Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

ai_ney · Joined: 11 Sep 2006 Posts: 48 Location: KL

hi docs,

my fren's dog, a mixed breed, is now over 10 yrs old n had been getting annual vaccinations since young... recently my fren's vet told her tat since her dog is so old already, there is no need for annual vaccinations anymore... appreciate if you could explain if this advice is valid... my fren's dog is still healthy, eating n sleeping well...

thanks...

:)

Dr HanMRCVS · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 560 Location: Johor Bahru

Well i guess it depends on the vet really as it is the vet who consults that knows better, ie what is best for the animal. i personally do not vaccinate very senior pets and i rather address other pressing issues with the owner like annual blood checks, arthritis, heart disease, nutrition etc. deworming still goes on though! in fact, i sometime spend more time consulting owners with senior pets more than those young and fit ones.

so, i think theres no law carved in stone that all dogs must be vaccinated annually untill death, and it depends on the consulting vet to examine and recommend what is best in his opinion, for the animal under his care.

ai_ney · Joined: 11 Sep 2006 Posts: 48 Location: KL

hi Dr Han,
well, my fren's vet just mentioned 'no need to vaccinate already since ur dog is so old', n my fren being herself, also did not ask the vet further for explaination... i've checked with my fren, the vet also did not advice on other matters like blood check, etc for her senior dog...
wat is the reason tho to suggest not vaccinating a senior dog? is vaccination not necessary at an old age? or would the dog already be immuned to the possible diseases at a senior age after having received annual vaccination all her life?
i've told my fren to ask her vet these questions, so to understand better the vet's point of view, but my fren is just too happy that she can now save money on her dog's vaccination... :?
:)

Dr HanMRCVS · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 560 Location: Johor Bahru

if i had personally administered the shots myself thus sure that they were admistered correctly, i personally choose to focus on other matter other than vaccination. it is still important (vaccination) but there are other things i would like to discuss with the owners also.

if they insist on vaccinating, i will administer the vaccine in a senior dog also.

gus-gus · Joined: 03 Jul 2007 Posts: 34

I had an elderly dog and when she was 12, the vet suggested that since she was blind, nervous and had a heart condition, I should not have her vaccinated annnually anymore. His rationale was simple, the stress of going to the vet's was probably more dangerous for her health than the remote possibility of her getting any of the diseases she was being vaccinated against as she was an indoor dog. She was eating well and it was better to keep her in her comfort zone and not upset her.

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 464 Location: Puchong,Selangor

Good point gus gus. I dont normaly vaccinate dogs above 10 years. BUt it is not a rule, just a suggestion. The stress of vaccination some times worry me more then the odds of your dog getting parvo for example. But this only applies to dogs who have been vaccinated regularly.