SACRAMENTO COUNCIL OF DOGS - 26th ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

The Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs sponsored their 26th Annual Symposium on February 4, 2006 at the Foothill Community Center in Sacramento. California

The morning session's topic was "The Latest Protocol on Canine Immunization" by Niels C. Pedersen, DVM; PhD. Dr. Pedersen has been a faculty member at U.C. Davis since 1972. In 1993, he became the Director of the Center for Companion Animal Health and since 1998 he has been the Director of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Dr. Pedersen has published over 200 research articles on canine genetics. He has long been an advocate against the abuse of routine vaccinations in dogs and cats and he has been instrumental in changing the amount of vaccinations given to dogs and cats.

There are three categories of vaccines:

Core
Distemper
Parvo
Hepatitis
Rabies

Optional
Kennel Cough
Lepto
Lyme

Not Recommended
Corona
Giardia
Rattlesnake Venom

 Initial puppy vaccinations should begin at 6 weeks and end at 16 weeks. This will give the widest amount of protection as all puppies have unique immune systems. There should be four shots given at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. A booster plus rabies should be given one year after the last shot or at 16 months. After this full round, a booster can be administered every three years! Live vaccines are the best, then modified live and then killed. Any reactions to puppy shots should be charted. Allergic reactions are hives or a small bump at the site. Acute facial swelling can also occur. Most of these reactions can be controlled by Benedryl, if the pup has reacted, it doesn't necessarily mean that he/she will again. If there is concern, give the pup 1/10 of the second shot then wait 30 minutes. If the pup reacts again, consult your vet. "Vaccination is a Medical and not an Economic procedure". "Make your vet justify what he/she is doing by medical criteria. If they can't, they do not know their Medical Facts". This is a direct quote from Dr. Pedersen's lecture!

The afternoon session's topic was Cancer and Nuclear Medicine for Pets. Conducted by Melinda Van Vechten, DMV, DACVIM. Dr. Van Vechten has a full service practice, Northern California Veterinary Specialists at 7425 Greenhaven in Sacramento. Her specialty is Oncology and Internal Medicine. She pointed out that cancer has really only been studied for the last 50 years. The most common cancer is lymphoma. Common causes for cancer are genetics, asbestos, smog areas, herbicides like 2 Four D or Weed and Feed, golf courses that need a lot of spraying, bracken ferns, secondary smoke and some forms of vegetables that have spoiled, like corn and peanuts.

Some of breeds that are more affected are: Scotties, Shelties, German Shepards, Boxers, Rotts, Flat Coats, Berners, and Sharpeis. Dr. Van Vechten also talked about the effects cancer has on cattle and horses in regards to sun on light colored animals and dogs that are allowed to sunbath all day.

This venue was chaired by Diana Smith. Thank you Diana for providing a wonderful Curried Chicken Lunch and a Continental Breakfast.

Reported by Pam Brann