I’m slightly wary about asking this question as last time I brought it up I was made to feel that it was my fault Toby has cancer due to feeding kibble/vaccinating/neutering/flee and tick treatments/worming! Any way here goes. Toby is due his booster next month. Does any one on here not vaccinate their dog? If so, what is the reason and can you point me in the direction of any articles relating to vaccinations and potential health issues. We see the oncologist and a dermatologist on Tuesday so I will be asking them both for their thoughts.
It's not your fault that Toby has cancer and it's sad that you were made to feel this. I'd say that your vet oncologist is the ideal person to advise you as to whether Toby should be vaccinated next month. (I always have my healthy dog vaccinated according to my vet's advice.)
My vet does the core vaccinations every 3 years so I don't have to make this decision yet and Lepto annually, which I decline as it seems like a pretty useless vaccination (limited effectiveness, rare disease, relatively high risk of side effects). It's funny cos I'm really pro vaccination in children but I do think human medicine (at least in this country) is better regulated and not so much in the pockets of the pharmaceutical companies. A lot will depend on your circumstances - if toby goes to kennels ever you probably won't have a choice. Some will accept Titre tests but still ask for Lepto.
My vet also recommends core vaccines every three years and annual leptospirosis which I have done. I'm in Sussex and my understanding is that Leptospirosis is a common bacterial infection contracted from rats' urine. Molly is a great one for splashing through and drinking any puddle, pond or ditch so it seems sensible to go with it. She has never had any side-effects from the vaccine. Obviously with a dog like Toby being treated for a long-term illness you would want to ask for professional advice.
Thanks Ruth and Joy. Something for me to check but research now tells me every three years is sufficient. Need to look into the leptospirosis a bit more.
After a delay due to me being ill I took today for his boosters. Just the leptospirosis. Interestingly I found out that when it comes to his boosters next year for the others there is a blood test you can have to see if he still has the antibodies to cover him. If it ties in with an oncologist visit I will have that done rather than automatically vaccinate.
Years ago we had a diabetic Lab and I spent a lot of time on a mail list for diabetic dogs. Some of the folks there did Titers instead of routine vaccinations because they were concerned about side effects from vaccinations
