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Canine Vaccines |
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Since
we do not want dogs to have to endure an episode of disease to develop
their own protection, we turn to the creation of active immunity by
vaccination. This is the deliberate triggering of the immune
response by the giving of a small, weak dose of the disease in order to
stimulate the production of anti-bodies.
Modern
vaccines are divided into four main categories:
3. Toxoids
The lethal effect of some organisms is brought about by the fact that
they produce poisonous substances called toxins. The body reacts
to these by producing specific anti-bodies called anti-toxins which are
capable of neutralising toxins. This can be done artificially by
injecting a toxoid which is a detoxified toxin. Toxoids are
generally made by inactivating toxins either by heat or chemical means
and on injection they stimulate immunity and booster doses may be
needed over 1, 2, or 3 years.
4. Mixed Vaccines
It is possible to make mixed vaccines provided that care is taken to
ensure the compatability of the antigens. Mixed vaccines may
contain, for example, two live antigens, several dead antigens or even
a combination of live and dead antigens. Such vaccines make it
possible to establish an effective degree of protection against
diseases with a minimal number of injections.
source:
Doglopaedia A complete guide to dog care J. M. Evans and Kay White
| About the Author: Catherine O'Driscoll runs Canine Health Concern which campaigns for natural health in dogs, and also delivers an educational program, the Foundation in Canine Healthcare. She is author of best-selling books Shock to the System and What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccines (1997, 1998), and Who Killed the Darling Buds of May? She lives in Scotland with her husband, Rob Ellis, and three Golden Retrievers, named Edward, Daniel and Gwinnie, and she lectures on canine health around the world. For more information, contact Catherine O'Driscoll at Canine Health Concern, PO Box 7533, Perth PH2 1AD, Scotland, UK, email catherine@carsegray.co.uk , website http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk. Shock to the System is available in the UK from CHC, and worldwide from Dogwise at http://www.dogwise.com. |
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