of rear end coordination and seizures. Read the comments on my rabies vaccine reactions page for reactions reported by readers of this blog. And see other reactions reported by this holistic veterinarian.

Do you have a knowledgeable vet? Has your vet informed you of the potential health risks of the rabies vaccine? Has your vet told you about the legal requirements? Or explained about the possibility of a medical exemption for your health compromised dog? If not, why?

Why would vets (and localities) vaccinate more often than legally and medically required? Perhaps because of increased revenue from county license fees and vet visits, or ignorance of current laws, or fear that clients can’t be trusted to vaccinate on time. To my mind, however, vaccinating more often than legally required, and more often than manufacturers recommend, without informing clients of the law, manufacturer recommendations and potential health risks, is unethical and a violation of the legal doctrine of informed consent. It may also be consumer fraud.

Why is there a one-year vaccine and a three-year vaccine? World-renowned vaccination expert Dr. Ron Schultz, whose studies have been the basis for guidelines for the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association), AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and other organizations confirmed this in our vaccination DVD (see below). In his report “What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines and Vaccination Programs” he wrote: “There is no benefit from annual rabies vaccination and most one year rabies products are similar or identical to the 3-year products with regard to duration of immunity and effectiveness.”

Ms. Lau wrote in her article, “Manufacturers’ representatives say a key distinction between most one- and three-year rabies vaccines is the testing they undergo to demonstrate the duration for which they confer immunity.” She added: “Some one- and three-year formulations do differ, but exactly in what ways is considered a trade secret.”

That is, manufacturers test basically the same formulation for one year for the one-year shot, then stop the study. The three-year vaccine study is stopped at three years. How long these vaccines might potentially last is unknown. And manufacturer’s have no incentive to find out.

Is the one-year shot safer than the three-year? No. In fact, it’s probably more dangerous because it has to be given much more often.

Why label the vaccine “one-year” if it really lasts three years? In short, to simplify paper work. The USDA requires an initial shot followed by another a year later. That is, one-year shots require a “booster” a year later; three year shots require boosters three years later.The different labels make record keeping easier.

At present, every state in the US requires an initial “one-year” shot (around 3-6 months of age) followed a year later by the three-year vaccine, with revaccination every three years thereafter.

What you need to know about the two rabies vaccines:

If you give the one-year vaccine when the three-year vaccine is due, you will have to vaccinate one year later even if the vaccines are identical.
If you can’t prove the one-year vaccine was followed by the three-year vaccine a year later, or if a three-year wasn’t followed by another within three years, you will have to start all over again.
Vets lose records and make errors. Check the vaccine label BEFORE your dog is vaccinated and check the license paperwork and vet notes immediately afterward. Paperwork, not reality, rules.
If you are even one day late with the vaccine, and your dog bites someone, your local Animal Control will control your dog’s fate. They can mandate in-house quarantine or in-shelter quarantine or even euthanasia — depending on where you live. Proof of strong antibody titers is not a legal substiture for vaccination paperwork.
A licensed veterinarian must give the innoculation and provide you with accurate paperwork. Otherwise, your dog will require revaccination.
Give the rabies shot 3-4 weeks apart from the distemper/parvovirus booster or any other vaccine, heartworm med, flea med, etc. Failure to do so will greatly increase the likelihood of a rabies reaction.
According to manufacturer’s label recommendations, only healthy dogs should be vaccinated. if your dog has a documented history of health problems, or problems with this or any other vaccines, you may be able to get a special exemptiono or postponement from your local Animal Control. (Consult your vet or local animal control for exemption requirements; exemption availability varies from locale to locale. Willingness to request an exemption varies from vet to vet. Again, you may have to vet shop.)

Which brand should you use? All of the US brands used “killed” vaccines, not “modified live” vaccines. A “modified live” vaccine would be too dangerous as sometimes, although rarely, it can cause the disease it is meant to prevent.

Many of my veterinarian friends mostly recommend the Merial IMRAB TF 1 or 3 year. For cats, the Merial PUREVAX Feline Rabies. But remember, all rabies vaccines have the potential of causing serious adverse reactions. And some animals will react differently to different vaccines.

“TF” stands for thimerosol free, that is, free of a mercury adjuvant. Mercury is used as a preservative in vaccines, and can be present even if it is not on the label. The ingredients are part of the proprietary stew. Many experts believe it to be dangerous. Note: Several manufacturers offer thimerosol-free rabies vaccines.

Unfortunately, most vets carry only one brand and it’s probably not thimerosol free. In larger practices, some of the vets may not even like the brand they carry. It is often selected by price, because the senior partner or corporate buyer like it and/or because one manufacturer’s rep does a better job than another. You cannot buy the brand you want and vaccinate yourself. Most vets won’t even order the brand you want if you offer to pay for a whole case.

How do you get the brand you want? Find another vet.

So, as you see, rabies vaccination is a complicated, potentially dangerous, procedure. Educate your self and proceed with caution.

Unless your dog is granted a rabies vaccination exemption, you are legally required to vaccinate. Vaccination with any vaccine is serious business. Your dog’s future health, and even her life, may be at stake. Vaccinate cautiously.

*** Renowned pet vaccination scientists Drs. Jean Dodds and Ron Schultz spoke at my Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in 2010. Click here to purchase a DVD of the event, the proceeds of which benefit the Rabies Challenge Fund.

New In-Office Titer Test for Dogs: Test Before Revaccinating

Jan — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:47:26 +0000

In-Office Titer Test Kit

Blood antibody titer testing (a simple blood test) is the best way to determine if an animal or human has received immunity from vaccination. (Just giving a vaccine proves only that you’ve given it, not that it worked.)

Testing your pup after her ”puppy shots” tells you if immunity was achieved, potentially eliminating unnecessary revaccination. (Remember, every vaccine brings with it the potential for adverse reactions, ranging from a fever to even death.) Testing a new adult dog, or a dog with unknown vaccination history, helps determine if further vaccination is necessary and tells you which vaccines, if any, to give. In the US, most experts recommend testing for parvovirus and distemper. Most other vaccines are either unnecessary in many areas or don’t confer immunity long enough to bother testing. At this time, titer testing is NOT a legal substitute for rabies vaccination.

If your vet doesn’t test titers as a routine matter before revaccinating, or if the cost is prohibitive, I hope you’ll tell your vet about a new inexpensive, quick in-office test. I am writing about it for information purposes only hoping it will help promote titer testing before routine revaccination. I do not profit financially from this new test. — Jan

To learn more about testing titers, including how often to test and why it is often safer and less expensive than revaccinating, read my article about titer testing. Upcoming is a short article sent to me by Biogal, the maker of the new test, the Canine VacciCheck. Test kits are available for dogs, cats and birds.

Titer Testing Can Assist in Avoiding Core Vaccine Over Vaccination

Although most veterinarians agree vaccines are necessary to prevent serious canine and feline infectious diseases, the frequency in which pets are vaccinated is debated.

Why does this matter? Although vaccines are largely safe for healthy animals, adverse reactions, both minor and serious, do occur. This is particularly bad when vaccines were given unnecessarily because the animal didn’t need the vaccine in the first place.

It is known that dogs, after vaccination, often maintain protective antibody to the important core diseases Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Distemper for three or more years. Blood studies have shown immunity for seven years or more. But how do we know that the antibody levels of our pets through vaccination are adequate?

Titer Testing to Determine Duration of Immunity (DOI)

Duration of immunity refers to the length of time an animal is able to resist disease.

Blood antibody tests can be used to demonstrate the DOI after vaccination for many vaccines, including all the core vaccines. When antibodies are present there should be no need to revaccinate the dog or cat for the specific disease tested. If antibody titer is absent, some vets believe a previously vaccinated dog should be revaccinated unless there is a medical basis for not so doing so. Studies have shown, however, that a dog that has had it’s “puppy shots” is likely immune for many years, even for life.

Previously, a significant drawback in performing antibody tests was the cost and the time to obtain results, as it required sending blood or serum to a lab. Consequently, many pets were unnecessarily needlessly vaccinated in the interest of time and money. . Times have changed.

A Concept Change in Titer Testing

The Canine VacciCheck is a rapid, simple, reliable and cost-effective antibody test useful in determining if a dog requires additional vaccination. It can also help determine the vaccination status of a dog with unknown vaccination history or help determine if puppies or kittens have developed immunity from vaccination.

What is also unique about the VacciCheck is that it s test provides a simultaneous result developed for all three core vaccines per test, and results are received within 20 minutes. Veterinary clinics and, shelters and therefore have a quick and simple in-office test that can be performed at a reasonable cost to the pet owner.

In the past, even though there was an intention by many pet owners and /or veterinarians to carry out titer testing for core vaccines as opposed toinstead of automatically revaccinating, the price of a titer test when compared to a vaccination was often prohibitive.

ThereforeAs a result, wWith thea price factor lessened via the use of the VacciCheck, veterinarians can send ‘annual health check’ reminders instead of Vaccination reminder cards for vaccines.

The ‘annual health check’ moves the emphasis from, and client expectation of, annual revaccination, thus saving the client money and eliminating adverse reactions from unnecessary vaccination.

Read what world renowned canine vaccination expert Dr. Ron Schultz wrote about this product.

Another article on vaccination that may be of interest:
Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots

Is Your Dog’s Bad Behavior Caused by a Health Problem?

Jan — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:35:33 +0000

Is your puppy or adult dog acting strangely, being aggressive, fearful, phobic, hyperactive or depressed? Many of these and other canine “problem” behaviors can result from thyroid dysfunction, or a vaccine or drug reaction. Even food with a high sugar content can cause behavior problems, as it can with children.

Before calling your dog trainer to “fix” your dog’s problem, read what these three veterinarians (specializing in three different fields) have to say. Retraining may still be required, but check out your dog’s health first. Maybe the behavior was caused by thyroid disease, vaccination or medication. [Note: The highlights below are mine - Jan Rasmusen.]

THYROID DISEASE AS A CAUSE OF BEHAVIOR CHANGES

“The principal reason for pet euthanasia stems not from disease, but undesirable behavior” wrote pet vaccination and thyroid expert, W. Jean Dodds, DVM. Below is an excerpt from “Behavioral Changes Associated with Thyroid Dysfunction in Dogs” by Drs. Dodds and Linda P. Aronson:

… an association has recently been established between aberrant behavior and thyroid dysfunction in the dog, and has been noticed in cats with hyperthyroidism. Typical clinical signs include unprovoked aggression towards other animals and/or people, sudden onset of seizure disorder in adulthood, disorientation, moodiness, erratic temperament, periods of hyperactivity, hypoattentiveness, depression, fearfulness and phobias, anxiety, submissiveness, passivity, compulsiveness, and irritability.

After episodes, most of the animals appeared to come out of a trance like state, and were unaware of their bizarre behavior. … Investigators in recent years have noted the sudden onset of behavioral changes in dogs around the time of puberty or as young adults. Most of the dogs have been purebreds or crossbreeds, with an apparent predilection for certain breeds. For a significant proportion of these animals, neutering does not alter the symptoms and in some cases the behaviors intensify. The seasonal effects of allergies to inhalants and ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks, followed by the onset of skin and coat disorders including pyoderma, allergic dermatitis, alopecia, and intense itching, have also been linked to changes in behavior.

Many of these dogs belong to a certain group of breeds or dog families susceptible to a variety of immune problems and allergies (e.g. Golden Retriever, Akita, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog, and German Shepherd Dog). The clinical signs in these animals, before they show the sudden onset of behavioral aggression, can include minor problems such as inattentiveness, fearfulness, seasonal allergies, skin and coat disorders, and intense itching. These may be early subtle signs of thyroid dysfunction, with no other typical
signs of thyroid disease being manifested.

The typical history starts out with a quiet, well-mannered and sweet-natured puppy or young adult dog. The animal was outgoing, attended training classes for obedience, working, or dog show events, and came from a reputable breeder whose kennel has had no prior history of producing animals with behavioral problems. At the onset of puberty or thereafter, however, sudden changes in personality are observed. Typical signs can be incessant whining, nervousness, schizoid behavior, fear in the presence of strangers, hyperventilating and undue sweating, disorientation, and failure to be attentive. These changes can progress to sudden unprovoked aggressiveness in unfamiliar situations with other animals, people and especially with children….

The major categories of aberrant behavior [are] aggression (40% of cases), seizures (30%), fearfulness (9%), and hyperactivity (7%); some dogs exhibited more than one of these behaviors. Within these 4 categories, thyroid dysfunction was found in 62% of the aggressive dogs, 77% of seizuring dogs, 47% of fearful dogs, and 31% of hyperactive dogs.

Our ongoing study now includes over 1500 cases of dogs presented to veterinary clinics for aberrant behavior. … findings confirm the importance of including a complete thyroid antibody profile as part of the laboratory and clinical work up of any behavioral case.

From Jan: Read Dr. Dodds entire article for more information. Listen to Dr. Dodds’ discussion of thyroid supplementation . Dr. Dodds evaluates and reads my own dogs’ thyroid tests. My vet draws the blood then sends it to. Dr. Dodds interprets test results by breed, age, sex and activity — which no one else does. She writes that this interpretation “often yields an expected normal reference range for an individual pet that differs from the test lab’s generic broad reference range.” And her nonprofit hemopet.org has great prices. The complete panel she runs is called Thyroid 5™. This is much more complete than the simple thyroid results than is found in general blood tests.

Additional articles about thyroid disease by Dr. Dodds:
The Effect of Hypothyroid Function on Canine Behavior
Nutritional Management of Thyroid & Immune Disorders
Thyroid Disease and Autoimmune Thyroiditis

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VACCINATION AS A CAUSE OF BEHAVIOR CHANGES

Patricia Jordan, DVM, VND, CVA, CTCVM & Herbology, is a vaccination expert and author of Mark of the Beast. She writes:

My experience as a practicing veterinarian for over 25 years, matched by Dr. Stephen Blake (37 years) and Dr. Richard Pitcairn (40 years) — has been that of watching vaccines result in disease in animals — and behavioral changes.

UC California at Davis recently finished studies proving the development of anger, aggression and anxiety in both animals and humans following vaccination. This should not be surprising as the mercury in vaccines (yes, it is still there) and aluminum are neurotoxins which are in combination synergetic. Aluminum opens the blood-brain barrier allowing mercury, aluminum and viruses (both intentional and unintentional contaminants) into the brain. The ensuing inflammation that develops is, well, encephalitis!

A French study showed, both in animals and humans, that the more viruses that are collected, the more apathetic the individual becomes. Vaccines are the best way to infect the body with viruses.

The aluminum from vaccines sequesters in the hippocampus of the brain, the seat of endocrine regulation and even dys regulated endocrine systems, and leads to behavioral changes.

I have seen plenty of behavioral changes following vaccination and will actually be speaking on this at a national veterinary convention next May. The sad thing is that this has been recognized for the past 150 years and there is still no consensus. I am sure this is due to the commercial protection of vaccines.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has been on record stating that the mammalian immune system [of pets] is not unlike the human immune system, and that viral vaccines (the only ones really worth the risk) are good for life once administered one time to a mature mammalian immune system.

Dr. Harris Coulter, author of Vaccination: The Rise of Criminality and Social Violence: The Assault on the American Brain, tracked the rise of vaccinations to the rise of social violence and criminality and also a drop in IQ. My book MARK OF THE BEAST, HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT, updated the final chapter of Dr. Coulter’s book, “Medical Hubris and Its Unintended Consequences.” This violence, aggression, anger link to vaccines can easily be understood if even knowing about the common fevers and encephalitis that follows vaccinations, the high pitched cry and neurological disorders, the learning disabilities…..and these are obviously also occurring in animals although not admitted but very much recognized.

Those involved in training puppies and in the socialization of the dogs have linked the coincidence of behavioral changes in some dogs that follows the puppyhood series of vaccinations.

One thing I am POSITIVE about: if animal behaviorists are not thinking and understanding [the vaccination-behavior link], they are way off the mark in what they are understanding, recording, teaching and advising clients.

You should find one of the more highly attuned veterinary homeopaths to expand on this level of behavioral damage from vaccines issues. (From Jan: find a list of holistic veterinarians and vets trained in homeopathy here. Homeopathy is your best chance to reduce the vaccine damage.)

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RABIES VACCINATION AS A CAUSE OF BEHAVIOR CHANGES

Michael Dym, VDM, homeopathic veterinarian, on behavior changes after vaccination for rabies:
Unfortunately vaccination can result in certain sensitive individuals a chronic disease state one that is long-lasting, indeed in some cases a life-long condition…. This state of “vaccinosis” is understood as the disturbance of the life force that results in mental, emotional and physical changes induced by the laboratory modification of a viral disease to make a vaccination.

In other words, instead of seeing acute expressions of viral disease, we are instead seeing symptoms of chronic illness which are actually documented to occur in rabid animals. Symptoms of rabies include restlessness; viciousness; avoidance of company; unusual affection; desire to travel; inability to be restrained; self biting; strange cries and howls; inability to swallow resulting in gagging while eating/drinking; staring eyes; swallowing wood, stones, inedibles; destruction of blankets, clothing; convulsive seizures; throat spasms; increased sexual desires; disturbed heart function; excited and jerky breathing.

My biggest concern with pets are the changes in behavior after being vaccinated. This is usually along the lines of aggression, suspicion, unusual fears, etc. The essential aspect is a lack of control of impulses.

Many pets may exhibit any or many of the above behaviors indefinitely such as “reverse sneezing” and increased mounting seen in neutered pets. Conventional medicine does not explain these odd symptoms, but homeopathically these pets may be exhibiting symptoms of rabies vaccinosis and occur fairly commonly in my opinion.

You certainly need to follow the law with regard to rabies vaccination. A homeopathic remedy given at the time of immunization can help reduce side effects. If your pet is suffering from the above symptoms, he/she can be evaluated by a homeopathic vet to try and cure this chronic diseased state.

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From Jan: Certain medications can also cause behavior changes. Research possible adverse reactions to medications by searching on-line by product name, by reading the product’s package insert, by talking with your vet or by visiting the veterinary section of Drug.com. Also check the label on your pet’s food, particularly dry food. Corn as a first ingredient, of several of the first 5 ingredients, may be influencing behavior. Switch to a better food.