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Here are some basic procedures:
 IMAGE COURTESY OF PAUL REYNOLDS One buyer asked if after neutering his dog is there plastic surgery to have the dog look intact? At the time I was unfamiliar with testicular implants but assume there was something since plastic surgery is such a broad and booming market for humans. I was right! According to the American Pet Products Association Americans will spend more than $69 billion annually (since 2017).
Surgeries are generally done to improve function for the dog with persistent issues. Most of these surgeries repair birth defects, damage done via accidents or to simply improve life in everyday medically warranted scenarios. Some of these issues requiring repair are a result of misguided aesthetic-based breeding such as a shorter snout that can impair breathing along with other issues. Cosmetic surgery is on the rise in the US although many of these surgeries are banned overseas. Improving aesthetics for a dog without a medical reason is frowned upon. With any of these surgeries, there is a risk to the dog. The answer to the question “Why?” most often is “They’re family”. References: “From Birthday Parties to 'Pawdicures,' House-Bound Americans Can't Stop Spending on Their Pets.” Money, https://money.com/spending-on-pets/. TodayShow. “Puppy Plastic Surgery Is a Booming Business - Here's Why.” TODAY.com, TODAY, 13 July 2017, https://www.today.com/pets/puppy-plastic-surgery-pets-booming-business-t113801. Whalen, Sydney. “Plastic Surgery for Dogs: Top 9 Procedures for Man's Best Friend.” Zwivel, 1 Apr. 2022, https://www.zwivel.com/blog/canine-plastic-surgery/.
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puppy shot series plus a week (17 weeks). Puppies are not totally immune to Parvo until the series is finished + a week. After the one-year booster individual rabies and DA2PP vaccinations can be a 3-year shot. Other vaccines are being studied for a multi-year protocol. It is our hope to encourage, educate, and empower owners to do their own research before going to the veterinarian about their puppy care and to ask questions. Most veterinarians will welcome your questions. Much concerning the administration of vaccines, etc., is discretionary. Understanding what your best options are is a beginning.
The VGG publishes (2015) European, Asian and regional recommendations regarding vaccination and infectious disease guidelines. VGG updated changes for puppy and kitten 12-month booster and revaccination intervals for adult dogs and cats. If you have the time the VGG pdf is worth reading given in this article’s references. They are very dedicated to evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) and have developed their own EBVM classification. This classification incorporates four levels of evidence-based work offering a broader field of legitimate recommendations for consideration in the investigations of dog and cat vaccinations. Note that these guidelines are not rules but “scientific advice and best practice vaccination concepts” because of individual practice variables. Why look outside the USA? Because vaccines including the Rabies vaccine is a global issue and Europe has different ideas about such things as vaccines and neutering, and they have less government bureaucracy, etc., than the U.S. which deserves respect especially because of the facts they bring to the table of veterinary care. Their differences and facts provide a broader vision of quality pet care with less government interference. Vaccines have something called Duration of Immunities (DOIs) which means how long a vaccine provides the immunity for which it was created hinting at how often it should be given. Vaccine Efficacy or VE is “the proportional reduction in a specified outcome in a vaccinated group compared with an unvaccinated group," -Guinovart and Alonso, 2007. When one looks at the VE, the DOI must be considered as well. Both the DOI and VE of a vaccine are keys to one of the hottest topics in veterinarian medicine today. For several reasons, over-vaccination is a seriously debated topic and concern. It is also clouded by the financial impact of giving vaccines, warranted or not, the dangers of giving multiple vaccines at one time, and coverage. There is scientific support that the overall core vaccines such as parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper once given, have antibodies that may last 7 to 15 years. The difficulty is when they are no longer effective and uniform. This can be difficult because you have the vaccine developer the U. S. government agencies and finally the dispenser. The developers of the vaccines determine the DOIs. To further complicate matters, there is the financial aspect of vaccines. In the United States, the veterinary vaccine industry was valued at $7 billion in 2017 and is expected to exceed $9 billion in 2024. The dark side of the industry is that finances can impact and change the scheduling of the shots instead of an individual's health. This is not always the case, but it exists. DID YOU KNOW? According to The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccines add up to 14 percent of a clinic’s income. In France Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux developed the first rabies vaccine in the 1880s and the first distemper vaccine was developed by 1923 in Britain but was not available to veterinarians until the 1950s. Vaccine schedules have long been an annual clinical tradition since the 1950s and are treated as a very safe and secure topic like an old friend. Unfortunately, that old friend was established more than 60 years ago and until fairly recently, had not been re-visited. Now ‘new’ information is cited. It reveals where changes should be made, trouble with over-vaccination, emerging auto-immune problems and more. Change is slow to be made. AAHA created a Vaccine Task Force (2003) to look at the DOI of core vaccines. They reported, “revaccination every 3 years is considered protective.” In 2011 (AAHA) Task Force updated the Vaccination Guidelines supporting the best of vaccination protocol. In 2017 again, it was updated. The AAHA quickly notes the Guidelines are only a guideline and not mandatory. The needs of the patient should be considered and veterinarians “must base their decision on the best available scientific evidence in conjunction with their own knowledge and experience. These guidelines were sponsored by the generous educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim USA Inc., Merial, Merck Animal Health and Zoetis.” - AAHA Guidelines>2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines Boehringer Ingelheim donated 75,000 doses of the rabies vaccine in recognition of World Rabies Day (2018). In 2017 Merial, a world leader in animal health became a part of the Boehringer Ingelheim group. Merck makes vaccines and a wide variety of animal-related products and offers information under the Merck Animal Health division. Zoetis “Knows Vaccines” and is a major company in the vaccine business. There are other excellent vaccine companies. Many vaccine schedules reflected annual boosters but in Europe during 2010, there was a DOI change. The vaccine manufacturers changed the directives regarding how often the vaccines should be given due to overwhelming evidence proving over-vaccination damages the immune system resulting in illness or death to the pet. Some of these ‘illnesses’ included medical ‘problems’ such as sudden death or it triggered cancer development. The WSAVA and the BVA worked with the Vaccine Manufacturers to revamp the frequency core vaccines should be administered. The ‘new’ recommendations are core vaccines should be given no earlier than every 3 to 4 years. To date in the United States, the Rabies vaccine and the DA2PP vaccine are given every 3 years after receiving the one-year booster. In 2015 the WSAVA revised the schedule again splitting the schedule between a “triennial (3 year) core vaccination schedule and personalized non-core vaccination schedule. The AVA states, “each individual animal should be vaccinated as frequently as considered necessary by their veterinarian to provide protection.” It continues, “The AVA (2018) supports vaccination schedules that recognize that requirements for vaccination will differ based on the individual patient, situation, and veterinarian-client-patient relationship. As such, it is not possible to give prescriptive guidelines for vaccinating dogs and cats.” WHAT IS A CORE PUPPY SHOT? It is in a DHP/DAP or 5-in-1 Vaccine/DA2PP or DHPP.
A 5 in 1 is commonly known as DA2PP or DHPP.
THE WSAVA VACCINATION GUIDELINES GROUP (VGG) In small puppies, depending on when they were weaned, maternally derived antibody (MDA) affects the efficacy of a vaccine. This makes the timing of the first vaccine dicey but should be given closer to 8 weeks rather than six weeks. VGG RECOMMENDED VACCINE SCHEDULE Core Vaccines for Dogs:
According to the Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology the original CPV2 is no longer in the dog population but has been replaced by CPVa and CPVb which were widespread during 1979-1980 and in 1984. Creating a new vaccine is recommended now since the vaccine in use today is created with CPV2. Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs:
How It Works:
Most companion animal core vaccines, until relatively recently, had a 1-year minimum DOI and carried a recommendation for annual revaccination. In more recent years many of the same products have been licensed with a minimum DOI of 3 (or sometimes 4) years. In fact, in many countries, the majority of core MLV vaccines are now licensed for the triennial revaccination of adult animals. However, there are many other countries in which the identical products still carry a 1-year minimum DOI because the manufacturer has either not applied for a change in its product label recommendations or the national licensing authority has not permitted the change to be made. This leads to confusion amongst practitioners in those countries. Above all, it must be remembered that even a 3-year license is a minimum DOI for core vaccines and for most core vaccines the true DOI are likely to be considerably longer, if not lifelong for the majority of recipients. Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than every three years after the 6 or 12-month booster injection following the puppy/kitten series. This is because the duration of immunity (DOI) last from years to the lifetime of the pet. "Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than every three years after the 6- or 12-month booster injection following the puppy/kitten series, because the duration of immunity (DOI) is many years and may be up to the lifetime of the pet" -VGG Non-core vaccines should be given no more frequently than is necessary. These guidelines are not proscriptive. "A particular example of a vaccine that may be considered core in only some countries is that against rabies virus. In a geographical area in which this infection is endemic, all dogs should be vaccinated routinely for the protection of both the pet and human populations.” - VGG At 20 weeks determine a dog’s seropositivity to CDV, CAV, and CPV-2 by using a titre (tī′tər) test (titer or titre). If tests are positive do not booster sooner than every 3 years. If Negative test, then repeat vaccination once and re-test. Ask a vet to explain further. “The VGG recognizes that at present such a serological or titer testing kit might be relatively expensive. However, the principles of ‘evidence-based veterinary medicine’ (EBVM) suggest that testing for antibody status (for either puppies or adult dogs) should be a better practice than simply administering a vaccine booster on the basis that this would be ‘safe and cost less’. . . Vaccines should not be given needlessly.” -VGG The AVMA is more cautious about titre tests. At this time the states do not recognize a vaccine titre test in lieu of revaccination. A current rabies vaccination is only recognized if the dog has received a USDA-licensed rabies vaccination given by a designated and authorized individual. This ranges from licensed veterinarians to pet owners depending on the state’s jurisdiction and if they are given at the correct age, interval and dose. It takes 30 days after receiving the vaccination for the dog to be considered truly vaccinated because it takes that long for the immune system to respond to the vaccine. By law, a dog is not currently vaccinated if it is a day (1) overdue for its booster. Most states require the first rabies vaccination to be given to puppies by 16 weeks. Medical exemption varies state by state. It is interesting to note only 39 states require rabies vaccinations for dogs leaving 11 states with no state-mandated rabies vaccination requirement for any species. *With regard to CIV Bivalent (H3N8 & H3N2/ Canine Influenza A vaccine), only at-risk dogs should be given this non-core vaccine if their environment warrants it. In the United States AAHA Guidelines Core Vaccinations:
Non-Core vaccinations include:
The Canine coronavirus (CCV) vaccination is not recommended by the AAHA. AAHA does recommend that vaccinations should be spread over multiple appointments for small breed dogs. Their vaccination recommendations commence at 6 weeks of age for the series and follow with a one-year booster. Rabies and DA2PP are given every 3 years after the one-year booster. According to Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, (American) “Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for the annual administration of MLV (Modified-Live Virus) vaccines. [Furthermore] Puppies . . . should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks . . . Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system . . . Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age will provide a lifetime immunity”. The reason for the 12-month booster, historically, was linked to a 12 month or first-year health check. Are we over-vaccinating our pets? Yes. According to author, Max J. Appel, who has publish over 100 research works, and is affiliated with College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Pathology Cornell University(Ithaca, NY). There is a solid and growing body of evidence supporting that for most dogs and cats the efficacy of vaccines remains intact at a traditional year’s end to re-evaluate vaccine protocol whether that is in dosage and/or timing is unclear. In the states, there is a lot of red tape and animal vaccine use is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), not the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) and vaccines are veterinary biologics. The Veterinary Biologics Program of the USDA’s Animal and Plan Health Inspection Service (APHIS/1972) oversees this industry. Regulations regarding labeling under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) do not apply to vaccines in that its use other than given on the package or insert does not follow under “. . . extra-label use; a more appropriate term is “discretionary” use . . . it [USDA] does not regulate [the] use of vaccines by veterinarians.” – Duane Flemming, D.V.M., J.D.C.V.O Story Time: We have seen a perfectly healthy puppy get 7 more injections in three months after she left us at eight weeks of age. Injections included Core vaccines and 2 Non- Core vaccines plus other injections. Additionally, 3 monthly oral 3 in 1 heartworm, tick, and flea medicine was given. The owner acted in good faith based on professional advice. There was no malpractice here just discretionary decisions, but there were no questions. It was a quiet acceptance and a general routine done. When you ask questions and share your concerns you begin to personalize your dog's vet experience instead of being one of many. Our Thoughts on the Matter:
Generally speaking, a 4-month-old puppy needs 3 DHPP given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks and a Rabies Vaccines. Totaling 4 core injections, unless there are environmental reasons a veterinarian would give further advice. Allergic Reactions Related to Vaccinations and Treatment: A common mistake is to assume Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is appropriate when an allergic reaction occurs. Even some vet-techs will simply advise Benadryl. Wrong!!! Hear it from the vet because reactions can be deadly. With an anaphylaxis reaction, a stronger measure is needed with an evaluation. Often the dog will get a single dose of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid or epinephrine in more severe circumstances and possibly IV fluids (not Benadryl). You will not go wrong with a check-up. There are some mild reactions such as simple soreness and low fever, but other reactions may require immediate intervention. Your vet can tell the difference. Most Common Vaccine Reactions: When getting shots we recommend asking your veterinarian this question because the more one hears it, and while we hope it is never needed, it is important to know the signs. ‘Common’ does not necessarily mean it is not very dangerous.
More Vaccine Reactions (can develop immediately or over time)
Serious Vaccine Reactions: Call Vet Immediately
~In Memory of River~ References:
Day, M. J., et al. “WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines.” GUIDELINES FOR THE VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS, VACCINATION GUIDELINES GROUP (VGG), WORLD SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARY ASSOCIATION (WSAVA), https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Vaccination-Guidelines-2015.pdf. Flemming, D.V.M., J.D., D.A.C.V.O, Duane. “What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines and Vaccination Programs.” Liability Related to Vaccination, http://powershotsmn.com/article_flemming_vaccine_liability.html. (AVA), Australian Veterinary Association. “Vaccination of Dogs and Cats.” Australian Veterinary Association, https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats/. 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/canine-vaccination/vaccination_recommendation_for_general_practice_table.pdf. “Animal Vaccination.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Feb. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_vaccination. “Boehringer Ingelheim to Donate 75,000 Doses of Rabies Vaccine through SHOTS FOR GOOD Initiative.” Boehringer, Boehringer Ingelheim , https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/our-responsibility/boehringer-ingelheim-donate-75000-doses-rabies-vaccine-through. Bresalier, Michael, and Michael Worboys. “'Saving the Lives of Our Dogs': The Development of Canine Distemper Vaccine in Interwar Britain.” British Journal for the History of Science, Cambridge University Press, June 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014013/. “Canine.” Merck Animal Health USA, 17 Feb. 2022, https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/canine. “Common Questions about Veterinary Biologics.” USDA APHIS | Common Questions About Veterinary Biologics, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/veterinary-biologics/CT_Vb_pel_faqs. Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853. “Aspects of Canine Distemper Virus and Measles Virus Encephalomyelitis.” Europe PMC, https://europepmc.org/article/MED/7898614. Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD. “DHPP, DHLPP, DA2PP: An Expert Guide to Your Dog's Core Vaccine.” Petful, 2 June 2020, https://www.petful.com/pet-health/dhpp-dhlpp-vaccine-dogs/. Herati, Ramin Sedaghat, and E John Wherry. “What Is the Predictive Value of Animal Models for Vaccine Efficacy in Humans? Consideration of Strategies to Improve the Value of Animal Models.” Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2 Apr. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5880169/. Hicks, D J, et al. “Developments in Rabies Vaccines.” Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Blackwell Science Inc, Sept. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3444995/. Kate Boatright, VMD. “Rabies Laws: What You Need to Know-DVM360.” DVM 360, DVM 360, 26 Aug. 2020, https://www.dvm360.com/view/rabies-laws-what-you-need-to-know. Mindy Valcarcel August 24, 2020. “Understanding Puppy Shots: All the Vaccinations Your New Pup Will Need in Their First Year.” Daily Paws, https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/puppy-care/puppy-shots. “Natural Dog Health and Nutrition.” Dogs Naturally, 30 Nov. 2021, https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/. Pet Memorial Statue-Sleeping Angel Dog Keepsake by Pure Garden ... https://www.houzz.com/products/pet-memorial-statue-sleeping-angel-dog-keepsake-by-pure-garden-prvw-vr~133668297. Pratelli, A, et al. “Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Vaccination: Comparison of Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Pups after Inoculation with CPV2 or CPV2B Modified Live Virus Vaccine.” Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, American Society for Microbiology, May 2001, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC96110/. “Titres.” The Free Dictionary, Farlex, https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/titres. “To Titer or to Revaccinate.” American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2016-07-01/titer-or-revaccinate. “Vaccination Recommendations for General Practice.” AAHA, https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/vaccination-canine-configuration/vaccination-recommendations-for-general-practice/. Welborn, Link V., et al. “2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines.: Semantic Scholar.” Undefined, 1 Jan. 1970, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2011-AAHA-canine-vaccination-guidelines.-Welborn-DeVries/7bf06a3acf98e15ea17fc43c334f2d03ff1999b7. Wilkie, DVM, Cathy. “ Should Your Pet Be Shot? The Pet Vaccination Controversy.” Animal Medical Hospital, https://www.vet.bc.ca/canine-vaccines.pml.
associated with negative connotations. If this was you, don’t worry about it, it happens. No worries. In fact, thank you for this opportunity to clarify. Questions & Answers: Many years ago, we asked our vet about a healthy, smaller pup. We asked about it being a r-u-n-t. Our vet, who is an Aggie alum and multi-honored veterinarian, told us simply, “As people come in different sizes from petite to large, so do puppies. It does not mean that a puppy is sickly or underdeveloped just because it is small.” Over the years we have subscribed to this belief and know it to be true. Health Comes First: Before one of our females goes into heat she is checked for health, she’s DNA and OFA tested, vaccinations are all in order, and so forth. The same standards are applied to our males before breeding. When there is a tie the female begins a maternity regiment which means she gets supplements, eggs, and transitions to puppy food. Through delivery and afterward (neonatal) she is watched closely. *Please note ‘delivery’ also covers the 2 weeks prior to the due date. During active labor, there is a primary person with the dam and a backup person on call. Minutes after birth, each pup is examined, evaluated, and weighed. Within the next 4-6 days each pup is examined by a veterinarian when dewclaws are removed. This process is only the beginning of a puppy’s 2 Cute Havanese neonatal care. The dam is also carefully monitored to meet recovery expectations such as lactation, weight, diet, etc. Initially, the puppies are weighed in grams twice daily or more if there is any question because grams are more precise to track small changes with than ounces. The appropriate weight parameter depends on the parents’ weight. We expect every puppy to gain on average about 100 grams in the first 7-10 days and to double the birth weight in the first 14 days. If the puppy does not reach these goals, then it’s a red flag. Does this mean the puppy is in trouble? Not necessarily. It could mean the dam, the milk, or a few other things need to be checked. What if a pup does not look right and/or failed to gain weight according to our standards? It is possible for a dog to conceive twice in a heat cycle meaning some pups may actually be older than others in the same litter. This is not usual, but it does happen. So what? There are older and younger pups, not healthier vs. sickly. There can be slightly premature pups that need a little bit more attention but are fully capable of meeting our developmental goals or there is simply a small puppy. If any puppy is slower to meet these milestones we look for the pup to ‘Turn The Corner’ where their weight gain, feeding, etc., becomes more self-regulated and their growth continues normally. Some smaller puppies have zoomed past these checkpoints with serious vim and vigor! The Truth Is... Is Mother Nature consistent? No. Once in a while, she goes sideways, and a puppy is born with an issue. A newborn’s troubled condition is usually known at birth and immediate remedies may be available or there are routine care procedures to follow. There is the ER and the clinic to go to if needed. Lola is particularly gifted with puppy neonatal care as our veterinarian noted. Sadly, we have seen a puppy who passes due to circumstances beyond our control and any veterinarian’s ability to save that pup. Walk away from any breeder who tells you this does not happen to them. A birth defect can simply be a fluke of nature when something does not develop properly. It happens more often than a congenital issue especially when the parents are vetted, health tested, and so much more. Many of our dogs have multi-generational histories with us, like our great-great grans, to our newest generation, and covering everything in between. What do we do if a pup is developing slower than its littermates or differently than we prefer? Well, we sit back and give the puppy a little extra TLC and time to get ‘there’. We speak with our vets. They are knowledge and the key to our success in raising healthy happy furbabies. If necessary, or if we feel it necessary we take our puppy can go in for an additional check-up(s) before our typical final vet visit when it is examined for the last time and microchipped before going home. If the puppy of any size needs more time, his or her furever home will wait. It’s O.K. If a puppy is sick and needs attention we keep them until our vet gives us the "Clear." More often than not an occasional bout of diarrhea is the culprit for a delayed departure which some extra time and pumpkin or papaya will solve. There is nothing more important to us than a puppy having a great temperament and excellent health to start his/her new journey. We are dedicated to our puppies fitting well into their new family(ies) aka “The Right Fit.” Please refer to our code of Ethics below: We sincerely appreciate any and all questions because it means you care. Please continue to ask away because it also allows us the opportunity to touch on something we previously have not explored - something new to visit. References: “Runt Definition and Meaning: Collins English Dictionary.” Runt Definition and Meaning | Collins English Dictionary, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/runt. |
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