I was
utterly shocked when I read this article that reveals the concerns for vaccines
in dogs. When we generally think of vaccines, we think of a life-saving shot
that prevents a fatal, or crippling disease. In most aspects this is true for
humans and canines alike; however there are risks associated with
vaccines. We vaccinate because the advantages outweigh the risks. Just
ask anyone who has seen a beloved pet die of parvo or distemper. Nevertheless,
one should question the sense of vaccinating against Lyme disease or leptospirosis
in an enviroment where these diseases are not a problem. High-risk dogs are
those that live in close proximity with each other, as in a shelter or kennel
situation, or show dogs constantly exposed to dogs from all over the country.
The article stated that the dogs that fall in these categories should be
vaccinated for such diseases as bordetella bronchiseptia (a strain of kennel
cough) and parainfluenza. (Vargas )
These are
the risks associated with vaccinations, and when weighed against the benefits
such risks usually are considered “acceptable,” except when it is your helpless
dog that suffers the reaction. A daunting example was when dogs are vaccinated
with modified live canine distemper vaccine. As a result they can develop
seizures, a lack of coordination and other neurological dysfunctions caused
from a rare condition called postvaccinal canine distemper virus encephalitis.
Another problem noted with genetically susceptible animals is that it is
possible for vaccinations to trigger various autoimmune diseases, including
several blood disorders and a rabies vaccine-induced encephalitis.
Vargas
, Susan. "The Vaccine Controversy."www.berner.org. N.p., 03
Apr 2013. Web. 9 Jul 2013.
<http://www.berner.org/pages/vaccines/the_vaccine_controversy.php>.
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