Additional Information
Distemper at 6 weeks or younger
Not recommended. At this age, maternal antibodies from the mother’s milk (colostrum) will partially neutralize the vaccine, and giving MLV CDV vaccine earlier can cause vaccine-induced signs of distemper, especially seizures and paralysis.
Parvovirus at 6 weeks
In endemic parvovirus outbreaks, MLV CPV vaccine can be given at 6 weeks initially; then followed up with usual protocol above.
Hepatitis (Adenovirus 2) MLV often in a combo with CDV and CPV
Not preferred. Giving MLV CDV with Adenovirus-2 causes immune suppression for up to 10 days in puppies and increases chances of post-vaccinal encephalitis (PVE). Note: Merial Recombitek combo vaccine cannot cause PVE. IF adenovirus vaccination is desired, can give to older adolescents with oral or intranasal (not injectable) Bordetella as it induces interferon that protects against the upper respiratory viruses.
Coronavirus
Not recommended. Disease usually only affects young puppies that are malnourished and parasitized. Rare clinical disease. Mild self-limiting disease; produces orange-colored stool. Virus killed by 80 degrees F and dry housing.
Leptospirosis (4-Way killed vaccine)
Not recommended. Rare clinical cases; a reportable zoonotic disease, so check local veterinary and public health agencies for documented cases. Vaccine side effects common. 4-way vaccine often contains the wrong serovars causing disease in local areas. There is poor cross-protection between serovars. Two doses initially needed given 3-4 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters.
Lyme Vaccine, Recombinant
Not recommended. Most cases are in Northeast and around the Great Lakes. Annual booster required after initial 2-dose series.
Bordetella (Oral or Intranasal) (killed bacterin), Injectable version (not recommended)
Generally not recommended. Oral preferred over intranasal, as it cannot spray vaccine around the face and those close by. Injectable not recommended as it does not release interferon to protect against the other upper respiratory viruses (kennel cough). Not 100% effective; may be required for boarding or grooming. Offer to sign written waiver to hold facility harmless instead.
Parainfluenza Vaccine (MLV)
Included as part of combo vaccines, but rarely clinically important or needed.
Influenza Bi-Valent H3N2/H3N8 Killed Vaccine
Being widely recommended as these viruses are highly contagious. Not recommended routinely by Dr. Dodds as disease is mild and self-limiting unless fever is very high (>104 degrees F) and for those dogs harboring Streptococcus in their respiratory tracts. Distinguished from common kennel cough, which does not produce a fever unless secondary pneumonia follows in 7-10 days. Influenza produces a fever immediately. 2 doses required 3-4 weeks apart and boosted annually.
Giardia Vaccine or Ringworm Vaccine
No longer available; not recommended.