Need some prayers for my puppy... update post #22 & post #101

[Redyre Rotties]

I have been attending various dog events since 1988.

I have NEVER, not one single time, had to produce any kind of vaccination info. Not once.

Yes, I would say that most dogs who attend dog events are vaccinated, but when you have large groups of animals together, there is opportunity for pathogens to jump and get spread.

For example, it is widely known that many many dogs will pick up kennel cough at dog shows when they crank back up in early spring. The Raleigh shows here in NC are a prime example. There is ALWAYS kennel cough at that dog show. Nearly 2,000 dogs in one place for 5 days. Often dogs show no symptoms, but are able to infect others. Sometimes I bring KC home from this show, but not always.

It is simply not worth the risk to me to attend any such event while I have puppies still in a questionable state of immunity. There are always other dog shows.

Hoping the puppy is hanging in there this morning.

 

[georgialee]

Quote:
Like I said before, I know better than to buy dogs from a pet store b/c they get them from puppy mills, etc., etc.. I bought my other two dogs from reputable breeders. However, I am not immune to having sympathy for those animals either and sometimes the heart wins over the head.

 

[herefordlovinglady]

well, how is he this morning?

 

[georgialee]

still no change... which could be good or bad. They're giving fluids and force-feeding. He's still standing up on his own, so that's something at least. Thanks for asking

 

[cmjust0]

I was in the vet's office some time ago and just as soon as I walked to the back, I kinda stopped because I smelled...that smell. I looked at the vet and he said "Yeah, we've got a parvo dog right now."

We kinda talked about what a shame it was that it still happens so frequently, given that -- even if you can't afford to go to the vet -- you can pick up vaccines at TSC for like $6. He agreed....senseless.

I asked him if parvo was still the death sentence it used to be, and he said...not really. Still very serious and carries a high rate of mortality, of course, but they're able to save a whole lot more parvo cases than they used to. If I recall correctly, he said it was about 60/40 these days, with the majority pulling through.

I dunno...your little guy's still living and standing on his own. Personally, I think he's got a shot..

The last parvo dog I had (rescued from the needle at that same vet clinic...guy who found her and brought her in couldn't pay...I could) passed away recently.

She was almost 15 years old.

 

[georgialee]

That is good news. I really hope he's in that 60%. I worry because he's only a few pounds.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

You can get it even if you are very careful with vaccines.

I had 3 puppies come down with Parvo in my 2007 litter. These puppies were 12 days out from their second ML ProGard Parvo/Distemper vaccine. They all 3 lived.

These puppies were NOT able to stand on their own and 2 of them went nearly 7 days on fluids only. I have also had other puppies aggressively treated who did not survive. Certain breeds such as Rottweiler and Labrador Retrievers have a very low survival rate.

ALL puppies must get through a period when they are not covered by immunity. They all get immunity from their mother through the colostrum the first day nursing. This immunity lasts longer in some puppies and some breeds than others. This is the issue in Rottweilers. It's called persistent maternal antibodies. The vaccines I use are made by a company who funded a research program specifically designed to over ride the maternal antibodies.

I now use very different protocols with how I handle my puppies. They are pretty much quarantined until 2 weeks after the 3rd vaccine. It's not worth the risk to me.....

 

[saxet]

Quote:
Sorry to hear about your parvo case and very glad they lived. But like you already said: Rotts are notoriously succeptible to parvo, for some sad reason. How do the ones fare that survive it? Normal lives? Or possible recurances as adults? I have heard people make claims to both scenarios.

 

[cmjust0]

Quote:
Ok, so I'll bring a little different perspective into the mix here and then ask a silly question..

With goats, we vaccinate bred does with something called C/D-T within 30 days (or 3 weeks, depending on who you ask) of giving birth.. The C/D-T vaccine protects against Clostridium Perferingens types C & D, and Clostridium Tetanii (Tetanus).. The reason for giving the vaccine close to kidding is to make sure the dam has plenty of the antibodies floating around in her system to pass along to the kids in the colostrum.

If you DON'T vaccinate within that certain timeframe, it's generally accepted that the kids will basically have no protection from Cl. Perf or Tetanus at all....though I wouldn't doubt that some do, some don't, and that it depends on the dam's antibody levels, etc..

My question is...would it be wise to give a booster shot to a grump within about 3 weeks of her expected whelping date? I mean...wouldn't it make sense that if you did that, then her level of antibodies would be about as high as they could possibly be when she actually whelps, and that the pups would get a bigger 'dose' with the colostrum?

Could be this is already standard operating procedure...or it could be totally frowned upon for some reason...I really dunno nuthin 'bout birthing no doggies.

ETA...apparently, the forum censor replaces the female word for dog with the word grump.

Perhaps I should have said BEEEYOTCH!

 

[redhen]

Another dumb question..
Is the parvo vaccine good for the dogs life? Or is one that needs to be done yearly?
I dont remember my vet giving it to my dogs yearly... maybe they did though...