vaccinations more harmful then helpful?

[MyRottBullet]

I know a friend who had a German Shepherd who got all the following shots at about 6 months of age (or medicine)

Bordetella- 4 Weeks
Corona- 3 Weeks
DHLP- 3 Weeks
Parvo - 3 Weeks
Rabies 1 Year Canine
Biohazard Waste/Mgt-Spc
Flea Control Medication
Capstar Nitenpyram>25

and these procedures

Cytology Ear w/ Stain
Skin Scraping
Ear Cleaning
Cephalexin 500mg Caps
Neomycin/Dex/Thi 15ml
Panotic 2oz
Fipronil Topspot 45-88
Deworm

the German Shepherd was fine but sometime after recieving these treatments, vaccines, medicines, etc he started balding. He lost about 80% of his fur (even around his face). He scratches his self until his skin turns red and it sometimes inflames. The poor guy is cold at night. If I were my friend i'd rather see his dog put to sleep rather than looking like that it's sad because he's suffering from being cold and itchy. maybe he's losing his hair because he's stressed? theres so many possibilities that I bet it's hard for him to narrow down the main problem. He thinks that If he brings the dog to the vet it'll only cost more problems and that if someone see's his dog in public they'll call police and report animal cruelty because of the way he looks. hopefully theres a cure........

[tugger5000]

What was the flea control medication?

[Carina43]

That seems like a lot of meds & treatments for a 6 month old puppy! I'm assuming he had an ear infection too...? Why the flea meds, did he have fleas?
Biohazard waste...huh??
Bordatella, why? Is this common for little puppies, I'm not sure.

I'm a huge proponent of finding another vet, even just for a different opinion, if something seems amiss.
Hopefully this will get moved to the vet forum where some more experienced people will see it.

You could do a search in the vet forum for "vaccinations." There's been a number of discussions...I know vacs can cause reactions, but I'm not sure what form they take. Wishing your friend good luck with his poor pup...

[Judi W]

Let's see. She brought home a pup with worms and an ear infection. Pup got shots for DHLP/Parvo/Rabies (all proper), treatment for the ear infection, worms and fleas. The only thing I see outside the box is Corona and Bordatella.

Although the list looks long, many vets give the Bordatella and Corona (I prefer not to use them). It sounds to me like she brought home a pup that had not been well cared for and already had problems. I would not be so quick to blame the vaccinations but rather a poor pup that likely was not well-cared for prior to acquisition and prone to infection.

[MARYDVM]

Along with the fleas and the ear infection, the pup may have brought home mange. Take the dog back to the vet. Hiding it so no one can see the problem does nothing for the poor animal's suffering.

[Burnsway]

He thinks that If he brings the dog to the vet it'll only cost more problems and that if someone see's his dog in public they'll call police and report animal cruelty because of the way he looks. hopefully theres a cure........

Anytime someone is asked about animal cruelty the dog is looked at to see if medical conditions are the cause. If they have proof of vet visits then the case is dropped. Trust me, Animal cruelty officers have their hands so full, they are not walking around every corner ready to nab everyone with a sick looking dog.

Just look at the thread in chit chat, took them 3 weeks to get to a houseful of mistreated animals. I agree that the dog needs to go back to the vet. Have him take the dog to another one if he is uncomfortable with the first vet.

[TrishB]

Bordetella is for kennel cough. I got it for Parker as it is running rampant in High Park (massive park with off leash trails).

Bring the pup back to the vet immediately. Mange does sound like a possibility. Flea allergies may be another.

The pups' owner's first concern should be to the health, well-being and comfort of the pup. Let us know what the vet says.

[Judi W]

And please, instead of putting the blame for ill health on vaccines instead of poor breeding and care, consider that without those vaccines, it is highly likely the dog would be dead.

[MyRottBullet]

she told me that someone told her if you put used oil on the dog it'll stop the itch and his hair would grow back... sounds unbelievable and i told her that it doesnt seem like a good idea so she says forget it and i guess she may euthanize it....

[MyRottBullet]

is mange that yellow stuff on the skin cause i saw that its probably bacteria

[Judi W]

Mange is caused by a parasite and if it is generalized, it will need a systemic medication. On top of that a suggestion on the internet is just a suggestion, you still need a proper diagnosis. To avoid medical care is irresponsible. The hair loss on the face does sound like mange, but there is no reason why that would make the pup cold. Is it kept outside in bad weather or something? Doesn't sound like the poor pup has ended up in a better place than the one it came from.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally posted by MyRottBullet
so she says forget it and i guess she may euthanize it....

WHAT???? :( This is sad that your friend is not willing to take the responsibility that she took on when she got this pup. Have her contact a rescue instead of putting this poor dog to sleep.

Brooke

[Diane Heller-Vaccaro]

What is she feeding this dog. I have GSDs there could be a few things going on here. One could be mange and the other a yeast infection in both cases the dog would have unbearable odor. The dog may have auto-immune deficiency and/or thyroid problem. She has spent some money on the dog why not spend a few more dollars before deciding to put the dog down. What state are you in?

[MyRottBullet]

california

[Diane Heller-Vaccaro]

California Natural is a very good food. Has she had a skin scrapping done to determine if the dog has mange or a yeast infection?