Leptospirosis Vaccine New Haven CT

Q. Yesterday my vet checked my 8-week-old, 1.36-pound Chihuahua, Chico, for the first time. In five more weeks they want to give him leptospirosis and combo vaccinations. I have heard so many bad things about this, including a dog I know died after receiving it. Does my dog have to have this or can I tell them no? He lives indoors, and I see no risk for him. I do have another dog who goes out in our yard only, a German Shepherd Dog-Boxer mix. Both are healthy.

A. Hopefully I can help you and other dog owners sort out the confusion regarding vaccines.
 
First of all, serious complications from vaccines are rare, so in most cases the benefits of vaccination far exceed the risks. In some cases, vaccination can trigger a mild allergic reaction, including hives and facial swelling. In rare cases, the reaction is delayed and more severe, including vomiting, collapse and fever.
 
Some veterinarians speculate that over-vaccination can lead to over-stimulation of the immune system, and the destruction of the dog’s own blood cells by the white blood cells, but this has never been scientifically proven.
 
There is a certain group of vaccines that all dogs should get, regardless of lifestyle or individual differences. These are known as core vaccines, and are combined in one injection known as DA2PPv. The “D” stands for distemper virus, a deadly virus that causes neurological and respiratory problems. Adenovirus 2 is a type of infectious hepatitis (liver disease) that has largel...

Author: By Jon Geller, DVM

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