Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well Lucian has made it to a year old...AMAZINGLY!! He turned 1 on May 17 so since he was turning 1 we decided to get him a check-up with the vet on May 16 to make sure everything was good. I also wanted to have him titred for Parvo and Distemper. Our vet like some many "recommends" yearly vaccinations but he's not overtly difficult as some can be when we declined continued puppy vaccines after we brought Lucian home. I pulled out Lucian's vaccination record from the kennel and he had the following shots:
DA2MP 6/27/14
Duramune-PV Fort Dodge Labs 7/7/14 and 7/21/14
Intra-Trac II 6/20/14
DA2P 7/14/14
Initial rabies in Sept 2014 by our vet (legally required)
Well, I called today checking on the status of Lucian's titres and everything is good. His immunity is acceptable against Parvo and Distemper. I'm thrilled and wish I had known about this type of testing when we had Leland. Like so many we blindly followed along with the recommendation of vets and vaccinated him yearly against a slew of things. We had no idea that we were potentially wrecking havoc on his immune system...which came to fruition after his multiple surgeries.
I just wanted to share our experience with titre testing and that perhaps our pups and kitties don't need to be vaccinated every year for everything under the sun.
I was trying earlier to add some pics of Lucian and his birthday cake but I'm having some technical difficulties. I'm awaiting help from Admin Guy or Jerry in another forum. Hopefully when the system lets me start adding pics to my blog Media Library I'll add them in. Lucian and my step-daughter Holly have the same birthday so we celebrated with a cookout. Lucian was soooo excited to share in some burgers and hotdogs. He especially LOVED his piece of cake!!! That boy sure has a sweet tooth...
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Pawesome! Thanks for the update. Check the other topic for replies about the technical issues...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sahana,
That is awesome. I thought about titer testing everyone but our vet now does 3 year on everything. the 1st year they get all the required puppy and a 1 year rabies after that 3 years for everything which I am so happy about. I know its not the best of the situation I have a lot of wild racoons etc that carry distemper, feral cats & other crazy wild animals so I may wait til the next go around in 2-3 years then consider titer.
Happy Birthday Lucian
xoxxox
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Sounds like a great birthday for Lucien. Good for you learning more about vaccines and titres. My kitty Mona got cancer from a vaccine so will no longer get vaccines. My vet has agreed to titres for my other cat 5 years after his last vaccine only because he has a risky lifestyle
Unfortunately some states still require yearly rabies vaccines but you may be able to get a rabies waiver due to existing health conditions.
Parvo is the worst virus for dogs because it can remain infectious in contaminated soil for a year. Even though puppies receive a series of parvo shots you still don't know if they are protected (due to maternal antibody interference) unless you have the titre done. Good going Sahana! I've read the American Vaccination Guidelines which suggest the parvo booster no more often than 3 years and that research has shown the protection to be effective even at 5 years. I wish more vets would start following these well researched guidelines.
I urge others to read up on the guidelines and do their research into vaccines to determine what is best for you and your pet. I plan to take my cats for yearly health checks without the vaccines.
Looking forward to Lucien's party photos.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCIAN!!!! And n ow you're on your way to the "terrible twos"! Can't wait to read about all your next group of antics!!! You are one fun pup!!
Sounds like you've had a wonderful birhday with some special birthday cake for a very special boy!!
Thanks for the great information on the titre! Glad the results were all good for your boy!
Good feedback from you too Kerren. Thanks!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
First off !!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! YAY! I can't believe he's a year already. Hopefully he will start to chill... until he gets into the terrible twos where we are now. 🙂
I know nothing about titres or the sort... I do worry about the vaccines with JL but since she goes to daycare, she HAS to have her shots. And my vet, while young, is rather old school. I figure I can't worry about everything (yet I still do) but I find this conversation interesting.
I do know - despite my vet thinking I am a loon - I keep JL on her grain-free diet since I am still convinced the carbs / sugars didn't help Shelby at all. I don't know ... But I do let the occasional cookie (those fancy ones) slide in. Girl's got to live, right?
Anyways... HAPPY Birthday and I look forward to seeing the photos and more of Lucian's antics!
hugs and love,
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Sahana thanks for sharing your titering experience, more folks definitely need to know it's an option. Just curious, how will you deal with boarding Lucian (if at all) when it seems that almost all boarding kennels require traditional vaccinations? It's one of the issues that's kept us from titering Wyatt Ray .
Hoppy Birthday Lucian! Can't believe it's been a year, you sure grew up fast!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Sahana thanks for sharing your titering experience, more folks definitely need to know it's an option. Just curious, how will you deal with boarding Lucian (if at all) when it seems that almost all boarding kennels require traditional vaccinations?
Jerry,
We've never boarded/kenneled any of our boys. If we couldn't take them with us then we didn't leave. Our pups were the main reason we purchased an RV for when we're able to go on vacation. Now it seems that campsites are becoming breed specific in the types of dogs they will allow in. We're heading to Wilmington, NC next week and I just noticed that the KOA campsite had in our email confirmation that "Aggressive breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans or any combination of these are NOT ALLOWED." Needless to say I was pretty frantic yesterday when I called and spoke with them directly. Thankfully, the staff said they've been allowing some breeds in but at the first sign of aggression toward other pets or people they'll be asked to leave. I can understand that but to just outright ban certain breeds is really disheartening.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
That is discouraging! So many people got RVs and go to campaites so they CAN take their dogs!
Im glad they were allowing Lucian to come. And what's funny....they didn't say dogs who might tear up the plcae and chew up chairs, etc.were not allowed....jave at it Lucian!!!
Can't wait to see pictures!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
leland4 said
jerry said
Sahana thanks for sharing your titering experience, more folks definitely need to know it's an option. Just curious, how will you deal with boarding Lucian (if at all) when it seems that almost all boarding kennels require traditional vaccinations?Jerry,
We've never boarded/kenneled any of our boys. If we couldn't take them with us then we didn't leave. Our pups were the main reason we purchased an RV for when we're able to go on vacation. Now it seems that campsites are becoming breed specific in the types of dogs they will allow in. We're heading to Wilmington, NC next week and I just noticed that the KOA campsite had in our email confirmation that "Aggressive breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans or any combination of these are NOT ALLOWED." Needless to say I was pretty frantic yesterday when I called and spoke with them directly. Thankfully, the staff said they've been allowing some breeds in but at the first sign of aggression toward other pets or people they'll be asked to leave. I can understand that but to just outright ban certain breeds is really disheartening.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
This is absolutely ridiculous ... Jasper was almost attacked by a corgi the other morning. Most vicious dog in our neighborhood and now Jasper won't walk down that street. And I've met plenty of "little" dogs that are FAR more aggressive than a rottie, dobie or pit bull...
I'll get off my high-horse now but seriously...they should let dogs in and ask them to leave if they are aggressive ... ALL breeds!
Enjoy your trip! XOXO
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Oh wow the doggies are so lucky you never had to board them. We just had to do it today for a few hours, and were forced to give Wyatt a kennel cough vaccine even though he was still within 1 year of his last one. To our surprise this kennel forces dogs to have them every 6 months! And when I said "but what's the point of giving him one today, if it's not even going to kick in for two days?" the ding-dong at the desk didn't have an answer and said "that's just what we do here." AGGH! I was so mad. We did it because we were in a pinch and had to leave him somewhere other than our vehicle for a few hours on this hot day here in TN.
Meanwhile don't get me started about breeds labeled as "aggressive." We saw so many snarling, lunging toy and small breed dogs at the ends of their leashes all of last week while attending the Blog Paws pet-friendly conference, yet nobody blinked an eye. But the minute Wyatt does something like that, look out, we're banned. Aggh. I'll get of my soap box now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Oh wow the doggies are so lucky you never had to board them. We just had to do it today for a few hours, and were forced to give Wyatt a kennel cough vaccine even though he was still within 1 year of his last one. To our surprise this kennel forces dogs to have them every 6 months! And when I said "but what's the point of giving him one today, if it's not even going to kick in for two days?" the ding-dong at the desk didn't have an answer and said "that's just what we do here." AGGH! I was so mad. We did it because we were in a pinch and had to leave him somewhere other than our vehicle for a few hours on this hot day here in TN.Meanwhile don't get me started about breeds labeled as "aggressive." We saw so many snarling, lunging toy and small breed dogs at the ends of their leashes all of last week while attending the Blog Paws pet-friendly conference, yet nobody blinked an eye. But the minute Wyatt does something like that, look out, we're banned. Aggh. I'll get of my soap box now.
Oh my goodness!!!! I'm so sorry poor Wyatt had to get another vaccine. Let me guess....did you have to pay the kennel for the kennel cough vaccine they "required"? So many places use the vaccines as a way to generate money regardless of the havoc it's potentially having on the dogs' immune system. I wonder if titres (or another test) can be used to see if there are problems arising in a dogs' immunity? I haven't seen the report on Lucian's titres (I'll ask for a copy the next time I'm there) but I would think there is a range (high to low) that the result would fall in. I wonder if a dog falls on the higher end of the spectrum does that indicate over-vaccination.
And yeah this whole "banning" of certain breeds has me anxious now. When we've had Lucian out and about he's been friendly and giving kisses to anybody who greets him. I know he's hauled a$$ away from the geese when they've turned and gone after him for chasing them. Not sure what he would do with a yappy, aggressive small dog. I have no doubt because Lucian's a dobie that he would be deemed the "guilty dog" if a small dog came after him. Now instead of relaxing on our vacation I'll be uptight every time I take him out around the campsite...
Sahana and her Angel Leland
Oh and Alison,
I hope Jasper is doing alright after her traumatic experience with that mean Corgi...
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thank goodness we have soap boxes! They were made specifically for issues like these...Ding Dongs...aggressive Corgis...outta' control enforcement of vacciness motivated by money...grrr!!
Rene, I know you hated having to board Wyatt and then give him a completely unnecessary vaccine. A vaccine that he just had AND the new ine takes two days to kick in?? Infuriating!!!
Having had the privilege of meeting Wyatt and seeing how incredibly tuned into Wyatt you two are, it soooo ticks me off that if he gives a little "get out of my face warning", he's "dangerous". Owners of some (not all) little "yap-yap" dogs think it's adorable when their dogs go after big dogs in an agressive way! And a dog like Wyatt sees it as his job to regulate (love his term) inappropriate behaviour! To see Jim and Rene's ability to decipher every nuance of Wyatt's way of communicating what he was thinking was beautiful to watch!
Sahana, Lucian is a good boy and a fun loving puppy! He will be absolutely fine! Relax and enjoy your vacation!! People will absolutely fall in love with Lucian! In fact, he'll change perceptions of anyway who think of Dobies as "bad"! A vacation that's fun AND changes perceptions...that's a good vacation!
When you ttavel back from NC back home, how close do you get to the Richmond area? Maybe we could arrange a tiny gathering with Tanner, Fannie Mae, Zach, Merry Myrtle a d Frankie.
We have been pou ded with torrential rains here for days...I so hope you are having better weather! We will see vacation pictures, right???????
Sending love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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