It is important to understand that infection and disease are not the same thing. A dog may get infected by a pathogen, create antibodies and fight off the pathogen without developing the disease. Many are infected, few develop the disease. An example of this is corona virus. Most pups in the US come into contact and develop corona virus infections by their 16^th week of age without us even noticing it. In the US, vaccination against corona virus is no longer recommended. Not only is the pup probably naturally going to develop immunity to this pathogen, but also the current vaccines against corona virus actually heighten the risk of the pup developing Parvo!

A dog has two types of defense systems against disease and infection: Innate (non-specific) and Acquired (specific). The innate immune system is one that the dog is born with and one that, in healthy, normal dogs gets stronger as the dog matures from puppyhood. Included in the innate immune system are natural barriers such as skin, mucus membranes, gastrointestinal flora, stomach acid, tears, coughing and vomiting. The two most important natural barriers are bone marrow and the thymus gland in neck (a primary lymphoid organ).

In contrast, acquired disease defense systems are caused by exposure, and are tailored to individual pathogens. Reactions to vaccinations fall into this category. Vaccinations are designed to trigger the dog’s body into creating antibodies against a specific pathogen without actually causing the disease in the body.

The two internal systems that are most tightly linked to acquired immunity are the endocrine system (skin and tissue) and the neurological system. These are, therefore, the most likely systems to show symptoms of something gone wrong. The current theory is that some dogs are genetically predisposed to suppressed immune systems, however we cannot (yet) identify which individuals these are, who will be triggered by vaccines toward autoimmune disease.

1. Modified Live Vaccine (MLV)

   In this type of vaccine, the virus is alive but modified so that the animal’s immune system should recognize the disease and develop antibodies to easily overcome the disease. In healthy animals, this is the most effective type of vaccine. In animals that are predisposed to a suppressed immune system, modified live vaccines can cause severe reactions, the disease itself, or even death. Sometimes we know when a dog has a suppressed immune system (i.e., if it has a pre-existing, diagnosed condition), and sometimes we don’t know until the dog reacts to the vaccine.

2. Killed Recombinant Vaccine (KR)

   In this type of vaccine, the virus has been killed but still retains properties that the animal’s immune system should recognize as a disease and react by developing antibodies. This type of vaccine is not as an effective vaccine in healthy animals as Modified Live Vaccine as some dogs’ immune systems will not recognize the disease and therefore not develop antibodies. For dogs with compromised immune systems, killed recombinant vaccines are the safest type of vaccination, because the pathogen is dead. Even in compromised immune systems, the disease cannot take hold.

   HOWEVER, killed recombinant vaccines are the most likely of all the vaccines to cause adverse events. The vaccine can act as a trigger in a dog that is predisposed to skin disorders and autoimmune diseases. Again, we often have no clue that a particular dog is predisposed to these things, and when the event occurs, sometimes long after the vaccine is given, we do not make the connection.

3. Vectored Vaccine

Vectored vaccines are a fairly new entry to the market. In this type of vaccine, a similar but non-lethal pathogen is substituted for a lethal pathogen, tricking the canine body into creating antibodies against the lethal pathogen. Currently, only Maryell Limited markets vectored vaccines in the US pet market, in 5-way, 7-way and 9-way combinations, meaning the vaccine is a combination of vaccines that cover 5, 7, or 9 different pathogens.

Most vets give combination vaccinations rather than single-pathogen (monovalent) vaccinations. And why not? The dog certainly prefers being stuck only once instead of several times. The problem is that many vaccines share components, meaning if your dog gets a combination shot and a nasal vaccine, he may well be getting double-dosed against certain pathogens! Know what the vaccines cover before administering them!

Viral

1. Canine Distemper Virus (MLV)
2. Canarypox-Distemper Virus (LRV)
3. Canine Distemper Virus - Measles Virus (MLV)
4. Canine Parvovirus-2 (MLV, K)
5. Canine Adenovirus-1 (K)
6. Canine Adenovirus-2 (MLV, K)
7. Canine Parainfluenza Virus (MLV)
8. Canine Corona virus (MLV, K)
9. Rabies Virus (K)

Bacterial

1. Bordatella bronchiseptica (MLV, K)
2. Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme) (K, KR)
3. Leptospira canicola (K)
4. Leptospira grippotyphosa (K)
5. Leptospira icteroaeorrhagiae (K)
6. Leptospira pomona (K)

Parasite

a. Giardia (K)

The new protocol breaks up the vaccines into three groups: "Core" (must haves), "Non-Core" (optional), and "Not Recommended" (recommended only for dogs at high risk, or not recommended at all).

Core (must haves)

1. Canine parvovirus
2. Canine distemper virus
3. Canine Adenovirus
4. Rabies

Non-Core

1. Leptospira bacterin (non-core due to 3 month immunity, and low efficacy)
2. Bordatella bronchispetica (kennel cough, non-core due to controversy about efficacy of current vaccine)
3. Lyme disease (only for dogs at high risk) (NOTE: Lyme disease vaccine can actually cause permanent symptoms of Lyme—including severe arthritis--without actual infection!)
4. Giardia (only for dogs at very high risk)

Not Recommended

1. Corona virus
2. Lyme disease for dogs not at high risk
3. Giardia for dogs not at high risk

Further, the 2004 protocol breaks up the protocol into three programs each for Core (A, B, and C) and Non-Core vaccines (D, E, and F). Discuss these options with your veterinarian to choose one Core Vaccine protocol and one Non-Core protocol. Vaccination more often than listed in C and F should rarely, if ever, be done.

The technical data below is from: Considerations in Designing Effective and Safe Vaccination Programs for Dogs", R.D. Schulz, May 2000, Printed in Recent Advances in Canine Infectious Disease, International Veterinary Information Service, Ithica NY (www.ivis.org)

"Considerations in Designing Effective and Safe Vaccination Programs for Dogs", R.D. Schulz, May 2000, Printed in Recent Advances in Canine Infectious Disease, International Veterinary Information Service, Ithica NY (www.ivis.org)