Hello, I have a 9 yo female mountain cur. She's due for 3 year vaccine booster. In 2016 she was given DHPP. I would prefer to boost her with...

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Customer

Hello, I have a 9 yo female mountain cur. She's due for 3 year vaccine booster. In 2016 she was given DHPP. I would prefer to boost her with DAPv only and skip the parainfluenza (non-core vaccine). My rationale is because I don't want to burden her immune system with anything that isn't absolutely necessary. She's getting older and has been on daily Apoquel and sometimes predisone for several years now to treat bad allergies. My understanding is the risk for parainfluenza is from contact with other infected dogs, but she's aggressive towards other dogs, so is not allowed around other animals. She is not boarded. Is there any other way for her to become infected with parainfluenza? There's a risk/benefit of the parainfluenza vaccine that I'm weighing.

Last updated
Lesley, RVT
Veterinarian

Boarding facilities are where she would be most likely to contract it, but it can be contracted through the air and objects (toys, water bowls, etc.). It is not always through direct contact with other dogs. So If you take her to grooming, walk her around PetSmart or a park that happened to have an infected dog, etc. then she could still be at risk. 

Most distemper/parvo vaccines have the parainfluenza already in with the vaccine so you would have to call around to see if there is a vet that carries one without. You can also ask your vet about doing vaccine titers in general if you wanted to see where here immunity levels are with all vaccines, and then decide at that point which vaccines you would want to continue. Titers tend to be more expensive as the blood had to be sent out to a lab for testing, but if you are concerned with an already weakened immune system it may be worth it. Rabies in most states is the only vaccine that is required by law. 

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

Posted
Customer

Thank you!  Yes, very helpful info.  We do walk her in parks and other areas where dogs have been.  She's always sniffing, so I wondered if she could pick up the virus from that indirect type of exposure.  We also travel with her and stay at pet friendly hotels, so I guess that could be another source of potential exposure.  I hadn't thought about asking for titers!  Will dicuss with my vet.  Appreciate the advice.  Always nice to get a second opinion.  Love this service!  Will use again and recommend to friends!

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