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Vol. II, Issue #2  Free Newsletter-Published Monthly by SparkyFightsBack.com

  February, 2006         more on those controversial vaccinations. . .

Recent News, Events and Tips on Animal Cancer
Compiled For All Animal Caretakers by Josée Clerens and John Clifton, Co-Authors of "Sparky Fights Back: A Little Dog's Big Battle Against Cancer"
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in this issue

Authors' Corner

Vaccination Do's and Don'ts

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Archives



fact of the month:
It has been recently confirmed that dogs are capable of detecting cancer in humans by smelling their breath!

AUTHORS' CORNER

Spreading The Word

This month we've turned once again to the topic of vaccinations. From what we see, too many pet owners simply aren't aware of the risks associated with immunization shots. 

We're not coming out against the practice; vaccinations certainly offer protections. But we're on a campaign to make everyone aware of the dangers as well. You decide what's best for your animals - but we do hope the decisions made are based on an all-around knowledge of the risks and benefits. 

John has been doing radio interviews lately on the subject "Are You Vaccinating Your Pets to Death?" Our goal is to make every dog and cat owner an "educated consumer" regarding immunization shots. For what it's worth, let us tell you that Sparky, our Australian terrier, now in his sixth year of remission from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, has not had a single shot in over seven years. His current health is excellent.

John's radio talks are usually by "remote," meaning via telephone. You could help us out (and hopefully help the dog-caretakers in your area) by letting us know about any local radio shows you know of that might want to interview John. All we need to know is the name of your town, the call letters of the station, and  if possible the name of the show or host. You can e-mail us the information at authors@sparkyfightsback.com, and John will contact the station. Many dogs' lives might potentially be saved simply by getting the attention of the owners via the media. 

Another way you can help "spread the word" is by forwarding this newsletter to another dog caretaker. LET'S MAKE ALL DOG OWNERS AWARE! Click here to send your friends a notice about this newsletter. We thank you, and they will, too!

"Success in all your battles,"

    -- Josée and John

Got ideas? Please continue to e-mail news items to us at authors@sparkyfightsback.com .  


VACCINATION DO'S AND DON'TS 

Dealing Intelligently With Vaccinations

Vaccinations are suspected of being a leading trigger of cancer (as well as other problems) in dogs and cats. Those annual booster shots lower the immune system, and in the case of young puppies, over-vaccinating can do permanent damage. Based on all our research, writings of immunologists and leading veterinary sources, we've boiled the information down to some simple "DO's and DONT's..."

DO educate yourself about the risks of vaccinating, as compared to the benefits, so that you can make intelligent decisions. Our August 2005 issue is a good place to start, if you're just beginning to inform yourself.

DO make your veterinarian aware of your concerns about the dangers of vaccinations. For each inoculation, ask exactly what it is for and if it is really necessary. If your vet is aware of your concerns, he/she is less likely to over-vaccinate. Remember that 50% of the practices of most veterinarians is in giving shots. A veterinarian may well be ethical, but is not financially motivated to limit vaccinations.

DO (if you choose to vaccinate) restrict vaccinations to diseases endemic in your area and your dog's activities. For example, if your dog won't be in a region where Lyme disease is a risk, omit Lyme disease vaccinations. If your dog won't be kenneled with other dogs, you may omit kennel cough shots, etc.

DO keep records of each vaccination, what was given and on what date. When acquiring a new dog make sure to get records from previous caretakers.

DO know your local laws about canine vaccinations. Most areas require only rabies shots. Some localities mandate other shots as well.

DO ask for a "titers" test if there is any question about the necessity for a booster shot.. Most shots last much longer than one year. Automatic "annual" boosters" should be avoided! A titers counts antibodies present in the blood. Remember that titers tests never prove that a re-vaccination is needed, no matter how low the titers score. These tests can only show when a vaccination is NOT needed. If ANY anti-bodies are detected, no vaccination is necessary. If NONE are detected, this alone does not prove the necessity for a re-vaccination (although some might suggest that re-vaccination is indicated).

DO prepare your dog for shots by boosting the immune system before and after inoculations. Ask your vet about giving your dog daily Vitamin B Complex supplements for several days before and a few weeks after receiving vaccines. (Vitamin C helps the B to work better.)

DO be aware that "modified live virus" (MLV) vaccines are usually far more dangerous than "killed" virus vaccines. To our knowledge, distemper is the only vaccine that doesn't exist in a "killed" version. Ask your vet if the vaccines to be given are live or killed. If "live" vaccines are intended to be given, ask why.

DO (if you choose NOT to vaccinate) compensate by boosting the immune system-by nutritional, herbal and holistic means.


DON'T over-vaccinate a newly acquired puppy. Oftentimes the breeder or shelter has already vaccinated the puppy, and the new owner repeats the same vaccinations. Remember that vaccinations lower the immune system, inviting cancer and other diseases to take hold. Some immunologists contend that a single vaccination induces permanent immunity, and that re-vaccinating doesn't add to the immunity. The worst effects of over-vaccinating may not show up right away; it may be years-but they will show up!

DON'T give vaccinations close to periods when your dog will undergo stress. If you are going on vacation and plan on kenneling your dog while you're away, give kennel-cough shots (or whatever) several weeks in advance. Stress and vaccinations each lower the immune system. Asking a dog to handle them both at the same time is never a good idea. With new adoptions, wait until they have overcome the stress of dealing with their new environment before giving shots.

DON'T give more than one vaccination at a time! This is especially true in the case of puppies. Allow at least three weeks between vaccinations. And for rabies shots, separate from other vaccines by at least a full month before and after. When possible, avoid "combination" vaccines (typically three or more diseases mixed up in one "cocktail.")

DON'T give a rabies shot to a puppy until he/she is six months old. Laws sometimes mandate giving rabies shots at three months-try to prolong this if you can. Puppies' immune systems aren't well enough developed at three months.

DON'T give shots for diseases that are easily curable (with antibiotics or other means). Many find that it's easier, for example, to deal with curing corona (a viral intestinal infection of dogs) than the side effects of the vaccine.

DON'T expose other dogs to a dog that has received "live" virus shots for 10-21 days after receiving the shots. Live vaccines "shed" through the skin and feces, and could be dangerous to other dogs.

DON'T vaccinate adult females during seasons, when hormonal changes are taking place.

This information is based on many sources (see our August 2005 edition) and particularly the work of Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, DVM.


MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is for informational purposes only, and the intent is to provide sources of possible veterinary assistance, treatments and other help for owners of animals with cancer. The authors do not in any way endorse or make claims for any of the medical personnel, medical facilities, treatments, therapies, medicines, or methods recommended, described or quoted herein. Nothing herein should be deemed to be medical or veterinary advice, since no doctors or veterinarians are employed by or connected with this publication. Visitors are directed to consult with licensed veterinarians for all medical advice. Although every effort is made to avoid factual errors, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of the content of publication.

 

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