Vaccines vs. Titers

[Jessika]

Yes, the protocols did change recently, here is one link: http://www.dogster.com/dog-health-ca...ation-schedule

A side note on that article alone: while there were many reactions to lepto vaccines back "in the day", the vaccines we have now are MUCH MUCH more safer and I've only seen maybe 1 puppy in the past 2+ years come in for a vaccine reaction at my clinic.

On the topic of titers vs vaccines, I think it is important for you to discuss this concern with your vet. Many are more than happy to run the titers for you in lieu of vaccination. But I do stress the importance of discussing it with your vet, because some areas have a higher risk of contracting certain diseases (ie lymes, lepto, etc) and you may not want to cut those particular vaccines out of your yearly protocol if your pet is at a high risk for them.

[Freedom]

You also need to know your breed. Bichons have a very high rate of reaction to the lepto vaccine; we never give it to them.

[Jessika]

You also need to know your breed. Bichons have a very high rate of reaction to the lepto vaccine; we never give it to them.

That is true in some cases, but we do regularly give lepto to Bicons with no reactions that I've been made aware of at my clinic. I have heard this though, and clients who purchased Bicon's from a breeder will oftentimes have a handout stating the breeder doesn't recommend the vaccine. We never push the vaccine on owners, but make it known that it is a known problem in this area and allow the owners to make the decision if they want to vaccinate for it or not. We serve the pet and client, not our pocket books (not that it matters, anyway, the cost for a DHLPP is the same as a DHPP at my clinic lol).