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coverpet health


7. ONLY VACCINATE HEALTHY PETS. Although vaccinating your pet is a generally a safe


wellness practice, life threatening health consequences may be associated with non-judicious administration of vaccines. Even a single vaccine can incite a hyper- sensitivity (allergic) reaction, emergence of immune system diseases (including cancer, as occurred with Feline Leukemia vaccination in the ‘90s), worsening of inflammatory conditions, organ system failure, seizure activity, coma and death. In my practice, I advocate the provision of vaccina-


tions according to the UC Davis Canine and Feline Vaccination Guidelines and the 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. Pets should be vaccinated only when they are in the best state of health. Illnesses should be resolved to the fullest extent before a vac- cination is given.


9. SEEK ALTERNATIVES


TO BOOSTER VACCINES. If your pet has previously been


vaccinated, adequate antibodies (im- mune system proteins) may exist in the blood. According to AVMA Vaccination Principles, “While there is evidence that some vaccines provide immunity beyond one year, revaccination of patients with sufficient immunity does not necessarily add to their disease protection and may increase the potential risk of post- vaccination adverse events.” Pending the pet’s overall health status


8. ADMINISTER VACCINES


INDIVIDUALLY. Some pets receive multiple vaccines during a single


office visit. Doing so may or may not contribute to health problems. Since immune health is a complicated process, the body’s response to agents that cause immunostimulation can be quite variable. It’s crucial that owners always take the safest


approach possible to addressing their pet’s immunity. Even if their veterinarian does not recommend giving one vaccine at a time, doing so is in a pet’s best interest. If multiple vaccines are administered and a


post-vaccination reaction occurs, it’s impossible to determine which agents are at fault. Common post-vaccination adverse events include lethargy, anorexia (decreased appetite), hyperthermia (high body temperature), soreness at the site of injection, or more serious responses like anaphylaxis (hives, tissue swelling, vomit, diarrhea, shock, etc.). Receiving more than one vaccination in a single


appointment doesn’t make your pet healthier. Doing so only caters to the convenience of the owner and veterinary staff. A three to four week interval between vaccinations is a healthier choice.


and the potential for exposure to an infectious organism, owners should consult with their veterinarian about performing antibody titers before a booster vaccine is given. Vaccinations for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Bordetella for dogs, Calicivirus, Herpesvirus and Panelukopenia for cats and Rabies (among others) for cats and dogs, produce antibodies that can be evaluated through a blood test called an antibody titer. If the titer is at or above a protective


threshold and the likelihood a pet may be exposed to such organisms is low, then the decision to hold off on a booster vaccination may be reached. If the titer is negative or low, then the vaccine can be appropriately administered. Such deci- sions should be made in partnership with the overseeing veterinarian and should take into consideration the pet’s current state of health, history of post-vaccination adverse events and other factors. Immunity is a complex process, so


merely having a protective titer does not 100 percent guarantee a pet will be protected against infection by a particular organism. This is why an individualized, case-based approach that follows your state’s legal guidelines is important.


10. BE MINDFUL OF THE CARETAKING RESPONSIBILITIES AND FINANCIAL


OBLIGATIONS OF PET OWNERSHIP. Ownership of a pet is a responsibility only to be undertaken


by people able and willing to make lifestyle choices for their companion canine or feline on the basis of health. Incorporating an animal companion into one’s household


compromises available time, space and financial resources. Pets are not self-sustaining creatures, so owners have a continuous and life-long role in providing behavioral guid- ance, feeding, grooming, social interaction and facilities for waste elimination. Pet owners should never acquire a pet without first carefully


evaluating their ability to fiscally and emotionally provide care both in sickness and in health. There’s no guarantee a pet will remain free from disease, trauma, or lack exposure to toxins, so the need to expend money on maintaining wellness or treating illness inevitably arises. Visual Economics shares insightful perspective on the lifetime costs of our companion animals. (creditloan.com/blog/how-much-our-pets-cost-in-a-lifetime)


FollowPatrick Mahaney VMD, CVA, CVJ (Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, and Certified Veterinary Journalist) onTwitter @PatrickMa- haney, on Facebook atfacebook.com/PatrickMahaneyVeterinarian, on Instagram atinstagram.com/patrickmahaney, or catch his many YouTube videos atyoutube.com/user/patrickmahaney. You can also subscribe to an emailed version of Dr. Mahaney’s veterinary blog on his website,California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc. atpatrickmahaney.com.


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RAGE monthly | AUGUST 2017


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