the Havana Silk Dog Association of America

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Vaccinations, a current view...
The Havana Silk Dog, like the Havanese, is considered a vaccine 'sensitive' breed. This means that vaccines, intended to protect the dog from serious infectious diseases, may have an adverse effect on the dog. These reactions can range from mild to life threatening.

Mild: Lethargy, achiness, inappetance usually lasting no more than one day.
Moderate: Facial swelling, hives...an allergic reaction.
Severe: Anaphylactic shock

In addition to these 'acute' reactions, there is evidence that adverse events can occur later following vaccination. One example is immune mediated hemolytic anemia which has been hypothetically linked to vaccination. For a comprehensive article click on Jean Dodds' on Adverse Vaccination Reactions



Joanne V Baldwin DVM has developed a vaccination protocol for Havana Silk Dogs that has been used for a number of years with good results. A downloadable protocol, with letter of explanation that you can print out and take to your veterinarian can be found below.  Sometimes owners have to be quite firm when convincing veterinarians that their dogs to follow a minimal vaccination schedule. Owners have to remember that the dog belongs to them not the veterinarian and the ultimate decision on what vaccinations to allow is the owner's to make.  Overvaccinating can have serious consequences for the long term health of your dog...do not cave in to pressure!

For those wishing an even more minimal protocol, Dr Jean Dodds' protocol for at risk dogs is reprinted below.


Dr. Baldwin's vaccination protocol


Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310/ 828-4804
fax: 310/ 828-8251

Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice.

For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or effected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.), the following protocol is recommended:

Total of 3 doses ONLY
Age of Pups - Vaccine - Type
9 weeks MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy)
12 weeks MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy)
16-20 weeks MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy)
24 weeks or older, if allowable by law Killed Rabies Vaccine
1 year MLV Distemper/Parvovirus only booster
1 year ( give 3-4 weeks apart from Dist/Parvo booster) Killed 3 year rabies vaccine
MLV=modified-live virus

After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane).

Another alternative to booster vaccinations is homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions. However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained.

I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster.

I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Futhermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.

I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET