Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

kyels · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

Hi,

I'd just like to understand more on the vaccination area for my puppy. Actually, I've never had a puppy before albeit owning a dog previously but he passed away due to old age (last September) and I brought my first dog home when he was a year plus. Now, I have a 7 weeks old Silky puppy and her vaccination is due in another two weeks time.

Her first vaccination was done by her previous owner/breeder and the label says QUANTUM. What I'd like to know more is, will my pup, Shay be injected with the same brand of vaccine or it could be a different brand/label? However, IF (an assumption) her second vaccination is delayed, would that bring any harm to her health? And also, roughly how much will the second vaccination cost because I'd like to bring enough cash when I take her to the veterinarian.

I hope the Doctors would be able to answer my questions.

Thank you! Advices are truly appreciated.

(:

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

The brand of the vaccine is not important. What is important is the content of the vaccine itself. Vaccines function by boosting up the immune system of your dog against specific diseases. So, the important thing is what are the diseases that are covered by the vaccines. You can talk to your vet about those diseases and then you can decide which vaccine to give to your dog.

In vaccinating a puppy, timing is very important. The action of the vaccines will be interrupted by its maternal antibodies, obtained by the pup from its mother. Therefore, it needs to get its jabs until it doesn't need to depend on its maternal antibodies anymore, which is usually above 3 months old. That is why the last vaccination is usually timed so that it is given after 3 months old (and older for larger sized dogs). By delaying some of the vaccinations, you would provide a window of opportunity for a disease to strike, when its immunity is down.

As for pricing, it is best that you talk to the vet. The price will depend on the type of vaccine, and the service charges of the vet itself. Remember, you are not paying for a product, but a service. And I'm sure you'll have lots of other questions to ask the vet too, since you have a new family member with you. :)

kyels · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

Dr. Nat, thank you for the reply. I do appreciate.

I've always thought the vaccines were given by the vet themselves and rather not what the owner wants for his/her puppy. So, what is the second dosage usually given to a puppy?

I will check the pricing with the vet and remember that it is a service that we all want. Oh, if the vaccines are given earlier than the due date, will it be all right?

(:

Dr HanMRCVS · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 566 Location: Johor Bahru

i do agree that vets should decide what is best for the patients under their care, but at the same time i think most of us would also like to involve the owners, so it would be a teamwork rather than a 1 way road!

the best way would be to discuss and understand their individual needs and then formulate the best regime to suit their needs.

kyels · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

Yeah, that is true too because the vet would know better what to provide the puppy with.

:)

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

I totally agree with DrHan.
It should always be teamwork regarding your pets. That is why it is important to find a vet that suits you and your pet, so you will feel comfortable in discussing things together for the sake of your pet.

kyels · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

Took my pup to the vet yesterday and yes, we could discuss things so it's all good now.

:D

Thanks for the tips Doctors!