I received this vaccination protocol information at the Collie Club of America National Breeder's Seminar in La Crosse
, Wisconsin in 2008.
There are two types of vaccines currently available
to veterinarians: modified-live vaccines and inactivated ("killed") vaccines.
Immunization Schedules
There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the
appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified-live vaccines and breeders who have experienced
postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines. It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while maternal
antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother's colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the
vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.
Many breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.
Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)
Modified-live vaccines contain a weakened strain of
the disease causing agent. Weakening of the agent is typically accomplished by chemical means or by genetic engineering. These
vaccines replicate within the host, thus increasing the amount of material available for provoking an immune response without
inducing clinical illness. This provocation primes the immune system to mount a vigorous response if the disease causing agent
is ever introduced to the animal. Further, the immunity provided by a modified-live vaccine develops rather swiftly and since
they mimic infection with the actual disease agent, it provides the best immune response.
Inactivated Vaccines (Killed)
Inactivated vaccines contain killed disease causing agents. Since the agent
is killed, it is much more stable and has a longer shelf life, there is no possibility that they will revert to a virulent
form, and they never spread from the vaccinated host to other animals. They are also safe for use in pregnant animals (a developing
fetus may be susceptible to damage by some of the disease agents, even though attenuated, present in modified-live vaccines).
Although more than a single dose of vaccine is always required and the duration of immunity is generally shorter, inactivated
vaccines are regaining importance in this age of retrovirus and herpesvirus infections and concern about the safety of genetically
modified microorganisms. Inactivated vaccines available for use in dogs include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus,
etc.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310/ 828-4804
fax: 310/ 828-8251
Note: This
schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would
be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to
or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune
endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended.