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A new
3 year duration distemper vaccine
In June of 2004, Fort Dodge Animal Health released a new type of Distemper-Parvo-Adenovirus (Hepatitis) vaccine. This vaccine, entitled “DHP” is a portion of the “DHPPC” Distemper-Hepatitis-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus-Corona virus that is also known as the “canine booster” given every year. This new vaccine is different in that in challenge studies, it showed a 3-year duration of effect.
What is a
challenge study?
A challenge
study is basically when dogs, in a highly regimented research study, are
purposefully exposed to disease. In this study, some dogs received vaccination,
and some did not. After 3 years, all dogs were exposed to disease and
all but one dog that received the new vaccine was fully protected against
all 3 diseases (and the one dog was only mildly sick). Unfortunately,
challenge studies are the only accurate means of knowing whether or not
a dog is truly immune to disease.
Why is this
new vaccine important?
The
reason why this new vaccine is important is that this means the vaccine
can be given less often. This is of benefit, since vaccines, while they
are instrumental in preventing disease, can have risks of reaction. The
less often a vaccine needs to be given the better. Unfortunately, until
recently, challenge studies for greater than 1 year had not been performed.
What does
this new vaccine mean for my pet?
This
vaccine is designed for dogs over 1 year of age. At 1 year of age, instead
of getting a DHPPC vaccine, you can get your dog a DHP instead. Instead
of annually, this DHP vaccine will only be given every three years.
What about
the other P & C?
The
“P” stands for parainfluenza. It still needs to be given every
year. Luckily, it is also a part of the Bordetella vaccine, which is also
given annually. The “C” which stands for coronavirus is also
annual. Parainfluenza, Bordetella, and Corona are all still required annually
for boarding and groomed dogs. This is because dogs are at highest risk
for these diseases in high population areas, and as of yet, none of these
diseases have stood up for more than 1-year duration on challenge studies.
If vaccines
still need to be given every year, why change?
It
is good to change to prevent risk of reaction. By only giving the DHP
every three years, this reduces risk of reaction. Also, the other vaccines
can be spread apart. We normally give vaccines together all at once, as
a convenience to you. It is actually healthier to your pets to spread
them out. We have developed a new protocol in association with Fort Dodge
to fully protect your pets while minimizing risk of unwanted side effects
from the vaccines. This is an every 6-month protocol.
What is a
wellness exam?
One
thing to remember is that even if vaccinations are given less often, you
will still be bringing your dog in every 6 months for a wellness examination.
When vaccines are given, it is considered standard of care to make sure
they are healthy and can tolerate the vaccines. Therefore, we have always
examined every pet before vaccination. If vaccines are to be given less
often, you need to make sure that your dog still comes in for these exams
they would have been given had they been here for their shots. These examinations
allow us to catch problems while they are small, and easier to catch and
treat. Small problems can quickly escalate into big ones…so big
that they can be fatal if not stopped early.
What about
cats?
Challenge
studies are being performed on the FVRCP vaccine in cats. Once those results
are released, a new vaccine or new-labeled recommendations maybe released.
We will notify you as results are released.
How do I know
what is the best protocol for my dog?
What
to vaccinate with, and how often is a personal decision that should be
discussed with dog owner and veterinarian. If you choose to continue with
the old protocol, that is a decision that can be made. A protocol with
only some of the vaccines can be made as well (although we have requirements
for any dog that stays with is in order to protect all of our patients.)
If your pet has a disease or disorder that makes vaccination risky, we
may still continue not to vaccination and to perform titer testing.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask. With this new vaccine and ever changing vaccination protocols, it can be quite confusing and we really want to make sure that you are an integral part of your dog’s wellness system.
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