The importance of vaccines and how they work

Topic: Rabies

Filed under Dogs

Tags: Rabies

 

Preventative, routine rabies vaccines are the only way to keep your pet safe, be it a dog, cat or ferret. Most other domestic animals are not vaccinated for rabies unless there is a suspected contact with a rabid animal or there is some epidemic or outbreak of rabies within a geographical area. Humans, unless they work in a high risk profession such as a vet or veterinary clinic worker, an animal control officer or someone that has direct contact with imported animals for zoos or wildlife areas, are rarely vaccinated preventatively against rabies. This is because the new human rabies vaccines are highly effective provided they are given within six days after the bite and are followed through with the five recommended shots over a 28 day period. In addition the new vaccines include two immunoglobulin shots that are given at the bite area and through another injection away from the bite itself. No longer are the shots given into the abdomen, meaning this is much less painful that the previous treatments.

For dogs, cats and ferrets rabies shots are given differently. They are provided when the dog is between four months and a year old, then again as boosters as determined by the type of vaccination used. Some rabies vaccinations with dogs only have be given as boosters every two or three years while others may still be on a yearly basis. In areas where rabies is problematic many vets recommend a yearly booster to help the body maintain optimum ability to fight off any possible infection with the virus. In the United States rabies vaccinations are mandated by law and there are stiff penalties for dogs that are found not to have been vaccinated for the virus.

The rabies vaccine works to stimulate the body of the dog to naturally produce the antibodies needed to fight the rabies virus when it attacks. Basically a very small amount of the killed rabies virus is injected either under the skin or into a major muscle to expose the dog's body to the killed virus. This allows the dog's body to have an edge on the virus since the immune system is already primed to produce the antibodies. In the case of unvaccinated dogs the population that are compromised or unhealthy, they simply won't be able to fight off the virus, resulting in death. For the 10 days between the development of the symptoms and the death, they are highly likely to pass the virus on to other dogs and animals. It is important for dog owners to understand that just because the dog has been vaccinated against rabies doesn't mean he or she won't develop rabies under certain conditions. Dogs and puppies will not have built up antibodies in sufficient amounts to fight off the virus for one to two months after the initial vaccination, so it important to keep your dog away from wild animals or other unvaccinated dogs and cats at that time.
Ongoing research indicates that the need for rabies vaccinations may not be as extensive as previously thought and that many dogs will have antibodies for rabies in their blood for up to 7 years after the original shot. This has lead several researchers to work in determining exactly what is required in the way of vaccination and what dogs may not need to be vaccinated for the virus. The Centers for Disease Control have indicated in a September 7, 2007 press release that the United States should now be considered free from a specific type of rabies that was known to be transmitted from dog to dog through bites. This type of rabies virus has been eliminated through vaccination of healthy dogs and euthanasia of dogs showing symptoms, which is great news for dog owners. This does not mean, however, that the United States is rabies free nor does it mean that owners should not continue to vaccinate their dogs. Dogs can still get rabies from wild animals and from cats or bats, so ongoing vaccination is important.

As with any type of medical treatment or vaccination there is always the risk that your dog may have a reaction to the vaccine. Dogs that are ill, receiving other medical treatments, or dogs that have shown previous reactions to vaccinations should not be vaccinated for rabies without the vet first being aware of the issues. There are options for extending the duration between vaccinations under these conditions, especially if the dog is at very low risk of being exposed to the virus.

Symptoms of reactions to a rabies vaccine are very wide in their scope and can occur a few hours to a week or two or longer after the vaccination. Any changes in behavior within the dog including seizures, high levels of anxiety, chewing or licking at the injection site, digestive problems, swelling or hair loss in patches or over the body or head, food refusal, lethargy, skin conditions that previously were not a problem or signs of muscle weakness or joint pain can be anaphylactic reactions. Record all issues and immediately consult with your vet regarding the symptoms you have noted. While reactions are not common they can occur with toy and small dogs more prone to reactions than other types of dogs.

Most dogs will not have any reaction at all to the vaccination, which is the ideal case. If your dog is going to be taken to a groomer, boarding kennel, attend a training program or compete in any type of show or event you will be required to show proof of current rabies vaccination. The vet will provide a tag for the dog's collar that can be worn at all times to identify that your dog has been vaccinated. In addition this will be recorded when the vet calls in if your dog has been microchipped.

There are different groups that are working to change the laws within the United States regarding rabies vaccinations. Homeopathic treatments have been reported to be effective in prevention, but these treatments are not recognized through vets or through any dog registry or organization. If you are considering alternative treatments it is important to know the legal issues that may occur in electing not to vaccinate your dog as well as research the alternative method as extensively as possible.

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