Parvo In West Michigan

I would like to hear from our vets on the board and see what they think. Should we be concerned and re-vaccinate with the vaccine provided by the Schering-Plough company?

I too would like to hear.......I also heard that all the Pet Supplies Plus are not allowing dogs inside their stores anymore b/c of this outbreak!

Wow! That sounds pretty scary. I'd like to hear what others have to say about this. My dogs are on a spaced vaccination program per my choice, since I give my own (except Rabies). They aren't due for a repeat vaccine for Distemper/Parvo for another year or so. However, we do go to dog shows and events at least several times a year. Most of the venues of these shows are either Mid-Michigan or Western-Michighan areas.

Yeah my guys are due in the next couple weeks. So if I should change what vaccine we use I am going to do my best to do so. We normaly use Fort Dodge as much as possible though. But I don't want to take the risk!

We just checked with our vet and they are using the Pfizer vaccine. Sky was just re-vaccinated earlier this spring so we too would like to know if we need to re-vaccinate with Schering-Plough. Alisa can you comment on this?

Is this something new? Is it just in Michigan or other places? I had always heard that Parvo mainly affected puppies and as adults were basically immune to it, but this sounds like something different.

I believe it is a different strain. From what I understand it affected the Kent County Humane Society here in Grand rapids MI. I have not heard about it anywhere else yet.

I spoke with my vet today and Brew was vaccinated with Fort Dodge Duramune Max 5 which is distemper and parvo combined in April. My vet is reccommending that we revax Brew asap since we're planning on being at Imlay City in Sept. and there probably will be pups there from Kent County. She said all we need in just to revaccinate with the parvo vaccine. I'm hoping the vets on our list will chime in. I try not to vaccinate if we don't have to but this sounds like one scary bug! I hate to revaccinate Brew if it's not nessary but I will if it's in his best intrest. Have a good day,

I'm concerned, too, about UAG because there were so many dogs there last year. I've never seen UAD request vaccination records plus there are so many people that bring dogs into Woods-n-Water. I'm not thrilled about vaccinating again since Meadow always throws up afterward and I had planned to do titers this year. I want to what's best for the girls though.

Also, does anyone know if these vaccines are live or killed?

Ok... I spent a lot of my day today looking into this and have found nothing . I can't even find the article that the above post mentions.

I will post it on the veterinary information network and see what, if any, of the vets are hearing about this.

On another note, I will say that if the above is accurate, I would highly suggest having a booster done. The more time before a potential exposure the better. I haven't heard anything about this new strain, but the risks of disease in a healthy, immunocompetent dog is far greater than that of the potential vaccine reaction for the same animal.

I will let you know what I hear, but sometimes it can take a few days.

Thanks for letting us all know Alisa. I will try and be patient and waite to see what you find out!

The above post was sent to me through an email. I had also heard it from a few people while we were out and about over this last weekend. None of the people knew eachother either. So when I got it in an email I decided maybe I should listen up some!

WAIT!!! I found a bunch of stuff!!! I will cut and paste the major points (I know this is long, but I also know that many of you are very concerned and have asked for additional information - if you want the short version, skip to the section follow "AND FINALLY"), but it sounds like this is a case of the media making a spectacle out of something that is not a real concern for well vaccinated dogs, regardless of the type of vaccine given! Looks like you guys will be fine!!!
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"Bottom line, I wouldn't worry too much about lack of efficacy with current vaccines. Where it could be important is in pups that depend totally on mom's neutralizing antibodies for protection. I always recommend minimizing risk of exposure of pups until after the vaccine series is complete.

Melissa Kennedy, DVM,PhD,DACVM
Clinical Virologist
University of Tennessee
College of Veterinary Medicine"
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"The Summer 2008 issue of Vet Therapeutics has a study of 2c challenge in pups vaccinated with either Schering Plough or Intervet vaccines. Both were fully protective. At this point, no reason to think that other brands of vaccine won't work as well.

Craig Datz, DVM, DABVP
University of Missouri-Columbia
College of Veterinary Medicine

Consultant, Infectious Disease/Immunology, Parasitology "
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"In addition to Shering and Intervet, Merial has tested both their Eurican (European DAP) and Recombitek (US DAP) vaccines and both were completely protective when challenged with a CP2c. This work was done in Europe and published presented at a European meeting, publication only available as an abstract at this time, not yet in print.

Alice

Alice M. Wolf, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP"
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"From the ER side of the Grand Rapids area....
We got a TON of phone calls about this this weekend, including panicky clients who want their adult dogs revaccinated (as I was told by a tech this morning) with the "vaccine that works". We don't carry any vaccinations and had clients upset that we weren't doing anything in the face of the "outbreak". The disease has not been confirmed as 2c by PCR (please let me know if there are other diagnostics available, last I knew this was the definitive diagnostic)

What frustrates me is that 1) I sent out a "heads up" fax on a suspect case as well as debunking misinformation about a month, month and a half ago which was sent to the HS as well as all area DVM's. Most of the information I found with some quick research directly contradicts what is now being discussed as fact, and that information was readily available.
2) This more recent, fairly inflammatory information was sent not only to area vets, but to rescues and shelters as well. I understand the HS motive in wanting to disseminate information about a very contagious disease, but the panic level that a spreading, fast acting, dog-killing, your-vaccine-might-not-work disease causes in those groups, news agencies, and the public is pretty high."
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AND FINALLY:

Due to the recent press in our area concerning parvovirus, many local DVMs meet last night to discuss this situation. We came up with a press release for our local paper.
Ed Farnham

Points for a GR Press release regarding suspected parvoviral infection in the canine community 8/26/08

Last night the West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners called an emergency meeting of local veterinarians to discuss current concerns regarding canine parvovirus in our pet population. Parvoviral infection has been prevalent in the canine population since the early 1980s. This disease causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to life threatening dehydration. Dogs that contract this infection and are not properly treated will usually die from canine parvoviral infection. Thirty-six area veterinarians gathered and compared results of current research articles, incidence of infection and methods of protection for our canine pets. These are our results:


There has NOT been an obvious increase in the number of canine parvoviral infections in properly immunized dogs this season. However, dogs that are not appropriately vaccinated may run a very high risk of parvoviral infection. This disease is a potentially devastating, life-threatening illness.


There have been no confirmed cases of the new C2 strain of canine parvovirus in Michigan. This strain of the virus has been isolated in Europe and in 12 other US states and has been present for 7+ years.


Currently, it appears that properly immunized dogs are protected from the C2 strain of parvovirus. It is imperative that dogs be properly immunized in order to have the best chance of protection from all forms of parvovirus. All the vaccines currently being used by area veterinarians are protective against the 2C strain of parvovirus (providing the proper vaccination protocols are followed).


Unvaccinated puppies and unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adults dogs are at greatest risk for parvovirus and should be seen by their veterinarian as soon as possible.


Proper immunization protocol:

-Puppies should be vaccinated beginning at 4 to 8 weeks and then vaccinated every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppies are older than 16 weeks (4 months) of age.

-After 16 weeks of age, the adult dog should be vaccinated 1 year later and then at appropriate intervals as described by your veterinarian.

-An unvaccinated or inappropriately vaccinated adult dog should receive a series of two vaccinations given 2 to 4 weeks apart.

-Vaccines must be stored and administered properly – the vaccine will not be effective if inappropriately handled.

-Vaccines should only administered to completely healthy dogs. Dogs that are unfit, unhealthy or suffering from parasites may not respond to the vaccine.

-Veterinary consultation, full physical examination of the pet, and proper vaccination are important for full protection against this disease.


It is very important to make sure that the pet owner’s boarding facilities, grooming salons, day care centers and dog parks are practicing preventive care by requiring the pets in their facilities to be properly immunized against all of the highly communicable or life threatening diseases. For dogs those diseases are:

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Rabies and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (also known as Kennel Cough or Canine Cough). In addition, the pet owner should proceed with caution when exposing their dogs to facilities that have no strict vaccination requirements.


Parvovirus is a very serious and robust virus and can survive for years in the environment. Consult with your local veterinary office for specifics about cleaning and disinfection of the environment if your pet has been exposed to parvovirus.


Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding pet health and prevention of communicable disease. If you do not have a veterinarian, the Kent County Humane Society can help you find a veterinarian in your area that will answer your questions and help to keep your pets healthy.



Canine Influenza


This is a very serious disease that can cause life threatening respiratory symptoms. Currently, there have been NO confirmed cases of Canine Influenza in Michigan.


Symptoms of Canine Influenza may mimic those of the much less troublesome disease known as Canine Cough or Kennel Cough. Those symptoms include coughing, runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing and lethargy.


Our veterinary community is diligently aware of the potential severity of Canine Influenza and we suggest that you seek advice from your veterinarian if you believe your pet to have a respiratory condition.


Currently, it is suggested that your dog be vaccinated for Canine Cough if he or she is regularly exposed to other dogs. Ask your veterinarian if you have further questions regarding Canine Influenza or Canine Cough.


The West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners

ShariS wrote:
Also, does anyone know if these vaccines are live or killed?

The vaccines are generally modified live, meaning that they have been genetically engineered to have the potential to cause disease taken out, but still live so that the body can still mount a very good response to it.

Thanks! I appreciate your hard work on this!

Thanks so much Alisa, you always go above and beyond

Thanks Alisa.. You put my mind at east about going to the area next weekend.. Poor Gumpster already has an eye infection from a scratch last week.. Who said super earth was a safe doggie sport lol

Thanks so much Alisa for all the info on this. After reading all the info would you still recommend getting a booster shot for an already vaccinated dog or would it be over vaccinating at this point? Brew has had his distemper and parvo shots every year since he was a pup. If it's still needed I was planning on taking him in to the vet tomorrow so he'll have a little time before Imlay City. Can we over vaccinate? Thanks again for all the info. Have a great day,

Mary and Brewster wrote:Thanks so much Alisa for all the info on this. After reading all the info would you still recommend getting a booster shot for an already vaccinated dog or would it be over vaccinating at this point? Brew has had his distemper and parvo shots every year since he was a pup. If it's still needed I was planning on taking him in to the vet tomorrow so he'll have a little time before Imlay City. Can we over vaccinate? Thanks again for all the info. Have a great day,

I guess it would depend on when the last booster was. I do titers with my dogs, but if they hadn't had a booster in a few years, I'd probably have it done if I could. But, I wouldn't feel a huge rush about it if my dog had had several vaccines in their history.

Thanks Alisa!

I got this from various sources the other day. I head to an agility trial in GR in 2 weeks so I contacted my vet and ALL the vets in that clinic agreed that my dog was protected based on her current health program. So I am further put to rest with Alisa's hard work.

Yesterday it was pointed out on one of my dog boards this letter was sent out from Shering-Plough. Take that for what is is worth.

I guess it would depend on when the last booster was. I do titers with my dogs, but if they hadn't had a booster in a few years, I'd probably have it done if I could. But, I wouldn't feel a huge rush about it if my dog had had several vaccines in their history.[/quote]


Thanks again Alisa. I'm so glad you are on the board and we can ask you about things like this. Have a great day,

Thank you Alisa. All of us at Team Sky say thank you for all your diligent time consuming work. We appreciate everything that you have done for us over the last couple months with the KC issues and now this with the Parvo. Your concern for all of the health of all the dogs on this board is greatly appreciated and respected.
Have a wonderful day and thank you again.

The topic was reported on by Pet Connection.

Read more here http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2008/08/28/the-new-parvo-revisited/

I'm late to the party, but I agree with Alisa (as always!). A friend of mine who practices in TX has dealt with proven 2c (by PCR), so it's totally there, but she hasn't seen an increase in cases of parvo, either, so...for what it's worth.