Hello all, I have posted here in the past (long time ago) but lost the email I registered with, so I had to re-register.

Anyway, my boy Apollo (GSD)is almost 6 years old now, and he is due for his 3-year rabies vaccine. It is the law in Michigan in order to receive a yearly dog license. However I don't want him to get the vaccine due to the risks. He has not been vaccinated since his puppy shots, except for one rabies vaccine three years ago.

We will be camping quite a bit in central/northern Michigan this spring/summer/fall, and while he will be on leash the entire time I do have concerns of the possibility of an animal bite from a raccoon, skunk, etc. In looking at the rabies reports for Michigan, there are animals in these areas that have been found with rabies, especially bats. So I am wondering if getting him the vaccine is worth the risks?

The only health issue he has is an eye condition, canine superficial keratitis (pannus) which is an immune system condition, so I am concerned that there would be the possibility of the vaccine further stressing his immune system, even though the disease is localized in the eyes.

Any advice or information you could give me is greatly appreciated, thank you!

-Lee

No way would I vaccinate him. If he had a rabies shot 3 years ago, he's fine, IMO. Look up the Rabies Challenge and see how long they're alleging that the vaccine provides immunity.

Even if you were all excited about getting another 3-year rabies vaccination, vaccinations are for well dogs only.

Vaccinations challenge the immune system in a complex manner, so it is not advisable to vaccinate a puppy or dog that is sick.
at http://www.canismajor.com/dog/vacci01.html

and

Holistic veterinarians .... argue that vaccines can actually have a negative effect in several situations, such as: Vaccinating when your dog is too young, sick, weak or malnourished, using the wrong schedule .... Giving a vaccine to a dog whose immune system is weak due to genetics, drugs or a previous disease ...
at http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-vaccination-schedule.html

Is the vaccine mandatory or do you just have to show the dog is immune? Can you just get a titer(?) for proof? Yearly if necessary.

Randy

Titers aren't accepted for rabies vaccinations.

In some states, there are provisions in the law for a vet to write a waiver for health reasons, but Michigan has no such provision.

I would not vaccinate a dog w/ immune system issues...

Thanks guys for the advice. I really don't want him vaccinated, so my plan at this point is to just not get him his license this year... Michigan unfortunately does not accept any form of waiver for licensing purposes (or any other for that matter...). When we are out camping I will just have to hope that no incidents occur, and that the rabies vaccine he received three years ago is good for another four or so...

Could you possibly find a holistic or at least an open minded vet that would be willing to sign the vaccination affadavit on just a titer?

Basically, do you think you could find a vet willing to lie?

Oh and Jenni he looks just like yours... and loves the snow as well. =)

I am not sure, as the last time I searched for holistic vets anywhere near my location I came up empty... but I will try again.