Vaccinations and Immunity
Many clients wonder why we emphasize performing a physical examination on their pet prior to administering vaccinations. We hope the following information will shed some light on this topic.
It wasn't more than a couple of generations ago that dogs routinely died of distemper and breeders purposely exposed their puppies to an active case, knowing that many would die, but those that survived would be immune for life. Similarly, only a little more than 10 years ago, there was no prevention for canine parvovirus nor for feline leukemia virus for cats. Today , we count so much on the effectiveness of modern vaccines that it is easy to think that they are all we need. However, there is much more to immunization than just jabbing in a needle.
The important thing to remember is that the vaccine is not what protects the dog or cat. It is the animal's response to the vaccine that creates the immunity. If the pet's immune system is not capable of responding, he or she will not be protected.
Anything that has a negative effect on the immune system can create a situation--albeit temporary--in which little or no immunity is produced. While certain drugs, toxins, or hereditary conditions can produce a weak immune response, by far the most important factor is poor health. Fever, infection, malnutrition, parasites, stress, and other environmental factors can suppress the immune system. This is why it is so important that pets receive a thorough veterinary examination before being vaccinated.
Puppies and kittens that are raised in crowded conditions, that are poorly fed, inadequately socialized, and full of worms are stressed, and no number of vaccinations will confer immunity, until they are properly treated and cared for. These pets are likely to come down with the disease if exposed to a virus. This is why so many dogs and cats at pounds and humane societies contract distemper, parvo, upper respiratory viruses, and other contagious diseases. Through no fault of the people who run these facilities, the animals brought in are often in a state of severe physiological stress, which renders them vulnerable to contagious disease.
On the other hand, puppies and kittens that come from well-fed, immunized mothers, that are raised with comfort, love, and the best nutrition, and are protected from too much stress, are much more likely to be capable of responding to a challenge to the immune system.
The doctors at Twin Maples will thoroughly examine your pet to insure that he or she is in optimal condition to respond properly to vaccine. If a problem is found that may prevent development of immunity, it can be identified and treated, and after recovery, vaccinations can be administered with confidence that your pet will be protected.
(excerpted in part from The Vet Is In , Bonnie Wilcow, D.V.M., Dog Fancy, Dec. 1993)
