Vaccines

[BrindleMama]

Your thoughts on the lepto and corona vaccines, please. My breeder says NO WAY and my vet highly recommends them. It's so hard to make a decision when faced with two such strong OPPOSITE opinions!:( Any advice is very much appreciated.

[gmacleod]

Personally I probably would not. Well, precisely, I certainly would not give those vaccinations to my dog. But I don't live in a place where either is a serious risk.

With Lepto in particular, I think you need to be aware of two things: first (much as is the case with kennel cough) there are hundreds of different strains of leptospirosis, but the vaccination only protects against a couple of them. Therefore, it is useless unless it just happens that the strain your dog comes into contact with is one of the 1-2% he's vaccinated against (got to admit, those are not confidence inspiring odds). And second (very important) the lepto vaccine itself might kill your dog. Sounds dramatic, but there are a LARGE number of dogs who have extremely serious reactions to this vaccine.

Therefore - I don't think there is a hard and fast answer to your question. Well, there is for those of us who live in areas where the risk of that disease is low (and the answer is 'not in a million years would I give that to my dog'). But the answer might be different if you happen to live in a high risk area - in that case, the risk of disease may outweigh the risk of the vaccination. My suggestion thus would be to do a little research, find out what the risk is for your area, and decide on that basis. Lepto and Corona are NOT core vaccines - and the reasons they're not core are exactly as above (they're not worth the risk unless the risk of otherwise contracting the disease is very high).

[BrindleMama]

Thank you for your response, gmacleod. My vet 'claims' that she is seeing an increased number of lepto cases in our area, however, I haven't found any corresponding information in my internet search. My breeder is strongly against BOTH vaccines as she had a dog that had a reaction to the lepto vaccine. However, my vet - also a Frenchie owner - is strongly FOR both vaccines. So you can see why I am torn. The vet said he would never expose my dog to any vaccine that he wouldn't give his own dog (his dog has had both vaccines), and he's never 'personally' seen a dog have a reaction to the lepto vaccine. However, I don't want my dog to be the first.

Again, thanks so much for the information - it's helpful.:)

[gmacleod]

You're welcome :) I guess the only other remark I'd make about Lepto is that it is a highly treatable disease if caught early.

If you do decide to vaccinate though - DO be aware that the vaccine is "shed" by the vaccinated dog for some time after being given it. The recently vaccinated dog should therefore NOT be allowed around other dogs or in public places for some time, as it will pose a risk to other dogs. Same deal as with bordatella shots - you've got to keep your dog isolated for a few weeks, lest it infect others.

[BrindleMama]

gmacleod, I think I've decided to hold off on the lepto and corona. I suppose if I change my mind later, I can always get him vaccinated at a later date. I am making an appt. Monday for his third round of shots and I will tell the vet I want to pass for now on the lepto and corona. My puppy had the bordatella nasal vaccine before he left the breeder (she didn't want to give it to him but had to for a travel cert.) and he wound up with a nasty little upper respiratory infection that required an antibiotic. He's fine now, though - I'm so glad I got the antibiotic for him!
Thanks again for your advice. It's much appreciated!

[ASP]

Hi,
I think your making the right decision. You also mentioned that your breeder had a dog react to the vaccine; do you know if that dog is in the same linage as yours? If it is then I would definitely stay away from the Lepto vaccine.

[BrindleMama]

No, the dog was not in my dog's line, but it was enough to scare her silly from letting any of her dogs have the vaccines.