Vaccinations

I have read that yearly vaccinations are not neccessary, just as with human vaccinations.  Given once, they're good for a lifetime.  Since my Pug has an unrepairable liver shunt, it is recommended NOT to vaccinate because of her compromised liver.  She has not had a vaccination since she was six months old.  Do you agree with this?  Lastly, is it safe for me to bring her with me when I go visiting in upstate New York where she could possible catch something?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Over-vaccination is no longer necessary.  Find a veterinarian in your area that performs titers instead of yearly vaccines.  Vaccine titers measure the amount of antibody directed toward diseases.  Vaccine titers are performed by obtaining a small amount of the patients blood, which is then sent to a laboratory where the the antibody level is measured.  An adequate antibody level is protective against disease.  

We at American Animal Hospital in Randolph, NJ perform titers on all pets over the age of one (after they have received there initial series).  Currently vaccine titers are available for distemper, parvo and rabies.  I personally have rarely seen inadequate vaccine titer levels in my patients who have had the initial vaccine series given correctly, but even then I still do occasionally see low titers in some patients.  These patients are re-vaccinated for optimal protection.

It is NOT true that once a vaccine is given it will last for a lifetime.  The longevity of a vaccine depends on the patient, the type of vaccine, the time when the vaccine was given, the health of the patient, and many other factors.  The only way to determine if the vaccine is truly effective is by having the vaccine titer level test performed.

Please have the vaccine titers checked first before traveling just to be safe.  If any of the vaccines for your dog are inadequate then your dog should be re-vaccinated.  Only a single vaccine should be given at each office visit.  Wait at least 3 weeks before returning for another vaccine.  

Lyme, Bordetella, Corona, and Leptospirosis vaccines are optional vaccines.  In a dog with a liver shunt it may be wiser to just stick to the basics.