Question about parvo

[Luvs]

We have recently had a major outbreak of parvo in our area. Ten dogs have died in the past week. We have a dog show in a week and I am concerned about taking Akasha and Keil. I know that after shows there are frequently outbreaks of kennel cough (someone always inevitably brings a sick dog, whether knowingly or not), which makes me worry about someone unknowingly bringing parvo to the show grounds. Compared to parvo, kennel cough is a walk in the park.

Akasha and Keil were last vaccinated around 1 yr. I have been meaning to take them in to the vets to have titres done to check out their immunity, but as of yet, haven't had it done.
I would think that they are pretty good, but you never know. Not knowing for sure has me concerned about them being exposed. Should I just go ahead and have them vaccinated again? I thought about taking them to the vet this week to have titres done, but was told by several people to stay away from the vets right now, unless absolutely neccesary.

Knowing about the outbreak of parvo in this area, should I take them to the dog show next weekend? No matter how much I am looking forward to the show, I do NOT want to take any chances on them getting parvo. I know that puppies and older dogs are more succeptable (sp?), but healthy adult dogs are not totally immune either.


I am totally paranoid when it comes to parvo. When I was younger I saw numerous puppies die from it and it was NOT a pretty sight. It has left a lasting impression, altho it has definately made me very paraniod.

Do you think it would be best if we just sat this show out, or do you think they would be ok if we go?

What would you do?

[frontierrots]

I would say no to the vacc because it takes 2+ weeks for the dog to completely seroconvert (develop immunity) after vaccination and during that time many dogs actually have a decreased immunity

I personally think that "I" would avoid both the vets and the shows (and public places people take their dogs) if you are having a parvo epidemic

We had a huge epidemic here in 1995 and tons of pups died as well as many adults- vaccinated adults. I had a litter thenand was terrified. That was the time I switched to Progard vaccines while most everyone else was still using Fort Dodge or the Vanguard products. My pups did not get sick even though everyone I knew was losing pups left and right. One high volume breeder switched to Progard mid epidemic after losing 4 entire litters and she did not lose any more pups

[BostonRott]

Doing titres now may well show you nothing. The best time to run a titre is 2 weeks after exposure/vaccination. After that, the dog may well have converted to cellular immunity, and that won't show up on a titre.

If you're worried, stay home. No $0.50 ribbon is worth the suffering of Parvo. I agree with you completely, dog show people can be ignorant / assinine and I wouldn't trust the health of my dog to them.

[MARYDVM]

Once a dog has seroconverted to its first vaccine, the response to future vaccinations occurs in a much shorter time. Usually within 72 hours. This is the anamnestic (immune memory) response.

[Burnsway]

Originally Posted by MARYDVM

Once a dog has seroconverted to its first vaccine, the response to future vaccinations occurs in a much shorter time. Usually within 72 hours. This is the anamnestic (immune memory) response.

This is what I have been told too. I was gonna post it but couldn't remember where I heard it and not being a vet I didn't want to put misinformation out there so I'm glad you posted it MARYDVM.

[Judi W]

I'd add that you might be as much a danger to others as they to you if you did not stay on top of your dog's immunity program whether it be vaccines or titers. I generally feel quite confident at shows because most people who show are quite aware of the need to protect their dogs from disease that is preventable. Know how to show the mouth yourself so the judge doesn't have to put hands in the mouth from dog to dog. It is the usually the general population with unvaccinated dogs that triggers epidemics. The higher the amount of the population that is protected, the less likely epidemics will occur.

Mary's information indicates that a prompt vaccination should cover you.