A question about bordatella vaccine...& a Rudy update
Our amazing vet chatted with us quickly in the waiting room, and then asked if we'd mind if someone else did the vaccinations (Rudy was due) as even as we spoke they were about to begin prepping another dog downstairs for emergency surgery. Something was stuck in his intestines, and he said he'd already told the other owner about Rudy and his miraculous recovery (this owner was, understandably, stressed about the cost, but they were at a critical point and it simply had to be done. The dog wasn't as far gone as Rudy was, but wouldn't surivive the night without intervention. The owner seemed to be holding on to the idea that it would just eventually pass.) He said it looked like the owner was about to give the go ahead now finally. There simply wasn't an option. He asked if I'd be willing to talk to the owner about Rudy's experience, if needed. (I agreed, but he didn't end up needing me after all.) I never did meet the owner, or the dog, or anyone, but would have been happy to help in any way. Not that any of this has anything to do with my question, but I thought I'd put in the Rudy update. So, Rudy had to get the Bordatella vaccine to fly and to cross the border. Thus, it's on his computer file, and we get reminders, and we kept it up. Bordatella is not technically required here, so Hudson's never had it. Rudy does not go out and associate with many dogs (due to his cranky attitude toward them). Hudson goes to puppyschool, and parks, and will jump on and play with anyone. I asked the other vet (he's nice, but doesn't like to give opinions...he tells you both sides equally and leaves it to you...which is never helpful to me). He said it was a good idea to keep Rudy's Bordatella updated as he could pick it up from Hudson if Hudson brings it home from a park or classes. Then he also said that giving it to Hudson is optional. He didn't have an opinion either way. I don't see any reason why second hand transmission would be a reason to vaccinate while direct transmission wouldn't. But when I tried to clarify, and he tried to explain, I couldn't follow, and my brain started to hurt. (Remember, this is a very nice vet and all, but of the five there, unfortunately, he's the one we really find the least comforting.) So, is there any reason not to give it to Hudson? Are there any risk factors that would make someone choose NOT to do it? And would it make any sense at all to have one dog who is protected and one who isn't? Especially since Hudson is the one who actually hangs with other dogs? Oh, and back to Rudy....he's been officially declared one hundred percent a-ok! |
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| http://www.wsava.org/VGG1.htm |
| I wouldn't look at it as 2nd hand. It is 1st hand, no matter who they get it from. It's kind of like the little brother getting the bug that the older brother got at school. They both have it, no matter who they got it from...does that make sense? In my book, bordatella is an optional immunization, one of calculated risk. One thing to consider is exposure risk - where does your dog go?, how many possible exposures do they have - like what are the odds? But, also a concern is what would be each dog's risk if they get exposed, as it only takes 1 infected dog "sharing" it. Dogs with a medical history of anything respiratory are going to likely get sicker...where for another dog they just may have an annoying barky cough. And some dogs just seem to get everything that comes along. I usually play the middle road - I immunize dogs when they are going somewhere I feel their odds are pretty high - either a "suspect population" or just a higher number of dogs or many dogs in an enclosed area. It takes a couple weeks from time of immunization to full immunity, so you need to plan ahead.  Glad Rudy is doing well - hope the other dog at the clinic is OK too.  |
| Bordatella is optional in our state, but is required by kennels, daycares, etc. Our kennel ( as well as most others )requires it every 6 months instead of yearly. We have never had a problem with the vaccine. In addition to Chauncey's trips to the kennel, I take him with me a good bit and he enjoys being with other dogs. I also have a phobia with the communial water bowls and once in a while Chaunce will see one before I do....ewww. It's nice that more businesses are pet friendly but what a great way to spread disease. So even if not required we'd still vaccinate. I agree it doesn't make sense to vaccinate Rudy and not Hudson. |
| I don't even think about it. I just have the vet give the bordatella vaccine to Brick. Better to be safe than sorry. Same with the Lyme disease vaccination. |
| I asked a friend who is a vet about Bordatella vaccination. She said its like a flu vax for human's. If you are at risk i.e. elderly, young, immunosuppressed, exposed to lots of the virus then have it. But if not then she wouldn't bother except that it's required here by most dog obedience, agility etc groups and day care centers. She also said that just like human flu vax it only protects against a few of the multitude of different strains of Bordatella so it's not even close to a guarantee. The weird thing from my perspective is I'd have thought they'd suggest you vaccinate Smudgie if he's the one who's out and about with other dogs but on the other hand given how contagious Bordatella is, once one of them gets it most likely so will the other. |
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