So my question is: Are cavs over-sensitive to needle point vaccinations?
I go along with Karlin in that sensitivity at an injection site in 24-48 hours following an injection is very common and your Cavalier may be experiencing this, also some may feel unwell during this time where others may not. But if you are talking about over sensitivity which suggests much more then this may depend on a number of factors and even include that some dogs simply may be over sensitive where others may not be. This may be similar as to what may be found in other breeds or even cross breeds.
As to C4/C5 there are areas of risk within Australia where these vaccinations would be required and which include boarding kennel facilities where such vaccination are required. From what I have seen over the years generally most dogs are only given the C3 vaccinations, and if NOT going to any boarding kennel facility or to a higher risk area then the C3 booster are given every 3 years this after the puppy course of vaccinations have been completed. Also discuss with your veterinarian as to what may be required in your area and in your particular case.
The Australian Veterinary Association has reviewed its vaccination recommendations, then our National Kennel Club reading the current recommendation mentioned the following to all its members, and keep in mind that this is for Australia and where other countries may have different recommendations from their organisations or authorities.
The core vaccines of Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus require a 12-15 month follow up after the puppy vaccinations, and thereafter these can be given every 3-4 years. However, it is probably wise to vaccinate breeding bitches at least every 2 years to keep their titre levels high for coverage of puppies up to first vaccination age.
Non core vaccines, which include Kennel Cough, can be shorter lasting vaccines and should be done on an annual basis if the dog is under threat (kennel cough outbreak) or when you are placing the dog in a high-threat situation eg. going into a commercial boarding kennel.
If not under threat, they are generally not required as they are generally non lethal infections.
Other vaccines such as Leptospirosis, Tetanus etc are generally only considered in the face of an outbreak of those diseases or due to local known conditions where the use of these vaccines is advisable.
Oh and just to add some information to the topic before I sign off, we do NOT have Rabies in Australia which is a Rabies free country but some may mention Rabies in some other countries.
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