Concerns About The Lepto Vaccine
I realize the following read is not about a Dogue de Bordeaux, but I assure you it can and does effect our breed. The Lepto vaccine is optional. As far as I am aware there are 8 strains of Lepto, there are 4 strains able to be vaccinated for, although many vets only vaccinate against 2 of the 4 strains because there is a high rate of negative reaction with the other 2 strains. Some vets say the lepto vaccine should never be given to young puppies and others will go a head and give it to a 6 week old pup.
The veterinarian industry know the dangers of this vaccine, I was told directly by the veterinarian only after we had a problem. He told me they must get owner consent before giving this vaccine, as well as, report negative reactions. He said, he only gives the 2 strains and not to puppies because it has a high rate of negative reaction, due to this, the vaccine companies keep modifying it to minimize the negative reactions.
You can find many more sad stories like these on the internet, if you look.
We have experienced a serious problem with this vaccine 3 separate times, with different dogs, at different stages of life.
All three incidences were with Healthy Dogue de Bordeaux that were produced from outbreedings.
WE NO LONGER GIVE THE LEPTO VACCINE TO OUR DOGS.
1. (Occurred in early 2000's) A 7yr old dog (bought from another breeder)
- Result: Serious organ damage, but lived due to medical intervention and special care for the remainder of her life.
2. (Occurred in 2010) A 12 week old puppy (we produced)
- Result: Anaphylactic shock and almost died at the vet clinic. Went on to live a healthy life without the Lepto Vaccine.
3. (Occurred in 2010) A 5yr old dog (bought from another breeder, different from the first breeder)
- Result: Organ Failure and Death
Below is someone elses story about their experience with the Lepto Vaccine.
The veterinarian industry know the dangers of this vaccine, I was told directly by the veterinarian only after we had a problem. He told me they must get owner consent before giving this vaccine, as well as, report negative reactions. He said, he only gives the 2 strains and not to puppies because it has a high rate of negative reaction, due to this, the vaccine companies keep modifying it to minimize the negative reactions.
You can find many more sad stories like these on the internet, if you look.
We have experienced a serious problem with this vaccine 3 separate times, with different dogs, at different stages of life.
All three incidences were with Healthy Dogue de Bordeaux that were produced from outbreedings.
WE NO LONGER GIVE THE LEPTO VACCINE TO OUR DOGS.
1. (Occurred in early 2000's) A 7yr old dog (bought from another breeder)
- Result: Serious organ damage, but lived due to medical intervention and special care for the remainder of her life.
2. (Occurred in 2010) A 12 week old puppy (we produced)
- Result: Anaphylactic shock and almost died at the vet clinic. Went on to live a healthy life without the Lepto Vaccine.
3. (Occurred in 2010) A 5yr old dog (bought from another breeder, different from the first breeder)
- Result: Organ Failure and Death
Below is someone elses story about their experience with the Lepto Vaccine.
Anaphylactic Reaction to Leptospirosis Vaccine - (Link to Page)
January 1, 2007 by NTCA Webmaster • Categories: Health
Sudden Death, or Why I’m Leaving Out Lepto
by Alison G. Freehling
He was born the day before Easter so we called him Peter Cottontail, P.C. for short. In a litter of three, he was the only male and was bigger, bolder and more gregarious than his sisters. He was everybody’s favorite — playful, loving, spoiled. He never stopped living life to its fullest until his sudden, horrific death at 14 weeks of age.
We had been in Kentucky just four days when I took P.C. and April Fool to the nearby small animal clinic for their “routine” second shots. Four weeks earlier in Connecticut, both puppies had had this same combination vaccine — DHLPP — without experiencing any reaction. Today would be different.
After giving the puppies’ medical history to the receptionist, I took P.C. and April into the vet’s office. When Dr. Eckert arrived, my anxiety about having a new vet abated. From first impressions, Dr. Eckert loved puppies, was easy to talk to and took time to answer clients’ questions. He also had Norwich as patients. He checked both puppies, pronounced them healthy, and gave each a big hug.
“Okay, who’s first?” the vet asked. Because P.C. was braver, I chose him. Within seconds of the inoculation, my puppy started screaming. His eyes looked panicky. Dr. Eckert and I briefly teased him about not being a “big boy.” As the piercing wails continued, however, the vet checked P.C.’s gums. Seeing their pale color, Dr. Eckert told me P.C. was having an allergic reaction to his shot and would have to go to the clinic’s emergency room for treatment.
When he returned about ten minutes later, Dr. Eckert explained that P.C. had experienced acute anaphylaxis, a systemic hypersensitivity reaction resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, blood pooling, reduced cardiac output and shock. Stunned by the report of P.C.’s condition, I questioned whether such a young puppy could bounce back. Dr. Eckert said he had treated numerous dogs and cats for allergic reactions to vaccinations and, in sixteen years of practice, had never lost one.
As April and I were leaving, Dr. Eckert reassured me about P.C. and promised to keep in close contact. His first phone call, about 1 1/2 hours later, was mildly upbeat. P.C.’s temperature was 97ÁF., up a degree, and he was slightly more responsive to treatment. The second call, however, was somber, concluding with “we’re not out of the woods yet.” I thought I was prepared for the worst; but when Dr. Eckert called soon afterwards to say P.C. had died, I reacted with numb disbelief. While battling my own emotions, my heart went out also to my brand-new vet for the ordeal he had experienced. “I’m supposed to save life, not take it away” are the words I remember most from his final call.
An autopsy performed at the University of Kentucky Livestock Diagnostic Center confirmed Dr. Eckert’s diagnosis of anaphylactic shock with extensive hemorrhaging of the liver and colon. Conversations with a vet at Smithkline Beecham, manufacturer of the vaccine, ruled out the possibility of a bad batch. This vet echoed Dr. Eckert’s view that the leptospirosis (lepto) component of the combination vaccine was most likely responsible for P.C.’s reaction. Veterinary articles on anaphylaxis I have read since P.C.’s death likewise incriminate the lepto component.
Why? Leptospirosis is a bacterial rather than a viral disease. Consequently, the canine lepto shot is not a modified live virus vaccine, but is a chemically inactivated bacterium containing more potential antigens (individual disease units) capable of causing reactions. As in P.C.’s case, anaphylaxis does not occur after the first inoculation, but after the second or third when antibodies produced by the puppy’s immune system become hypersensitive.
Allergic reactions are not the lepto shot’s only drawback. Existing leptospira bacterium provide neither as high a level nor as long a duration of immunity as modified live canine vaccines. Of the four most common leptospirae known to infect dogs [L.canicola, L. icterohemorrhagiae, L. pomora and L. grippotyphosa], the lepto shot. currently available contains only two bacterium: L. canicola and L. icterohemorrhagiae. The primary immunization series, usually requiring three inoculations, provides only six months protection against the disease. Subsequent vaccination programs, normally based on annual boosters, are thus inadequate . A 1989 Tufts University study of 17 dogs with confirmed leptospirosis showed all 17 to be infected with L. pomona and L. grippotyphosa which are not currently included in lepto vaccines. Nine of the 17 dogs had been vaccinated against leptospirosis within the previous six months.
If I needed further reasons to discontinue the lepto shot, my dogs’ genes, lifestyle and locale provided the clinchers. Regarding genetics, canine veterinary literature suggests that certain breeds or certain lines within a bleed may be more sensitive to vaccinations. Small breeds, especially closely bred small dogs, seem at greater risk of vaccine reactions than large breeds and outcrossed dogs. An offspring of an uncle-niece mating, little P.C. fit the “risky” profile. My other six Norwich, with similar genes, do also.
As for lifestyle and locale, transmission of leptospirosis among dogs most often results from their ingesting water or food contaminated by the urine of infected wild and domestic animals. Dogs (L. canicola), rats (L. icterohemorrhagiae), voles (L. grippotyphosa), cows and pigs (L. pomona) are the known primary reservoir hosts. My Norwich spend their days in a fenced yard adjacent to the house or atop sofas and dog beds in the family room and kitchen. They take on-leash walks, but do not run free or drink from ponds or streams. Their kibble is stored in a rodent-proof container in the mudroom. The risk of such ‘couch potatoes’ being exposed to leptospirosis in the natural environment thus seems minimal. Moreover, this area of Kentucky does not have a high incidence of the disease. In 17 years of practice here, my vet has not seen a single case in dogs.
For my line of Norwich, then, my vet and I have decided on a vaccination program without lepto. What seems most appropriate for my Bluegrass terriers may not be best for other dogs in other regions. I urge all Norwich and Norfolk owners to discuss the benefits versus risks of lepto vaccinations with your vet — prior to inoculation! Also, please delete the word “routine” from your veterinary vocabulary. Whether the subject is vaccinations, tail-docking or spaying, these common medical procedures all have the potential for serious complications and, in extreme cases like P.C.’s, the loss of a beloved companion.
Originally appeared on the NNTC website prior to 2008.
January 1, 2007 by NTCA Webmaster • Categories: Health
Sudden Death, or Why I’m Leaving Out Lepto
by Alison G. Freehling
He was born the day before Easter so we called him Peter Cottontail, P.C. for short. In a litter of three, he was the only male and was bigger, bolder and more gregarious than his sisters. He was everybody’s favorite — playful, loving, spoiled. He never stopped living life to its fullest until his sudden, horrific death at 14 weeks of age.
We had been in Kentucky just four days when I took P.C. and April Fool to the nearby small animal clinic for their “routine” second shots. Four weeks earlier in Connecticut, both puppies had had this same combination vaccine — DHLPP — without experiencing any reaction. Today would be different.
After giving the puppies’ medical history to the receptionist, I took P.C. and April into the vet’s office. When Dr. Eckert arrived, my anxiety about having a new vet abated. From first impressions, Dr. Eckert loved puppies, was easy to talk to and took time to answer clients’ questions. He also had Norwich as patients. He checked both puppies, pronounced them healthy, and gave each a big hug.
“Okay, who’s first?” the vet asked. Because P.C. was braver, I chose him. Within seconds of the inoculation, my puppy started screaming. His eyes looked panicky. Dr. Eckert and I briefly teased him about not being a “big boy.” As the piercing wails continued, however, the vet checked P.C.’s gums. Seeing their pale color, Dr. Eckert told me P.C. was having an allergic reaction to his shot and would have to go to the clinic’s emergency room for treatment.
When he returned about ten minutes later, Dr. Eckert explained that P.C. had experienced acute anaphylaxis, a systemic hypersensitivity reaction resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, blood pooling, reduced cardiac output and shock. Stunned by the report of P.C.’s condition, I questioned whether such a young puppy could bounce back. Dr. Eckert said he had treated numerous dogs and cats for allergic reactions to vaccinations and, in sixteen years of practice, had never lost one.
As April and I were leaving, Dr. Eckert reassured me about P.C. and promised to keep in close contact. His first phone call, about 1 1/2 hours later, was mildly upbeat. P.C.’s temperature was 97ÁF., up a degree, and he was slightly more responsive to treatment. The second call, however, was somber, concluding with “we’re not out of the woods yet.” I thought I was prepared for the worst; but when Dr. Eckert called soon afterwards to say P.C. had died, I reacted with numb disbelief. While battling my own emotions, my heart went out also to my brand-new vet for the ordeal he had experienced. “I’m supposed to save life, not take it away” are the words I remember most from his final call.
An autopsy performed at the University of Kentucky Livestock Diagnostic Center confirmed Dr. Eckert’s diagnosis of anaphylactic shock with extensive hemorrhaging of the liver and colon. Conversations with a vet at Smithkline Beecham, manufacturer of the vaccine, ruled out the possibility of a bad batch. This vet echoed Dr. Eckert’s view that the leptospirosis (lepto) component of the combination vaccine was most likely responsible for P.C.’s reaction. Veterinary articles on anaphylaxis I have read since P.C.’s death likewise incriminate the lepto component.
Why? Leptospirosis is a bacterial rather than a viral disease. Consequently, the canine lepto shot is not a modified live virus vaccine, but is a chemically inactivated bacterium containing more potential antigens (individual disease units) capable of causing reactions. As in P.C.’s case, anaphylaxis does not occur after the first inoculation, but after the second or third when antibodies produced by the puppy’s immune system become hypersensitive.
Allergic reactions are not the lepto shot’s only drawback. Existing leptospira bacterium provide neither as high a level nor as long a duration of immunity as modified live canine vaccines. Of the four most common leptospirae known to infect dogs [L.canicola, L. icterohemorrhagiae, L. pomora and L. grippotyphosa], the lepto shot. currently available contains only two bacterium: L. canicola and L. icterohemorrhagiae. The primary immunization series, usually requiring three inoculations, provides only six months protection against the disease. Subsequent vaccination programs, normally based on annual boosters, are thus inadequate . A 1989 Tufts University study of 17 dogs with confirmed leptospirosis showed all 17 to be infected with L. pomona and L. grippotyphosa which are not currently included in lepto vaccines. Nine of the 17 dogs had been vaccinated against leptospirosis within the previous six months.
If I needed further reasons to discontinue the lepto shot, my dogs’ genes, lifestyle and locale provided the clinchers. Regarding genetics, canine veterinary literature suggests that certain breeds or certain lines within a bleed may be more sensitive to vaccinations. Small breeds, especially closely bred small dogs, seem at greater risk of vaccine reactions than large breeds and outcrossed dogs. An offspring of an uncle-niece mating, little P.C. fit the “risky” profile. My other six Norwich, with similar genes, do also.
As for lifestyle and locale, transmission of leptospirosis among dogs most often results from their ingesting water or food contaminated by the urine of infected wild and domestic animals. Dogs (L. canicola), rats (L. icterohemorrhagiae), voles (L. grippotyphosa), cows and pigs (L. pomona) are the known primary reservoir hosts. My Norwich spend their days in a fenced yard adjacent to the house or atop sofas and dog beds in the family room and kitchen. They take on-leash walks, but do not run free or drink from ponds or streams. Their kibble is stored in a rodent-proof container in the mudroom. The risk of such ‘couch potatoes’ being exposed to leptospirosis in the natural environment thus seems minimal. Moreover, this area of Kentucky does not have a high incidence of the disease. In 17 years of practice here, my vet has not seen a single case in dogs.
For my line of Norwich, then, my vet and I have decided on a vaccination program without lepto. What seems most appropriate for my Bluegrass terriers may not be best for other dogs in other regions. I urge all Norwich and Norfolk owners to discuss the benefits versus risks of lepto vaccinations with your vet — prior to inoculation! Also, please delete the word “routine” from your veterinary vocabulary. Whether the subject is vaccinations, tail-docking or spaying, these common medical procedures all have the potential for serious complications and, in extreme cases like P.C.’s, the loss of a beloved companion.
Originally appeared on the NNTC website prior to 2008.
CANINE ANAPHYLAXIS - (Link to Page)
A Healthy Advisory to Dog Owners
WHAT IS CANINE ANAPHYLAXIS? Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction to a foreign agent such as insect venom, vaccines, drugs, etc. This allergic response involves the mast cells, a type of connective tissue cell which secretes heparin and histamines, and thus plays a role in inflammatory reactions. There are two forms of anaphylaxis: anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactoid reaction.
Anaphylactic reactions are immune-mediated, that is, when a dog is exposed to a particular agent, called an antigen, for the first time, its body will produce antibodies to that agent which bind to the mast cells. When the dog is exposed to the same agent at a later time, these antibodies activate the mast cells to produce an inflammatory response.
Anaphalactoid reactions are identical to anaphylactic reactions in terms of clinical symptoms, however, anaphylactoid reactions are the result of non-immunological factors which directly activate the mast cells. As such, a single exposure to the foreign agent may result in clinical symptoms.
In both conditions, activation of mast cells results in a number of physiological changes affecting respiration and circulation which may present a life-threatening emergency.
WHAT ARE SOME AGENTS WHICH CAUSE ANAPHYLAXIS? Snake or insect venom, the leptospirosis component or preservatives in canine vaccines, and antibiotics and other drugs are some of the common agents which can bring on anaphylaxis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS? Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur within one hour following exposure to the agent. Reaction may be restricted to the site of contact with the agent as seen with local swelling and redness associated with insect stings or may occur systemically in which the whole body will swell. Dogs suffering from systemic anaphylaxis are usually restless and excitable. Vomiting and bloody diarrhea, followed by collapse, convulsions, coma and eventually death indicate a state of anaphylactic shock secondary to systemic anaphylaxis.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ANAPHYLAXIS? Systemic anaphylaxis constitutes a medical emergency. Circulatory collapse associated with anaphylaxis results in oxygen deprivation to major organs particularly the liver and gastrointestinal system. Fluid therapy to replace blood volume and epinephrine, which serves to increase blood flow as well as inactivate mast cell response, are the first course of treatment for anaphylaxis. Oxygen therapy may also be necessary.
Follow-up therapy includes administration of corticosteroids and antihistamines to control persistent mass cell release. Additionally, antibiotic therapy is indicated to prevent secondary infection related to gastrointestinal permeability which occurs during systemic anaphylaxis.
WHAT ARE SOME COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ANAPHYLAXIS? Complications associated with anaphylaxis can be severe and result in long-term or irreparable damage. Because the liver is considered as the major "shock organ" in canines experiencing anaphylaxis, liver damage can lead to liver disease. Loss of blood supply to the gastrointestinal system often results in "gastric ischemia" which is death of the tissue lining the intestines and presents as hemorrhagic diarrhea and vomitus. Under these circumstances, permeability of the intestines can lead to release of bacteria which may cause peritonitis. In some cases, whole sections of the intestine may die requiring surgical resection. Yet more severe cases may cause complete collapse of the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, one occurrence in anaphylaxis is the pooling and coagulation of blood which leads to a decrease in circulating platelets. This decrease in platelets has the potential to result in internal hemorrhage.
CAN ANAPHYLAXIS BE PREVENTED? Unfortunately, anaphylaxis usually occurs unexpectedly and very rapidly. The key to prevention is to avoid the agent which produces the reaction. However, in regard to vaccine and drug reactions there is no reliable prevention for anaphylaxis; rather, reducing the severity of the reaction has become the next best recommendation. In regard to reactions to vaccines, it is recommended that following vaccination the dog be observed in the veterinarian’s office for at least half-an-hour before leaving. In this way, the dog will have immediate medical attention if a reaction occurs. In those dogs which have a previous history of anaphylaxis, pretreatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids are methods currently used to reduce reaction severity.
REFERENCES:
Cohen, R. D., Systemic anaphylaxis. In Kirk, R.W. (ed): Current Veterinary Therapy XII. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co., 1995, p.150.
A Healthy Advisory to Dog Owners
WHAT IS CANINE ANAPHYLAXIS? Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction to a foreign agent such as insect venom, vaccines, drugs, etc. This allergic response involves the mast cells, a type of connective tissue cell which secretes heparin and histamines, and thus plays a role in inflammatory reactions. There are two forms of anaphylaxis: anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactoid reaction.
Anaphylactic reactions are immune-mediated, that is, when a dog is exposed to a particular agent, called an antigen, for the first time, its body will produce antibodies to that agent which bind to the mast cells. When the dog is exposed to the same agent at a later time, these antibodies activate the mast cells to produce an inflammatory response.
Anaphalactoid reactions are identical to anaphylactic reactions in terms of clinical symptoms, however, anaphylactoid reactions are the result of non-immunological factors which directly activate the mast cells. As such, a single exposure to the foreign agent may result in clinical symptoms.
In both conditions, activation of mast cells results in a number of physiological changes affecting respiration and circulation which may present a life-threatening emergency.
WHAT ARE SOME AGENTS WHICH CAUSE ANAPHYLAXIS? Snake or insect venom, the leptospirosis component or preservatives in canine vaccines, and antibiotics and other drugs are some of the common agents which can bring on anaphylaxis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS? Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur within one hour following exposure to the agent. Reaction may be restricted to the site of contact with the agent as seen with local swelling and redness associated with insect stings or may occur systemically in which the whole body will swell. Dogs suffering from systemic anaphylaxis are usually restless and excitable. Vomiting and bloody diarrhea, followed by collapse, convulsions, coma and eventually death indicate a state of anaphylactic shock secondary to systemic anaphylaxis.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ANAPHYLAXIS? Systemic anaphylaxis constitutes a medical emergency. Circulatory collapse associated with anaphylaxis results in oxygen deprivation to major organs particularly the liver and gastrointestinal system. Fluid therapy to replace blood volume and epinephrine, which serves to increase blood flow as well as inactivate mast cell response, are the first course of treatment for anaphylaxis. Oxygen therapy may also be necessary.
Follow-up therapy includes administration of corticosteroids and antihistamines to control persistent mass cell release. Additionally, antibiotic therapy is indicated to prevent secondary infection related to gastrointestinal permeability which occurs during systemic anaphylaxis.
WHAT ARE SOME COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ANAPHYLAXIS? Complications associated with anaphylaxis can be severe and result in long-term or irreparable damage. Because the liver is considered as the major "shock organ" in canines experiencing anaphylaxis, liver damage can lead to liver disease. Loss of blood supply to the gastrointestinal system often results in "gastric ischemia" which is death of the tissue lining the intestines and presents as hemorrhagic diarrhea and vomitus. Under these circumstances, permeability of the intestines can lead to release of bacteria which may cause peritonitis. In some cases, whole sections of the intestine may die requiring surgical resection. Yet more severe cases may cause complete collapse of the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, one occurrence in anaphylaxis is the pooling and coagulation of blood which leads to a decrease in circulating platelets. This decrease in platelets has the potential to result in internal hemorrhage.
CAN ANAPHYLAXIS BE PREVENTED? Unfortunately, anaphylaxis usually occurs unexpectedly and very rapidly. The key to prevention is to avoid the agent which produces the reaction. However, in regard to vaccine and drug reactions there is no reliable prevention for anaphylaxis; rather, reducing the severity of the reaction has become the next best recommendation. In regard to reactions to vaccines, it is recommended that following vaccination the dog be observed in the veterinarian’s office for at least half-an-hour before leaving. In this way, the dog will have immediate medical attention if a reaction occurs. In those dogs which have a previous history of anaphylaxis, pretreatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids are methods currently used to reduce reaction severity.
REFERENCES:
Cohen, R. D., Systemic anaphylaxis. In Kirk, R.W. (ed): Current Veterinary Therapy XII. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co., 1995, p.150.