There is a growing body of research that suggests we are over-vaccinating our companion animals. We all agree that rabies can be deadly, and precautions should be taken to protect our animals. Research is also discovering that over-vaccination can sometimes lead to cancer and other debilitating conditions.
In this article, two approaches/opinions on vaccination are offered: how effective they are, how often they should be given, adverse reactions to look for, how age and health of your dog should influence your decision to vaccinate. The first article is by Dr. Karen Becker; the second is from Dogs Naturally Magazine. Dr. Becker’s article also offers an overview of the disease.
Disclaimer
The Puppy Up Foundation does not endorse nor recommend any particular product, service, or treatment. We offer information strictly for educational and/or informational purposes. We believe it is the pet owner’s responsibility to do the research and draw his or her own conclusions.
This Virus Is a Law-Ordered Death Sentence If Your Pet Becomes Infected
from Healthy Pets
By Dr. Becker
The rabies virus, also called acute viral encephalomyelitis, is an extremely serious, usually fatal inflammatory infection that affects the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Rabies is a single strand RNA virus of the genus Lyssavirus in the family Rhabdoviridae that’s carried in the blood and saliva of infected animals.
How the Rabies Virus Is Transmitted
In dogs and cats in the U.S., the rabies virus is most often transmitted when an infected fox, raccoon, skunk, coyote or bat bites a pet. Infectious virus particles are present in the saliva of these animals to more efficiently transmit the disease.
It’s extremely rare, but transmission has also been documented to occur through exposure to the escaping gases of an infected decomposing animal. This transmission usually happens in caves where there are large populations of infected bats. It’s something to think about if you have a hunting dog or you like to explore caves with your dog.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can also be transmitted to humans by infected animals. Once the rabies virus enters a pet’s body, it multiplies in muscle cells, and then spreads to nearby peripheral sensory and motor nerves, which move it to the brain and central nervous system (CNS).
During the incubation period before the virus enters the CNS [central nervous system], the infected animal doesn’t exhibit symptoms and can’t transmit the disease. The virus moves relatively slowly, with the average time between exposure to brain involvement being three to eight weeks in dogs, and two to six weeks in cats. However, incubation periods as long as six months have been reported in dogs.
Rabies Phases and Associated Symptoms
Once the rabies virus reaches the brain, the animal will experience one, two or three phases of the infection. Also at this point, the virus moves to the salivary glands where it can be transmitted by a bite.
The first rabies phase is the prodromal phase, which usually lasts between one and two days in cats, and two to three days in dogs.
Symptoms during this phase can include a fever, anxiety, nervousness and a desire to be left alone. Normally friendly pets may show shyness, irritability or snappishness.
Normally aggressive animals, interestingly, can turn docile and affectionate. We see that a lot with infected wild animals. Most pets also persistently lick at the site where they were bitten.
The second phase of rabies is either the furious phase or the paralytic phase, which is also called the dumb phase. In the furious phase, which can last from one to seven days, symptoms include restlessness, irritability, hypersensitivity to noise and visual stimuli, roaming and attacking behaviors. Eventually, the animal becomes disoriented, begins having seizures and eventually dies.
The paralytic phase can follow either the prodromal or the furious phase and is usually seen two to four days after the first signs of disease are noticed. Nerves in the head and throat will be affected in this phase, which leads to excessive drooling because the pet can no longer swallow efficiently.
There can also be significant labored breathing, a dropped jaw and choking sounds, as the diaphragm muscles and muscles of the face become paralyzed. The animal will grow progressively weaker and eventually go into respiratory failure and die.
Diagnosing Rabies
Rabies is a fast-moving virus that must be treated as soon as symptoms appear if the pet has any chance for survival. If your dog or cat has been in a fight with another animal, has been bitten or scratched by another animal or if you suspect he may have come into contact with a rabid animal, you should take him to your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.
Diagnosis of rabies in a living dog or cat is done through history taking and symptom observation. Pets suspected of having rabies are quarantined in a locked kennel at a veterinary clinic for 10 days and carefully monitored. If your pet is showing progressive symptoms of the disease while quarantined, the veterinarian will take fluid samples for evaluation. If the samples are positive for rabies, sadly, the law requires that your dog or cat be euthanized.
Animals who die of a suspected rabies infection are diagnosed post-mortem (after death) with a direct fluorescence antibody test performed at a state-approved laboratory. All confirmed cases of rabies must be reported to the state health department.
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment or cure for rabies. Death typically occurs in unprotected animals within seven to 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
Rabies Prevention/Vaccination
Since rabies is a devastating and fatal disease, it’s important to protect your dog or cat through vaccination as appropriate and required by law, as well as to avoid situations in which your pet could be exposed to a rabid animal. Rabies vaccines are the only vaccines mandated by law in all 50 states.
These vaccines, like all vaccines, have the potential for adverse reactions or reactions that can range from very mild to profound, up to and including anaphylaxis and death. Fortunately, all 50 states now have a three-year revaccination protocol after the second vaccine is given. However, a few county and city laws may differ, so it’s important to check with your veterinarian or local animal control agency for more information.
The amount of rabies vaccine given is a hotly debated topic among veterinarians. While the majority of integrative vets believe a “one size fits all” approach to vaccines puts dogs under 40 pounds at risk for substantially more rabies vaccine reactions, the law still mandates all dogs must receive a 1-milliliter dose.
Thankfully, Dr. John Robb has recently brought this issue to national attention and we are hoping the increased awareness will prompt changes in this requirement on a state-by-state basis.
Some states allow for medical exemptions from rabies vaccines for pets who are ill or have had an adverse reaction in the past. I’ve done many medical exemptions over the years for pets who are chronically ill or at risk for a toxic reaction to the vaccine. I do a rabies antibody titer test instead, and in many instances these pets aren’t required to have additional vaccinations.
Additional Recommendations to Improve Vaccination Safety
I strongly recommend waiting until a pet is as old as allowable by law before giving the first rabies vaccination. In some states, this is six months. In others, it’s earlier. A booster shot is usually required within 12 months.
After the second shot, I strongly encourage you to insist on the three-year rabies vaccine. The three-year vaccine is actually identical to the one-year vaccine, so you’re providing the protection required by law, but at much less frequent intervals. This means fewer vaccines throughout pets’ lifetimes, which means healthier pets.
In addition, rabies vaccinations should never be given in combination with or at the same time as another vaccine. Rabies vaccines should be given alone, separated from all other vaccinations by at least two weeks. Because rabies is the only vaccine required by law, I recommend that it be the only repetitive vaccine you give your pet. You can titer for all other diseases.
I also recommend a homeopathic detox remedy for the rabies vaccine called Lyssin, especially if your pet has had an adverse reaction. Always closely monitor the injection site after each vaccination. If you notice inflammation or any abnormality or change in the appearance of the skin, such as a lump, irritation or heat, contact your veterinarian immediately.
It’s the goal of the integrative veterinary community that the Rabies Challenge Fund, which was initially set up by immunologist Dr. Ron Schultz and veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds, proves that the rabies vaccine provides duration of immunity for a much longer period than three years.
Ultimately, that would mean pets receive far fewer vaccines. It will allow animals to be immunologically protected without the risk of cumulative vaccine damage over the course of their lifetime.
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely
By Jan Rasmusen
Animal Control sends a notice stating that your dog’s rabies vaccination is due.
Some of us will vaccinate readily.
Because it’s legally mandated, it must be safe, right? Besides, what choice do we have?
Others of us panic, desperate to avoid the shot at any cost. We remember what happened the last time our dog had a rabies vaccination. We wonder, will our dog survive another?
World renowned pet vaccination scientist, Dr Jean Dodds, wrote recently: “Rabies vaccines are the most common group of biological products identified in adverse event reports received by the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB).”
An adverse reaction to a rabies vaccine may exact a high price – to your dog’s health and your wallet. Here’s what you need to know to make vaccinating your dog safer:
1. Learn to recognize adverse reactions
Short-term reactions include vomiting, facial swelling, fever, lethargy, circulatory shock, loss of consciousness and even death. (If your pet appears distressed, contact your vet immediately.) Reactions occurring days or months after vaccination can be difficult to recognize. They include:
· Fibrocarcinomas (cancer) at the injection site
· Seizures and epilepsy
· Autoimmune disease
· Chronic digestive problems
· Allergies
· Skin diseases
· Muscle weakness or atrophy
· Pica (eating inappropriate materials, including feces)
· Behavioral changes (aggression, separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors and more)
If you suspect a health or behavior problem may be connected to a vaccine, you may have to convince your vet. It’s common to hear “it couldn’t be the shot” or “a reaction like that is impossible.” Even the drug’s manufacturer (to whom you should immediately report the reaction — giving them the brand and lot# — may deny the connection.
Insist on seeing the product’s package insert, viewable on-line or from your vet. Also know that long-term reactions aren’t usually documented or even studied.
Note: a vaccine reaction, especially one supported by your vet, may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses from the drug manufacturer.
2. Vaccinate healthy dogs only
Vaccinating an unhealthy animal can exacerbate illness and do irreparable harm.
Also, immunity may not develop after vaccination because of the dog’s compromised immune system. This is especially dangerous as you may presume immunity that does not exist. Pets with autoimmune disease or cancer are obviously “not healthy,” but neither are pets suffering from stress from a move or surgery, a virus or infection, or allergies or skin problems or any other condition compromising health. (Never allow your pet to be vaccinated during surgery.
Convinced over-vaccination is bad, but you’re not sure how your vet will take the news? Add your email below and grab the free Vaccine Guide (link is below). Once it is sent to your email, print it and bring it with you to the vet.
3. Ask for a rabies vaccination exemption
If your dog has documented health problems, ask your vet to apply for a rabies vaccination extension or exemption.
Many localities permit them even if state law doesn’t specifically allow them. If your vet won’t apply for an exemption, go elsewhere. You may want to contact a holistic vet who may better understand the dangers of vaccinating an unhealthy animal. If local law forbids exemptions, change the law. Numerous states are in the process of adding exemptions to their laws.
4. Don’t vaccinate against rabies within three weeks of other vaccinations or medication for parasites
Multiple vaccines given at once greatly increase the chance of reactions. Multiple vaccines are especially risky for small dogs.
5. Make sure your dog gets the correct vaccine
If you’re vaccinating a puppy, make sure your vet administers a one-year vaccine initially (as late as legally possible) and a three-year vaccine (or whatever is required in your area) thereafter.
The one-year and three-year vaccines are virtually identical medically – but not under the law. A one-year shot must be followed by re-vaccination a year later.
Note: the one-year shot is not safer than the three-year (except that it may contain fewer adjuvants).
6. Vaccinate at the safest time
Vaccinate in the morning, early in the week, and don’t leave the area for at least an hour if possible. Watch for reactions for at least the next 48 hours. Reactions occurring when the closest vet’s office is closed can prove disastrous, even fatal.
7. Tell your vet you want a Thimerosol-free vaccine
Thimerosol (mercury) in vaccines has been linked to adverse reactions.
Merial, for one, makes one- and three-year thimersol-free rabies vaccines: IMRAB® 1 TF and IMRAB® 3 TF. Make sure you see “TF” on the label. (If your vet doesn’t carry the vaccine, you may have to vet shop to find the vaccine you want. You might also ask why the vet why he/she doesn’t carry it.)
8. Find a vet trained in homeopathy to vaccinate your dog
Certain homeopathic remedies given before, during and after vaccinating can lessen the chance of ill effects from vaccination. Click the link to find vet referral lists.
9. Report all vaccine reactions to your vet
…and make sure they’re recorded in your pet’s file.
Have the vet sign relevant pages, get copies and put them in a safe place. (Vets lose records, retire and move away.) Also report the reaction to the drug’s manufacturer. (You’ll need the vaccine lot number.) Vets are notoriously bad at reporting reactions, but exemptions to rabies vaccination and drug safety require documentation.
10. Don’t vaccinate within a week of travel
Pets experiencing reactions on route can die for lack of immediate medical assistance. (Find a list of emergency clinics by area. (I cannot guarantee the clinics’ expertise, but at least this is a place to start.)
11. Keep copies of vaccination records and titer tests in your car
.. and license tags on your dog’s collar or harness. Otherwise, you may be forced to re-vaccinate if your pet bites someone, runs away and is taken to a shelter or if you have to board your pet unexpectedly.
12. Do not administer a rabies vaccine yourself
It will not satisfy legal requirements and you’ll have to have a vet vaccinate again. You will also be unprepared to deal with a potentially life-threatening reaction. Similarly, a vet’s office may likely be a safer place to get the vaccine than a mobile clinic.
13. Finally, support the Rabies Challenge Fund.
World renowned scientists, W Jean Dodds DVM and Ronald D Schultz PhD are working as volunteers to increase the interval between rabies boosters by proving that the vaccine gives immunity, first, for five years, and then for seven years. They’re also working to establish a blood “titer standard” to provide a scientific basis to avoid unnecessary boosters with a simple blood test.
This nonprofit group is supported solely by dog lovers and dog groups.
Before the next notice from Animal Control arrives, do your homework. A little time spent learning about the rabies vaccine can mean the difference between your dog’s wellness and serious illness.
The Dogs Naturally article also offers a “FREE VACCINATION GUIDE.” Scroll down to the bottom of the article to get yours.
