Aimee's Rabies Exemption Law

Why Rabies Vaccine is For Healthy Animals Only

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why drug manufacturer's admonish veterinarians that rabies vaccine is only for healthy animals? Author, Jan Rasmusen, delivers a really thorough discussion of the potential damage in Dogs Naturally Magazine.

Most knowledgeable vets agree that certain animals should NOT be vaccinated (absent proven, urgent need such as inevitable exposure to a life-threatening disease). These include, but aren’t limited to, pets with autoimmune disease … pets undergoing chemo, radiation or surgery (even dental cleaning or neutering) … pets with autoimmune disease, cancer, severe allergies and skin diseases … pets fighting an illness or parasites … pets stressed from shipment or a move to a new home … malnourished pets … and dying housebound pets. Assaulting the immune systems of these animals with vaccination has been likened to throwing gas on a raging fire.

Vaccination is big business and an old habit. Dogs and cats need an advocate with common sense (and a strong backbone) to stand up for their pets. That means you!

So why shouldn’t you vaccinate a sick, stressed or geriatric pet? For one thing, the pet may develop adverse reactions ranging from fever to seizures to autoimmune disease to anaphylactic shock and even death. Furthermore,shots administered to an unhealthy animal may fail to provide immunity while giving you the false security that your dog is protected. On top of that, the animal’s immune system, which should be fighting illness, may be diverted to handle the shot.

Where We Began

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000

Last night I paused in the hallway to look at the photo montage of Aimee, the calico cat who inspired me to start this blog and advocate for rabies medical exemption for sick and senior pets.

Aimee must have been tapping me on the shoulder; I realized that it was five years ago today that we said "goody-bye."This blog and my participation in the reform of rabies laws nationwide began as a tribute to her.

I have much to thank her for.

If it had not been for my experience with her, I would never have known about the damage that redundant vaccinations can do to our companion animals. I would never have explored or adopted the proper diet for my dog. If it had not been for Aimee, I would never have connected with so many wonderful dog and cat people around the country and worldwide.

Since Aimee's death, more than 1,800 people have stepped forward to sign the petition to exempt sick dogs and cats from redundant rabies vaccinations. Many others I am privileged to know advance reform with informational blogs like this one, by lobbying city, county and state lawmakers to reform rabies laws, by advancing our knowledge of current vaccine science or contributing to this study through The Rabies Challenge Fund.

We come to this information through heartbreak. We took our animals to a licensed veterinarian. We trusted their advice. We obeyed the law. "Doing the right thing" turned out very wrong for our companion animals. Loss. Grief. Anger. Resolve. If I can do nothing more for my beloved pet, let me spare someone else this anguish.

For a long time, I felt tremendously guilty and ashamed about choosing homeopathy over conventional drug treatment for my cat and hospice over heroic medical intervention for Aimee. Should a. Could a. Would a.

Shadow the VAS cat

Five years later, knowing the stories of animals who lost their lives to the unintended consequences of overvaccination - Shadow, the VAS cat, Neptune, the poodle with IMHA - as well as Peaches, the champion rat terrier who survived, I know it doesn't matter. All the heroics and resources in the world don't always win.

We do the best we can with the information, understanding and resources available at the time. When we know better, we do better. And in my heart, I know that hospice was the right choice for my cat.

So today I remember Aimee with tears and smiles.

She was the first kitten of four I picked up the day Callianna gave birth in the towel cabinet in my bathroom. The many joyful moments raising her and her siblings. The satisfaction of finding homes for all of them, knowing that she would always be mine. The many beautiful days she bathed in the sun while I gardened. Her diligence excavating a poo garden behind the house on Lakeway Drive. How tough she looked when she puffed herself up to drive off an opossum on the patio. How vital and lively she was just days before her disease turned for the worse. The many peaceful nights she snuggled up in the crook of my legs to sleep.

Aimee, my fat cat.

Bitter. Sweet. A good life.

OT: America's Nanny Dog - the Pit Bull

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Yona Ward Grossman publishes a post that is too good not to share. For over 100 years, America knew pit bulls by what they did best - babysitting. Check out all the vintage pictures. They're precious. My part-pittie nanny is pictured here.

MISSOURI: Rabies Challenge Fund Proposes Rabies Medical Exemption

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:36:00 +0000

Senator Dan Brown has introduced a rabies bill, SB 566, into the Missouri legislature for consideration. This bill has been assigned to the Agriculture, Food Production & Outdoor Resources Committee.

While the state legislature considers setting state guidelines for rabies vaccination of all dogs and cats, the Rabies Challenge Fund has submitted a letter urging lawmakers to insert a medical exemption clause into this bill.

It states that rabies vaccine is intended for use in only healthy animals for efficacy reasons. Even a slight elevation in temperature can thwart the efficacy of the vaccine. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that the administration of this vaccine in the very sick or senior family pets can be extremely damaging or even deadly.

The conflict between periodic mandatory rabies vaccination in the interest of public health and the desire of pet owners to protect companion animals sets up conditions for unintended consequences. Pet owners may choose to disobey the law and refuse to license their animals thus raising concerns for public health. When animals in frail health are exempted, no such conflict exists.

This rabies medical exemption clause insures that dogs or cats under the care of a licensed veterinarian for acute or chronic disease are excused from mandatory rabies vaccination until their health is judged sufficiently robust to withstand the challenge of a potent biologic agent.

So far 14 states have included medical exemption clauses for sick animals in their rabies prevention and control ordinances. There has been no increase in the reported cases of rabies in those states.

What You Can Do

Missouri residents are urged to contact the bill sponsor and the Chair of the Agriculture Committee asking them to place a medical exemption clause into the language of the bill and to vote that the bill "ought to pass." Please ask all of the Missouri pet owners you know to do the same.

Senator Dan Brown (573) 751-5713 Dan.Brown@senate.mo.gov Senator Brian Munzlinger, Chair of the Agriculture Committee (573) 751-7985 Brian.Munzlinger@senate.mo.gov

PERMISSION GRANTED TO CROSS-POST

January 14, 20012

Senator Dan Brown
Senator Brian Munzlinger

RE: SB 566 Bill Requiring Dogs and Cats to be Vaccinated Against Rabies

Greetings Senators Brown and Munzlinger:

The Rabies Challenge Fund supports passage of the proposed language in SB 566 which would amend Section A, Chapter 322 RSMo, Subsection 322.035 (5) to require that dogs and cats be immunized against rabies in accordance with the current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Association of State Public Health Veterinarian’s (NASPHV) Rabies Compendium.

Also in accordance with the Rabies Compendium, we strongly urge the Committee to insert a rabies medical exemption clause into the language of this bill.

The Rabies Compendium directs that “All vaccines must be administered in accordance with the specifications of the product label or package insert,” and rabies vaccine labels specify that they are for healthy animals. In addition to limiting its rabies vaccine for use in healthy animals, Pfizer’s Defensor 3 label cautions that: “[a] protective immune response may not be elicited if animals are incubating an infectious disease, are malnourished or parasitized, are stressed due to shipment or environmental conditions, are otherwise immunocompromised.”

The states of Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin all have medical exemption clauses for sick animals in their rabies immunization laws/regulations.

Immunologically, the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions such as polyneuropathy “resulting in muscular atrophy, inhibition or interruption of neuronal control of tissue and organ function, incoordination, and weakness,”[1] auto-immune hemolytic anemia,[2] thrombocytopenia, anorexia, regional lymphadenomegaly, cutaneous ischemic vasculopathy;[3] autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are all linked to the rabies vaccine.[4] [5]

It is medically unsound for this vaccine to be given to any animal deemed unhealthy by a veterinarian.

A medical exemption clause would allow Missouri veterinarians to write waivers for animals whose medical conditions (such as those with cancer, kidney/liver failure, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, grand mal seizures, and chronic autoimmune disorders) would be exacerbated by rabies vaccination.

The State of Maine inserted such an exemption for dogs into their 3 year rabies protocol, 7 M.R.S.A., Sec. 3922(3), which became effective in April 2005, and not one rabid dog has been reported in the nearly 7 years since.

Maine’s exemption language is as follows:

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. Without a provision for medical exemptions in Section A, Chapter 322 RSMo, Missouri’s rabies immunization requirement would thrust an ethical quandary on veterinarians with seriously ill patients -- they must either violate their Veterinarian’s Oath and administer a rabies vaccine contrary to sound medical practice and against the vaccine manufacturer’s labeled instructions, or recommend their clients break the law by not immunizing their unhealthy pets against rabies.

Being compelled by law to vaccinate sick dogs and cats against rabies in order for their clients to comply with the statute also puts Missouri’s veterinarians at risk of being held liable for any adverse reactions the animals may suffer after administering a vaccine inconsistently with the labeled directions.

Owners of critically ill dogs may choose not to comply with the law rather than jeopardize the lives of their pets and then fail to license their dogs to avoid detection.

On behalf of The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust and Missouri pet owners, we urge you to insert a medical exemption clause in Senate Bill 566 and to vote that the bill ought to pass.

You may contact me at the number below if you would like any scientific data on the rabies vaccine or if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Kris L. Christine
Founder, Co-Trustee THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND
www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

Dr. W. Jean Dodds
Dr. Ronald Schultz
Missouri Legislature & Agriculture Committee

[1] Dodds, W. Jean Vaccination Protocols for Dogs Predisposed to Vaccine Reactions, The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, May/June 2001, Vol. 37, pp. 211-214 [2] Duval D., Giger U.Vaccine-Associated Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in the Dog, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1996; 10:290-295
[3] American Animal Hospital Association, 2011 Canine Vaccination Guidelines, p. 20
[4] American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board, April 2001, Principles of Vaccination, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 219, No. 5, September 1, 2001.
[5] Vascelleri, M. Fibrosarcomas at Presumed Sites of Injection in Dogs: Characteristics and Comparison with Non-vaccination Site Fibrosarcomas and Feline Post-vaccinal Fibrosarcomas; Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series A August 2003, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 286-291.

Missouri Rabies Laws: A Solution Without a Problem?

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

It's hard to fathom why a Missouri state senator has introduced new legislation to require rural residents to vaccinate all dogs and cats with rabies vaccine. Currently rural areas are bereft of rabies control and prevention ordinances.

They are also devoid of rabies.

In the last few decades, only a few cases of rabies have been confirmed A rabid bat has caused one human death in 2008.

Although many cities and towns in Missouri have long since adopted ordinances requiring pet vaccinations, there is no such law at the state level, meaning that many rural parts of the state are not covered by any regulation.

Brown’s bill would require that all dogs, cats and other potential rabies transmitting pets be vaccinated regularly against the disease. Failure to meet this requirement would be considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $300 fine or up to 15 days in jail.

Competing forces are arguing for and against this legislation.

On the plus side, vaccination of family pets has long been used to create a buffer between humans and wildlife on the theory that herd immunity prevents the spread of rabies. More, this bill will give a county sheriff's office the authority to detain a pet dog that bites for observation.

Opponents argue that the law would subject any kindly soul who feeds a stray dog or cat for more than three days to fines and jail time if the animal is not vaccinated.

Personally, I find it highly ironic that the lawmaker pushing this bill considers an antiquated policy to be the height of modernity.

“It kind of brings Missouri into the 20th century, even though this is the 21st century,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Dan Brown, R-Rolla, as he testified before the Senate agriculture committee on Wednesday. “We’re way behind on what our statute states in regard to rabies.”

Is the Missouri lawmaker proposing a solution without a problem?

Bordetella - A Good Vaccine?

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:27:00 +0000

I am the first person to say "don't throw the baby out with the bath water," when it comes to animal vaccines.

One rabies vaccine shot protects your dog or cat from the virus in case of exposure for a very long time. While the ongoing private study on duration of immunity funded by the Rabies Challenge Fund is incomplete at this time, studies by serology have proved this single administration to last as long as seven years.

Other animal vaccines are simply useless. They do not prevent disease and they may cause unintended consequences. I count Bordatella among these.

Patricia Monahan Jordan, a graduate of the North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine, concurs and in no uncertain terms.

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”.

Have a look at why she considers Bordatella a worthless expense and possibly worse in the most recent issue of Dogs Naturally.

Minnesota Pet Owners Misinformed On Rabies Shot Intervals

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Details. Oh those pesky details.

Over the years, many veterinary clinics have used the pretext of annual "booster shots" to see family pets for annual examinations even when re-administration of the vaccine was unnecessary. It's apparently a difficult practice to break.

Kris Christine, The Rabies Challenge Fund reports:

MINNESOTA: 88.8% of veterinarians responding to a rabies survey from the Board of Veterinary Medicine indicated they give a three-year rabies vaccine; yet 53.3% fail to give pet owners a corresponding three-year rabies certificate (36.2% issue a two-year certificate, 17.1% issue "other"). When asked if they inform clients when they put a different expiration date on the rabies certificate than that on the vaccine administered, 40.9% responded that they did not inform the client.

A copy of this 12/14/11 report entitled "Rabies Vaccination Survey Report" may be requested from Dr. John King, Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine (651) 201-2844 John.King@state.mn.us

From news reports as recent as a year ago, we know that Minnesota was one of ten states without a statewide vaccine requirement and planning to write them. Kudos to the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine for doing its homework first.

Why Do Medical Associations Oppose Alternative Treatments?

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:33:00 +0000

I am convinced that the switch to homeopathy, an alternative therapy, is the reason that my dog is still alive (knock wood) and that the administration of medically unnecessary rabies vaccine is why my cat is dead. But if you find it difficult to get your head around the fact that the medical profession for both humans and animals is not always ethical, I understand why.

For one, the leading medical associations routinely seek to discredit alternative therapies. Get the low-down on how and why in this excellent report by Dr. Mercola.

The medical profession has a long history of opposing alternative healing professions. The rules of engagement have changed; as the AMA is finding new “legal” ways to discredit and limit practitioners of natural medicine
Alternative healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, naturopaths, and midwives have been targeted by the American Medical Association (AMA) for nearly a century, in spite of a federal court injunction against the AMA in 1987 for illegally trying to create a monopoly in the healthcare market
Other medical associations have joined forces to manipulate the public into believing natural medicine is quackery by spreading propaganda and mistruths

Pet food giant Science Diet receives FDA warning - National American Pit Bull | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:42:00 +0000

Our friend, Cindy Marabito, contributes an excellent report on what our dogs and cats are actually eating when you feed them Hill's Science Diet and why the FDA has warned them about making specious claims of effectiveness. Hint: grain-based pet foods feed inflammation like arthritis; they don't ease it.

Pet food giant Science Diet receives FDA warning - National American Pit Bull | Examiner.com:

'via Blog this'

Does Your Veterinarian Practice Bad Medicine?

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:24:00 +0000

Why doesn't every veterinarian recognize the danger of over-vaccinating dogs and cats?

Over the years of being a pet owner, I have known many wonderful veterinarians. So it came as a great shock to me when I learned that over-vaccinating my companion animals was most likely responsible for the chronic disease that has robbed my dog of quality of life and the renal failure that foreshortened the life of my cat. These are good people. They are caring people. They are devoted to their practice and to their patients' well-being. How could they continue a practice they knew might potentially cause harm?

When we know better, we do better.

Dr. Bob Rogers, Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Laura Szeremi, Dr. Jean Dodds and many other veterinarians nationwide now speak out regularly to reform local laws and professional guidelines to conform to vaccine science. This has often come at a price to their practices and professional standing.

So it could be that the brave, few, outspoken advocates whose names we know represent a legion of veterinary colleagues who now recognize the deleterious effects of over-vaccinating family pets and have simply stopped pushing booster shots for adult dogs and cats.

Our current vet is one. What if your veterinarian is not?

Jan Rasmusen muses about the many reasons that some veterinarians have been slow to respond to what seems like clear evidence that repeatedly jabbing the same animals with the same potent biologic agents is simply bad medicine.

AAHA Responds to Public Concern of 2011 Guidelines

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Several weeks ago, the most recent vaccination guidelines published by the American Animal Hospital Association for its member-veterinarians were greeted with small praise and healthy skepticism and criticism by dog and cat owners concerned about the killing effects of over-vaccination in companion animals.

At the bottom line, these guidelines do not go far enough to align veterinary practice with vaccine science. Moreover, they are merely guidelines and do nothing to discourage abuse of dog and cat vaccines, which we define as anything more than absolutely necessary.

In response, the public relations manager of AAHA claims:

If they are administered properly and the individual lifestyle/location of each individual pets is taken into account, vaccines are very effective in protecting pets and humans from serious illness and sometimes death.
Respectfully,
Jason Merrihew
AAHA PR Manager

I do not believe any advocate for vaccine reform wants to dispute the efficacy of core vaccines in puppies and kittens. We strongly protest the practice of using revaccination in adult animals as a ruse to bring patients into a veterinary clinic.

As Dog Naturally Magazine points out in this excellent history of the development of animal vaccinations, it is a practice with little or no scientific merit and potentially great harm.

If anyone doubts this, I encourage you to read the testimonials of pet owners who have signed the petition to exempt sick and senior pets from rabies vaccine. Read about Peaches, the champion rat terrier or Shadow, a beloved house cat, both seriously afflicted as a result of medically unnecessary revaccination. And the next time you take your pet in for a wellness exam, don't be afraid to say "no" to booster shots.

While the odds may be in favor of vaccines doing more good than harm, this bromide is no comfort when your dog or cat is the one.

What to Do Before the Annual Vet Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:03:00 +0000

What does a pet owner do before taking your dog or cat to the vet for an annual visit? Our friend, Jan Rasmusen has published a helpful reference so that you know before you go. Here's a hint: the devil is in the details.

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?

OT: Reunion Rescue 2012 Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Reunion Rescue is offering a 2012 calendar to raise funds for its work pulling and placing the pit-bull breeds that get such a bad rap. The 12 dogs pictured in it are still looking for forever homes, so have a look and snag a few for gifts and stocking stuffers.

Buy it here - $20.10

100% of the proceeds go toward rescue expenses.

You can read more about Reunion Rescue here.

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Veterinarians who conducted a study at Purdue University to determine whether vaccines can cause changes in a dog's immune system leading to immune-mediated disease have refuted the recent report on their findings by Catherine O'Driscoll, founder of Canine Health Concern and a long-time advocate for reforms in dog and cat vaccination protocols.

In an article of mine carried on this blog (see the Purdue Study), I outlined the implications of vaccinated dogs in a Purdue study developing autoantibodies to their own biochemicals. Specifically, the Purdue team found autoantibodies to fibronectin, laminin, DNA, albumin, cytochrome C, cardiolipin and collagen. My research methodology was straightforward. I searched the internet for scientific references to autoantibodies in relation to each of these biochemicals. Anyone can do this: simply type in “autoantibodies to fibronectin” … “autoantibodies to laminin” …, etc.When I originally wrote-up my findings, I sent them via email to Larry Glickman, who led the Purdue which that found these autoantibodies, and asked him to comment. His response was startling. Although he didn’t address the science of my findings, he did appear to be hot under the collar about dog owners who choose not to vaccinate their dogs. Having asked Dr Glickman to comment on the implication of these autoantibodies, I remained none the wiser with regard to his thoughts.Because my article has seemingly gone viral on the internet recently, there have been some positive and some negative responses. Strangely enough, negative comments are well worth having, because it means I can address them. Why do I do this? Because I care about the dogs and want to ensure that we are doing the best we can for them.

Suffice to say, she is unapologetic about her conclusions and introduces more damning evidence that the vaccines that are used on companion animals are far from benign.

Have a read.

$10,000 Matching Gift to Rabies Challenge Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Two anonymous dog owners are making a generous $10,000 matching gift to The Rabies Challenge Fund. From November 1st through December 31, these dog lovers will match every dollar donated up to $10,000. Please consider taking advantage of this charitable gift to double the amount of a donation.

The concurrent 5 and 7 year challenge studies being funded by The Rabies Challenge Fund have just entered their 5th year. At the end of 2012, the first rabies challenge will occur. As part of the studies, Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine intends to establish a rabies titer standard for dogs in addition to determining the long-term duration of immunity of the rabies vaccine in canines.

During the past year, The Rabies Challenge Fund has been actively involved in rabies medical exemption legislation in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and California. On October 7, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a rabies medical exemption into law, becoming the 14th state to do so.

Tax-exempt donations can be made with Paypal here:
http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/donate/donate-to-the-fund

or mailed to The Rabies Challenge Fund, c/o Hemopet, 11561 Salinaz Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92843. Credit card donations can be phoned in to Hemopet (specify they are for The Rabies Challenge Fund) by calling (714) 891-2022, ext. 13.

Thank you for your support of this important research.

The Rabies Challenge Fund is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, EIN #84-6390682.

AAHA Releases 2011 Vaccination Guidelines

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 02:04:00 +0000

Advocates for a sane vaccination protocol for our companion animals are heartened that the American Animal Hospital Association has published new guidelines for vaccinating dogs and cats. They relax the intervals between shots and provide a scientific basis for these recommendations.

According to AAHAnet.org, these guidelines are:

Developed in a manner consistent with best vaccination practices, the 2011 Guidelines include expert opinions supported by scientific study, published and unpublished documents, and encompass all canine vaccines currently licensed in the U.S. and Canada. The task force that developed the guidelines included experts in immunology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, law, and clinical practice.

Dr. Karen Becker, Mercola Healthy Pet is encouraged saying that, "the absolute highlight is that all core vaccines with the exception of the 1-year rabies are now recommended at 3-year or greater intervals.

Even more exciting to her is the fact that the task force has acknowledged that in the case of the non-rabies core vaccines,immunity lasts at least 5 years for distemper and parvo, and at least 7 years for adenovirus."

Pardon me if I remain skeptical.

The leading veterinary associations have been updating vaccination guidelines that recommend "the fewer vaccines, the better," for companion animal health since a landmark study in 2003.

At that time, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and every veterinary teaching hospital in America debunked the idea of one-size-fits-all annual vaccination schedule.

What AVMA says is "vaccines are a potent medical procedure associated with benefits and risk."

The COBTA report tells practitioners it's OK to buck the tradition of annual vaccinations and consider "exposure probability, susceptibility, severity of disease, efficacy and safety of vaccines, potential public health concerns and owner's preferences" before inoculating.

The position of the American Animal Hospital Association is:

“Every effort should be made to change laws that require vaccination with this rabies product more often than every three years since annual vaccinations cannot be shown to increase efficacy and it is known to increase adverse events.” (Paul, Michael, Report of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Task Force: 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines, Recommendations, and Supporting Literature, AAHA Foundation, March 2003.)

Vaccinations in Veterinary Medicine: Dogs and Cats by Don Hamilton, DVM

A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual re-vaccinations. Almost without exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual revaccinations. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal. Successful vaccination to most bacterial pathogens produces an immunologic memory that remains for years, allowing an animal to develop a protective anamnestic (secondary) response when exposed to virulent organisms. Only the immune response to toxins requires boosters (e.g. tetanus toxin booster, in humans, is recommended once every 7-10 years). And no toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs and cats. Furthermore, revaccination with most viral vaccines fails to stimulate an anamnestic (secondary) response as a result of interference by existing antibody (similar to maternal antibody interference).

Yet in 2011, veterinarians in Minnesota were busted for misleading clients about the appropriate interval for rabies - maximally every three years according to National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and all 50 state public health vets. This is just one of many examples.

Let's just say that the members of AAHA, AVMA and AAFP are a wee slow to get on the bandwagon with these "guidelines."

Still, knowledge is power.

Pet owners are encouraged to arm themselves with the 2011 guidelines for vaccination from this important veterinary association before your next vet visit. It makes saying "no thanks, we don't need that service this year," much easier.

Dr. Becker has more information about this on her site. Worth a read.

Announcing the Kobi's Fund for VAS Cats Calendar - First Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:14:00 +0000

The Kobi Fund has announced the publication of its 2012 VAS Kitty Calendar. Four dollars from each sale (which is all proceeds beyond the publisher's fees) will go to Kobi's Fund for VAS Cats.

In case you're not familiar with Kobi's Fund, it's a charity that provides financial assistance to folks who need help to pay for treatment for their VAS kitties.

The Fund was started by some members of the VAS Support Group to memorialize Colleen Hanley and her VAS kitty Kobi. Colleen was a stalwart of the Support Group until she lost her own battle with cancer. Kobi went on to become a long term survivor; he recently died cancer-free some nine years after his amputation surgery.

The calendar features our beloved Kobi on the cover along with information on VAS and the Kobi Fund. Each month showcases a VAS group cat and includes a link tohttp://www.vascats.com and http://kobifund.org .

The calendars are 11"x17" and vertically aligned (portrait orientation). Each calendar is $20.99, which is Cafe Press' base price of $16.99 + $4.00 for Kobi's Fund.

We hope that everyone will at least view the calendar athttp://www.cafepress.com/kobifund2 . For every purchase made $4 will be donated to Kobi's Fund for VAS Cats.

Thanks to Mick and Emily and the rest of the calendar committee for their work with a special thanks to Alexis for her extensive design work. Additional acknowledgements go to Rodney for use of his VAS cat graphic and Kevin for creating http://www.vascats.com. Also thanks to Suzie for hosting the calendar on her Cafe Press site and handling the logistics of donations.

Even with all the smart phones and other electronic devices that are available today, an old fashioned wall calendar is always useful and fun to display. Hang one in your home and office or give to a friend or your vet's office and help spread the word about VAS and support Kobi's Fund for VAS Cats at the same time. For those of you new to the group, Kobi's Fund for VAS Cats was created to ease the financial burden for families who face a battle with VAS, to give them a chance to beat it as Kobi did.

You can learn more about Kobi's Fund here:

http://www.vascats.com and http://kobifund.org

You can see and order the calendar here:

http://www.cafepress.com/kobifund2

The Kobi Team

Prebiotics v Probiotics? Waste of Money

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:21:00 +0000

My over-vaccinated standard poodle has suffered for years with allergy symptoms including an overgrowth of yeast in the ears and on the skin. At its worst, the skin inside his thighs turned black. And the smell! Ugh. Poor puppy.

After much trial and many errors in finding safe, gentle, effective remedies for this condition, I learned that daily probiotics really help. They're also a Godsend for dogs or cats suffering in other ways. For instance:

Treat diarrhea Help cats and dogs in shelters manage the stress of abandonment and confinement
Alleviate GI upset while pets are being boarded
Reseed the gut with beneficial bacteria after a round of antibiotics
Calm digestive upsets caused by travel and dietary changes Improve digestion and stool quality in large and giant breed dogs
Boost immune system function, especially in pets that are very young, elderly or have compromised health

So what about Prebiotics? This product is billed as feeding only beneficial bugs in the gut..

Dr. Karen Becker, Mercola Healthy Pet, says don't waste your money.

Have a look at her simple, no-nonsense, down-to-earth rationale.

OT: Dogtoberfest Austin Fundraising Event

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:29:00 +0000

Dogtoberfest is an Austin based, non-profit organization, created for the purpose of instilling awareness about dog rescue, as well as raising much needed funds for local dog rescue organizations. We have an annual event at The Domain, which includes a silent auction, Canine Costume Contest, pet related demonstrations and fun for all!

Print this flyer and take it with you to California Pizza Kitchen (Barton Creek Mall) or California Pizza Kitchen (Domain) on Oct. 18th! Part of the proceeds will go to benefit the dogs at Dogtoberfest!

The following 8 local rescue groups will benefit from Dogtoberfest 2011:

Austin Boxer Rescue
Austin Dog Rescue
Austin Sheltie Rescue
Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Heart of Texas Lab Rescue
Hound Rescue
Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions Wee Rescue

How Vaccines Cause Health Issues in Dogs and Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:05:00 +0000

Catherine O'Driscoll, the Canine Health Concern, discusses a university study that traces the effect of vaccines on the immune system of our companion animals. The impact is not good.

A team at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine conducted several studies (1,2) to determine if vaccines can cause changes in the immune system of dogs that might lead to life-threatening immune-mediated diseases. They obviously conducted this research because concern already existed. It was sponsored by the Haywood Foundation which itself was looking for evidence that such changes in the human immune system might also be vaccine induced. It found the evidence.

The vaccinated, but not the non-vaccinated, dogs in the Purdue studies developed autoantibodies to many of their own biochemicals, including fibronectin, laminin, DNA, albumin, cytochrome C, cardiolipin and collagen.
This means that the vaccinated dogs — ”but not the non-vaccinated dogs”– were attacking their own fibronectin, which is involved in tissue repair, cell multiplication and growth, and differentiation between tissues and organs in a living organism.
The vaccinated Purdue dogs also developed autoantibodies to laminin, which is involved in many cellular activities including the adhesion, spreading, differentiation, proliferation and movement of cells. Vaccines thus appear to be capable of removing the natural intelligence of cells.

Autoantibodies to cardiolipin are frequently found in patients with the serious disease systemic lupus erythematosus and also in individuals with other autoimmune diseases. The presence of elevated anti-cardiolipin antibodies is significantly associated with clots within the heart or blood vessels, in poor blood clotting, haemorrhage, bleeding into the skin, foetal loss and neurological conditions.

The Purdue studies also found that vaccinated dogs were developing autoantibodies to their own collagen. About one quarter of all the protein in the body is collagen. Collagen provides structure to our bodies, protecting and supporting the softer tissues and connecting them with the skeleton. It is no wonder that Canine Health Concern’s 1997 study of 4,000 dogs showed a high number of dogs developing mobility problems shortly after they were vaccinated (noted in my 1997 book, What Vets Don’t Tell You About Vaccines).

Perhaps most worryingly, the Purdue studies found that the vaccinated dogs had developed autoantibodies to their own DNA. Did the alarm bells sound? Did the scientific community call a halt to the vaccination program? No. Instead, they stuck their fingers in the air, saying more research is needed to ascertain whether vaccines can cause genetic damage. Meanwhile, the study dogs were found good homes, but no long-term follow-up has been conducted. At around the same time, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force initiated several studies to find out why 160,000 cats each year in the USA develop terminal cancer at their vaccine injection sites.(3) The fact that cats can get vaccine-induced cancer has been acknowledged by veterinary bodies around the world, and even the British Government acknowledged it through its Working Group charged with the task of looking into canine and feline vaccines(4) following pressure from Canine Health Concern. What do you imagine was the advice of the AVMA Task Force, veterinary bodies and governments? “Carry on vaccinating until we find out why vaccines are killing cats, and which cats are most likely to die.”

Continued here

Does Your Cat Need the Feline Leukemia Vax?

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Dr. Karen Becker, Mercola Healthy Pets gives you something to think about:

A delivery device for a popular feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine has received an FDA warning about the potential for leg fractures.

Two and possibly three kittens have suffered broken femurs through what appears to be inappropriate use of the vaccination equipment.

Only kittens and adult cats at real risk for exposure to the feline leukemia virus should be considered for vaccination.

CA: Molly's Rabies Medical Exemption Bill Now Law

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Congratulations to advocates in and for the state of California. Molly's Bill granting rabies medical exemption to dogs under the care of a licensed veterinarian is now the law of the land. Mazel tov!

States Consider Controlling Rabies Intervals

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:31:00 +0000

In response to pet owner concerns and the loss of many healthy animals to dysfunction triggered by rabies vaccination, officials in Minnesota and Delaware are considering punitive measures for veterinarians who vaccinate more than legally required.

Squawks from opposing vets are quite revealing. They protest that they are medical experts and that the state would be removing their ability to practice medicine.

“The veterinarian is a professional,” said Dr. Heather Hirst, Delaware State Veterinarian. “A veterinarian is a source of medical expertise and they need to be allowed to use clinical judgment to make decisions about how they use vaccines.”

How ironic. That's exactly what mandatory rabies vaccination does.

They protest that if they don't vaccinate "off label," more than manufacturers recommend and states mandate, that clients will not remember to bring them in before the "vaccination expires."

But what constitutes need is another open question. Dr. John Baillie, a clinic owner in Lake Elmo, Minn., said he routinely administers three-year rabies vaccines to patients every two years.

The reason, which he said he explains to clients, is that he prefers to alternate the years in which patients receive distemper and rabies shots. “Then we’re not overloading them with the viral vaccinations,” Baillie said.

A biennial schedule also ensures that patients aren’t late for their required rabies shot, he said. “If everyone was always in on time (with their pet) it would be a moot point,” Baillie said. “But that doesn’t happen.”

He recently monitored how many clients visited the clinic on time for their pets’ rabies vaccinations. In two weeks, he counted 11 clients whose pets were behind schedule, one by six months.

However, because he had used a three-year vaccine on the patient, Baillie said, “that animal was still protected against rabies and the client was protected against legal ramifications.”

It's true that ethical veterinarians prefer to see fur-patients annually in order to practice preventative medicine. So do dentists who are also prefer to prevent dental issues rather than remedy them. But responsible pet owners, like people who take care of their teeth, seek annual wellness visits without the need for manipulation. And for the 999th time, rabies certificates lapse, immunization never expires.

Some ethical veterinarians oppose this measure on the basis of its unintended consequence. If the state punishes "off label" use of rabies vaccine by fines or other sanctions, then they are duty-bound to administer it according to the manufacturers recommendations even when they concede this is entirely too often.

Damned if we do. Damned if we don't.

CA Rabies Medical Exemption Bill Makes Governor's Desk

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:32:00 +0000

It's in the home stretch, but Molly's Bill, the California Rabies Medical Exemption Bill AB258 is not done yet!

Per Jan Rasmussen,

"Molly's bill, the CALIFORNIA Rabies Medical Exemption Bill AB 258, is on Governor Brown's desk for consideration. Please call ASAP and urge the Governor to sign it.

This bill will allow dogs with medical problems to postpone rabies vaccination until the dog can be vaccinated safely. Vaccination with this highly reactive vaccine would kill many dogs -- like my Jiggy who suffers from cancer.

In short, the law requires that a vet recommend exemption in writing and that a dog with an exemption be kept on a 6 foot leash, under the supervision of an adult, when away from home. It does NOT require quarantine as previous versions of the bill had.

Read Molly's Bill

Molly's Bill passed BOTH the State Assembly and Senate with NO opposition and is now on the Governor's desk for consideration. It was sponsored by Assemblyman Curt Hagman and has the support of world-renowned vaccination expert Dr. Jean Dodds. Read her letter of support here.

Please call or write ASAP and urge the Governor to sign Molly's Law:

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
email
Fax: (916) 558-3160
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Press 1 for English; press 2 to voice an opinion then press 0 for an operator. Say you want the Governor to sign AB 258, Molly's Bill.

Read more about rabies vaccination here.

ACTION ALERT: Petition to Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela Picard) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:15:00 +0000

Dr. Bob Rogers, DVM, the principal vet at the Critter Fixer Pet Hospital in Spring, Texas is requesting a hearing before the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to justify new rules that potentially reduce over-vaccination and its ill effects in the State of Texas.

Dr. Bob has been one of the leading advocates for vaccine reforms in Texas. Thanks to his persistence for many years leading up to it, the state (finally) confirmed its rabies protocol to the national standard of every three years in 2003. He has also worked tirelessly to educate veterinarian-students in Texas schools on the negative effects of over-vaccination. Moreover, he is always available to offer advice and support on vaccine education and reforms anywhere as needed nationwide.

Now we have a chance to help him.

Please print out, sign and fax the following petition to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

***

Critter Fixer Pet Hospital
Bob Rogers DVM
5703 Louetta Spring, Texas 77379
281-370-3262

Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
333 Guadalupe
Tower III Suite 810
Austin, Texas 78701

I hereby petition the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to
adopt three rules as proposed by Dr. Bob Rogers to:

1. Prohibit the misrepresentation of small animal vaccinations by
Veterinarians

2. Require all Veterinarians in the practice of small animal medicine in
Texas to obtain two hours of continuing education on vaccinations. This
continuing education shall not be continuing education provided by a vaccine
manufacturer or their employees.

3. Prohibit the allowance of Continuing education credits in Texas for
seminars where a conflict of interest may exist; where the speaker is a paid
employee of a company that makes a product involved in the topic or where
the seminar can be considered promotional.

Pursuant to the Texas Administrative Code we request a hearing to present
information showing why these rules are necessary and justified.

-------________________________________ ______________________
Signed
Print

________________________
City, State

___/___/___
Date

***

Please print out, sign and fax to: 281-259-6703.