VACCINATION PROTOCOL
Based upon the latest information from studies in immunology, we follow the most
current recommendations for vaccine protocols for dogs and cats. Many leading researchers and
specialists now believe that several of the vaccines that we routinely give to dogs and cats have a
greater duration of immunity than had previously been thought. The duration of immunity is the
length of time that a vaccine provides protection. In addition to this, some research is suggesting
that over-vaccination of pets has led to some problems such as auto-immune hemolytic anemia in
dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats. Although the vaccine manufacturers have not
changed their labeling of these vaccines and still recommend vaccinating according to older
protocols, many of the foremost veterinary colleges, as well as the American Veterinary Medical
Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline
Practitioners, and other leaders in veterinary medicine research now recommend new vaccine
protocols. We are following these guidelines.
VACCINES FOR DOGS
1. The Distemper virus combination and the Parvovirus vaccine (known as the DA2PP) have
been shown to have a duration of immunity of multiple years. As a puppy, your dog will receive
three sets of vaccinations for these viruses in accordance with current knowledge of developing
immune systems. These combination vaccines will protect against: Canine Distemper,
Adenovirus-2 (Canine Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Your dog will be required to
receive a booster for all of these at one year of age. After the one-year booster, we will begin
staggering these vaccines. Your dog will receive the Canine Distemper, Adenovirus 2 and
Parainfluenza vaccine one year, the Parvovirus vaccine the next year, and the Rabies vaccine in
the third year.
2. The Rabies vaccine schedule is government regulated and will not change. We will give the
first vaccine after 12 weeks of age. A booster vaccination will be given in one year and then
revaccination will occur every three years after that.
3. The Bordetella vaccination, commonly referred to as the Kennel Cough vaccine, has been
shown to have a duration of immunity of less than one year. Due to this, we will require that all
boarding dogs be vaccinated for Bordetella every 6 months. We would also strongly recommend
that any dog that goes to grooming facilities, dog parks, dog training, or routinely comes in
contact with other dogs be vaccinated for Bordetella. The Bordetella vaccine does not prevent
many of the viruses associated with contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs, only against
the organism Bordetella Bronchiseptica.
4. The Leptospirosis and Corona virus vaccines, though available at our hospital by special order
for those canines who are at risk, is not part of our core vaccination protocol. Arizona is a low
risk area for these diseases and both these vaccines have a high rate of complications and
reactions. If your dog is travelling to an area where these diseases are present or will be
participating in activities which may increase the risk of exposure, please speak to your
veterinarian about these vaccines.
5. The Rattlesnake vaccine is not recommended. It is made from the venom of one of the 11
species of rattlesnake seen in the greater Tucson area, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
There has been very little peer-reviewed research on this vaccines safety, effectiveness or
duration of protection. “Protective” titers are short lived and require frequent boosters.
According to the manufacturer, there are no pending studies or plans for studies on their product.
The vaccine does not protect your dog from being bit or change any of the treatment protocol for
snake envenomation. Administration of antivenin is still the standard of treatment regardless if
this vaccine has been used. For these reasons, our veterinarians do not recommend it and have no
plans to offer it in the future.
VACCINES FOR CATS
1. The Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia vaccine (or RCP) will be given to
kittens in a series of two to three vaccinations in accordance with the current knowledge of
developing immune systems. After one year, your cat will receive a booster vaccination and then
be revaccinated every three years. This vaccine is recommended for all cats, including those who
are indoor only and have no to little risk of exposure and is required for boarding in our facilities.
2. The Rabies vaccine that we are giving to our feline patients is a recombinant, non-adjuvanted
vaccine. There is some evidence to suggest that this vaccine decreases the incidence of rabies
vaccine reactions (including vaccine-associated sarcomas) in cats. Currently this vaccine is only
rated for one year and will need to be boostered at your cat’s annual exam. We strongly
recommend this vaccine for all outdoor, indoor/outdoor, those cats who live in a house with an
indoor/outdoor cat and those cats with a history of aggression towards other cats or humans.
3. The recommendations for the Feline Leukemia vaccine have not changed. The initial
vaccination will require a series of two injections. Revaccination will then be required on an
annual basis. The Feline Leukemia vaccine is recommended for cats that are outdoors or
indoor/outdoors and cats that live in multiple cat households with other cats who go outside.
There are other non-core vaccines available for both dogs and cats that we do not routinely
recommend for a variety of reasons. Some of the available vaccinations are for diseases not
found in Arizona or the vaccination may have conflicting or low efficacy rates or high rates of
severe or life-threatening reactions. If you have questions about any other vaccines, please ask
our veterinarians about them. Please keep in mind that our vaccination protocol is considered
extra-label usage and is not the protocol for which the vaccines have been licensed. However, it
is based upon the latest and best veterinary immunological research that is available. We will
continue to routinely reevaluate our vaccine recommendations and make any changes to our
protocol that is necessary to provide the best care and protection for your pet.
It is still important that your pet receive yearly or twice-yearly veterinary examinations even on a
rotating or staggered vaccine schedule. Our pets age much quicker than we do and only your
veterinarian can detect the subtle signs of disease.
© ORANGE GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, SVG, PC 2014