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Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / September 2008



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Feline shots question

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kraut - 14 Aug 2008 21:34 GMT
I have a question regarding immunization for cats and hopefully
someone can help me out with the answer here.

I recently thook a stray adult male in that people left behind when
they moved (to where-ever) to be nuetered.  While there I had them
immunize him.

There gave him a rabies shot which is good for a year as well as shots
for FVRCP and FelV.  For the last 2 they said in 3 weeks he would need
(FVRCP and FelV) again (Booster or whatever).

Question that I have is that I asked why they could not give him the
full dose shot or whatever and they said the shots were the full dose
or regular shots but where we did not know if he had shots before he
would need them again in 3 weeks.  My question is why?!?!?  Please
explain in laymen's terms.

I feel that if they are regular shots they should be good for a year
whether he had shots before or not.  Or is this just another way for
vets to make money??

Thanks for reply.
Phil P. - 15 Aug 2008 05:11 GMT
> I have a question regarding immunization for cats and hopefully
> someone can help me out with the answer here.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> would need them again in 3 weeks.  My question is why?!?!?  Please
> explain in laymen's terms.

Adult cats don't require the FVRCP vaccination series- its only for kittens.
The kittens' maternal antibodies (antibodies received from the mother via
colostrum during nursing) will inactivate the vaccine. The FVRCP series was
designed to "break through" the maternal antibodies and immunize the kitten
as the maternal antibodies wane. Since there's no practical way to determine
exactly when a particular kitten's maternal antibodies will wane enough to
let the vaccine get though, the vaccinations are given 2-3 weeks apart until
the kitten is 12-15 weeks old.  Maternal antibodies usually dissipate by
then. Cats over 15-16 weeks no longer have maternal antibodies to interfere
with immunization. So, your cat doesn't require a 2nd and 3rd vaccination.
Actually, he probably didn't even require the 1st- maybe just the FVRC- if
that. Your cat will not need another FP vaccination for at least *9* years
if not never again.  Adult cats *very* rarely get FP- and when they do its
almost always subclinical.  The FVRC component of the vaccine is good for at
least 3-4 years. Neither component prevents FHV & FCV, they only reduce the
severity of symptoms if you cat contracts the viruses.

If you'd like more information, go to my site:
http://maxshouse.com/feline_panleukopenia.htm  The page was written by the
virologist at Cornell, Fred Scott, who discovered maternal antibody
interference in kittens and developed the FVRCP Series that is followed
today around the world.

The FeLV vaccine probably wasn't necessary, either.

Sounds like your vet is either uninformed, misinformed, or just plain
soaking you for as much as he can. In either case- he's not a vet I'd trust
with my cats' lives.

Phil
Deborah, DVM - 15 Aug 2008 13:22 GMT
> Adult cats don't require the FVRCP vaccination series- its only for
> kittens.
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> the
> severity of symptoms if you cat contracts the viruses.

I don't believe that I've seen any feline veterinary authorities claim what
you claim above.  The standard recommendations of the association of feline
practitioners is for all cats to get an initial series of fvr boosters 3-4
weeks apart, then every 3 years.  Even though maternal antibody may not play
a role, the booster is recommended to ensure full protection.  Leukemia is
recommended for all kittens, and then annually for high risk cats (i.e.
outdoor cats).

You can read the full guidelines here:
http://www.aafponline.org/resources/guidelines/2006_Vaccination_Guidelines_JAVMA.pdf

Deborah, DVM
Human_And_Animal_Behaviour_Forensic_Sciences_Research_Laboratory - 18 Aug 2008 23:25 GMT
HOWEDY dra. deborah, DVM, you pathetic miserable
stinkin rotten lyin animal murderin punk thug coward
active acute chronic life-long incurable malignant
maliciHOWES MENTAL CASE and professional
veterinary malpracticioner FRAUD an SCAM ARTIST,

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You'll probably find some of *your own* posted case
history EMBARRASSIN YOU TO DEATH there <{}'; ~ ) >

>> Adult cats don't require the FVRCP vaccination series- its only
>> for kittens. The kittens' maternal antibodies (antibodies received from
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> I don't believe that I've seen any feline veterinary
> authorities claim what you claim above.

But of curse not~! That'd be professional SUICIDE.

WOULDN'T IT, dra. deborah, DVM.

You couldn't operate your SCAM veterinary malpractice
based on the volumn of NATURALLY SICK and hurt
innocent defenseless dumb critters, you gotta RIP THEM
OFF for their heelth with your imbecilic idiotic TOXIC
annual vaccinations, parasite maltreatments, cruel inhumane
declawing and unnecessary inapupriate surgical sexual
mutilations to keep the REVOLVING doors to your
veterinary malpractice open <{}: ~ ( >

> The standard recommendations of the association of feline practitioners is
> for all cats to get an initial series of fvr boosters
> 3-4 weeks apart, then every 3 years.

Yeah. AND THAT'S just WON small part of the gihugeic
veterinary malpractice SCAM I've come here to EXXXPOSE,
dra. deborah, DVM:

                Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)

FRED W. SCOTT, D.V.M., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary
Microbiologists;
Professor Emeritus of Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell
University, Ithaca;
Former Director, Cornell Feline Health Center, Ithaca, New York.

JAMES RICHARDS, DVM, Director, Feline Health Center,
College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca

                            <SNIP>

Immunization should be initiated by the veterinarian when kittens
are eight to ten weeks of age. A second vaccination should be given
four weeks later.  In areas where the prevalence of infection is high,
and for maximal protection, a third vaccination may be indicated at
sixteen weeks of age. if a kitten is twelve weeks of age or older at
the time of initial vaccination with a modified livevirus vaccine, a
booster vaccination need not be given until it is at least one year of
age.

Immunity produced by FP vaccines is long-lasting, perhaps for life.
Revaccinations every year would not seem to be necessary from a
scientific standpoint, but the vaccines are licensed for only 3 years'
protection.

Immunity acquired from the queen via colostrum (initial breast milk)
must be considered when establishing a routine vaccination program.
interference by maternally acquired (passive) immunity is the most
common cause of vaccine failure. There exists a direct correlation
between the FPV antibody level of the queen at the time of birth and
the duration of passive immunity in the kitten.

This passive immunity, if of sufficient strength, will not only
protect the kitten against virulent FPV but will also react with
the vaccine virus and interfere with immunization. Vaccination
must be performed after kittens have lost most or all of their
maternally derived immunity.

The use of FPV antiserum (clear blood liquid containing antibody)
to immunize cats passively is indicated if an unvaccinated animal
has been exposed to the virus or is likely to be exposed before vaccine
induced immune responses can develop. Antiserum is also indicated
for colostrum-cleprived or orphaned kittens.

The routine use of antiserum in unexposed kittens is not recommended,
however; instead, kittens should be vaccinated during their first visit to
the veterinarian's office, and revaccinated as indicated.

Excerpted from The Cornell Book of Cats
Available from The Cornell Feline Health Center

                      ---------------------

> Even though maternal antibody may not play a role, the
> booster is recommended to ensure full protection.

DESPITE that it may only NEGATE the pryor vaccination <{}: ~ ( >

>  Leukemia is recommended for all kittens, and then annually for
> high risk cats (i.e. outdoor cats).

THAT'S INSANE, dra. deborah, DVM MALPRACTICIONER.

> You can read the full guidelines here:
> http://www.aafponline.org/resources/guidelines/2006_Vaccination_Guidelines_JAVMA.pdf
>
> Deborah, DVM

From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

Re: Vets are having a serious lapse of ethics?

//////////////////////////////////////////////

I was sent to a copy of a VERY interesting story on
Newstarget. It speaks to MANY of the issues that I
have been discussing.

.................................

BOTTOM LINE BLURS VET PRACTICES

.................................

Imagine if every time you went to the doctor you were
given vaccinations that you don't need; vaccinations
that offer no benefit but all of the risks of harmful
side effects. Or you were given medications with no
explanation or information provided. Or tests were
being done for no reason. Now imagine that you can't
speak and you have no way to tell those who care for
you that those vaccinations make you feel sick; you
don't want those tests; and the medicine is causing
more harm than good.

That's exactly what many of our cat and dog friends
experience. We bring our best friend to the veterinarian
with unquestioned trust and faith that our vet has our
animal's best interest at heart but according to
Veterinarian Dr. James Busby, author of "How To Afford
Veterinary Care Without Mortgaging the Kids", his
profession is suffering from a serious lapse in
judgment and ethics that is rooted in making money.
........................................

IT'S NOW ABOUT MON**EY
........................................

Dr. Busby, who has been a practicing vet since 1966,
loves his work and comes from a family of Veterinarians;
but admits if he had to practice the way vets practice
today he would not enter the profession. Dr. Busby feels
"the profession has slowly turned from what was once an
honest, caring one to a situation where many clinics and
doctors are interested more in the bottom line, than
what is necessary and best for your pet."

If you thought the veterinary world had escaped the
'bottom line' mentality of the Medical Community you
are wrong. The world of veterinary medicine has become
equally entangled with Drug and Insurance Companies.
The result is not only rising costs for the animal
guardian but also unnecessary treatments, over-the-
top testing, and over vaccination for the animals.

Dr. Busby says, "Veterinarians today seem to assume
they have the OK to run every test and perform any
and every procedure on your animal they can, unless
you tell them differently. Then they usually get irate
and try to shame you for being a non-loving pet owner."
..........................................

USING GUILT AND PRESSURE

.........................................

Veterinarians are great at using guilt and pressure to
strip animal guardians of their power. They can be brusque,
condescending and intimidating and in the end, the animal
guardian, wanting to do whatever they can to support their
animal friend, goes along with whatever the vet says.
The only way to change this is for animal guardians to
become as well informed about their animal's care, as
they are about their own. Until recently, Vets have held
an unquestionable 'high moral' mark where guardians
assumed that whatever a vet wants to do must be in the
best interest of the animal, but that unquestionable
morality is gone now.
...................................................

TOO MANY VACCINES...TOO OFTEN

...................................................

Let's start with vaccinations. The standard operating
procedure is for animals to receive a multitude of
vaccinations on a regular schedule. Most animal guardians
don't question the vaccination schedule. If the vet says
it's needed, then it must be. For those who do question
it, they are met with hostility or condescension or
frightened with the horrors of what will happen if
an animal isn't vaccinated regularly. And in several
cases, have been asked to find another vet altogether.

But here's the truth about all animal vaccines: The
drug manufactures label determines the frequency of
revaccination. There is nothing scientific about the
current animal vaccination schedule. Neither the FDA
nor the USDA requires drug companies to prove the maximum
immunity conferred; they only require that immunity be
conferred for the duration of their testing. Which means
if the drug company tests for one year, the label states
vaccinate yearly.

This manufacturers' recommendation ultimately influenced
rabies laws in each and every state across the country.
Those laws are not based in scientific study, but rather
on the research done by drug companies necessary to get
approval for their drugs.

It has been proven as well that vaccine boosters do not
increase immunity. Once the body has immunity, that same
immunity will knock out the virus in the vaccine, leaving
your animal to experience none of the benefits from the
vaccine but all of the risks from the adjuvants; and,
leaving the guardian to pay for something that does nothing.

..........................................

CANCER FROM A VACCINE

.........................................

Kris Christine, Founder of The Rabies Challenge Fund Trust
and vaccine reform activist, stated during a recent interview
on Conscious Animal Radio that this practice fit the definition
of fraud. Christine joined this fight when her own dog Meadow
developed an injection site sarcoma with the needle mark
visible in the center of the tumor. After her vet informed
her that Meadow most likely had immunity to rabies for life,
and carelessly let it slip that it was the distemper shot
Christine should really watch out for as that one had many
side effects and was ultimately unnecessary for older dogs,
Christine jumped into action.

Since, she has had the rabies vaccination requirement
revised in her home state of Maine extending it to every
three years; challenged the state to introduce a veterinary
disclosure law, which was defeated and has started the
Rabies Challenge Fund Trust along with Dr. W. Jean Dodds,
a highly noted Veterinarian for her work and opinion on
vaccine reform. The Rabies Challenge Fund seeks to prove
through a challenge study that the rabies vaccine confers
immunity for seven years.

...........................................

IMMUNITY LASTS MUCH LONGER

...........................................

Dr. Ronald Schultz, who is also involved in the Rabies
Challenge Fund, has already demonstrated through serology
(blood testing) that the Rabies vaccine lasts at least 7
years. He's also demonstrated that the distemper vaccine
lasts at least 15 years; parvovirus at least 7 years and
the adenovirus at least 9 years.

By now you are beginning to see that there are two roots
to this issue: The drug manufacturers who are not required
to test for maximum immunity conferred and the veterinarians
that go along with the recommendation of the drug companies
without question.

//////////////////////////////////////////////

P.S. The BOTTOM LINE is now blurring MANY
VETERINARY PRACTICES. The days of James Herriot are
LONG GONE. IF you DON'T have the MON**EY, then your
beloved Pet may be Out of Luck.

Now is the time for you to TAKE CHARGE
of your dog or cat's Health Care. TAKE
MATTERS into your OWN HANDS.

QUESTION what your Veterinarian Advises.

BE AWARE of ALL the Holistic, NATURAL OPTIONS.

.................................

DO you NEED to buy my products?
.................................

NO

...........................

Do You NEED to TAKE ACTION?

............................

YES

Do Something DIFFERENT.

EDUCATE yourself on ALL of the OPTIONS and Alternate
ways of Healing and PREVENTING DISEASE.

I am in the FORTUNATE position of SEEING what INVOLVED
Pet Guardians are doing to KEEP their Pet's Healthy..

SO if you would like a KICKSTART to a BETTER WAY to
Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Alternate Ways of
TREATING DISEASE at Home check out my book at:

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

P.P.S. If you DON'T yet own a copy, AT LEAST make a
comittment to making some of the changes I SUGGEST
so that YOUR PET stays healthy.

Go through my newsletters.

Go to my blog.

http://www.theinternetpetvet.com

Go through many of the Quality Alternate Sites
on the Internet, such as Canine Health Concern,
and Shirley's Wellness Cafe.

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

It's Your Pet. Heal Them At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

Copyright 2007 Four Paws Online Ltd.

Tel: 1-800-396-1534
Fax: 1-250-352-1901

http://www.theonlinevet.com

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

http://www.theveterinarysecret.com

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/course

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/manual.php

http://www.theveterinarycode.com

http://www.thepetfoodrecallreport.com

support@veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

2124 Ymir Rd, Nelson, BC V1L 6Y9, CANADA

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Sec.rets Revealed
Website: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

Re: Her Vet wants to vaccinate for Lepto..Yes or No?

Good morning Veterinary Secrets readers.

Many of you responded after my newsletters on vaccines,
and I am wanting to address some of your specific questions.

First here is a question from Pam, who vaccinates her pets
very infrequently, her veterinarian supports this, but her
vet wants her to have Leptospirosis vaccine..

>>>>Hi, I have a vaccine question for you.

We have (currently) 4 dogs & 3 cats. 2 cats never go
outside, and the 1 that does lives inside a heated
building on our property where I run  my business.

We have not given the inside cats any vaccines since the
initial ones when they were kittens and will never will
either.

The one that goes outside gets a rabies every 3 years.

We've backed off on everything with the dogs except for
rabies every 3 years.  Our vet knows how we feel about
all the over-vaccinating and respects that.  But
this past spring she said the only thing she would fight
us on was the lepto because she's seen too many cases of
it.

What is your opinion on this?

Thanks for this awesome program you've created to
help all of us take better care of our babies.

Take care,   Pam<<<<<<<<<<<

Thank YOU for the kind words Pam!

Now to your question.

First here is What it is....

Description:

Leptospires are thin, filamentous, motile bacteria that
are spiral in shape and have hooked ends.

Transmission of the infection may occur via several routes, such
as orally (primarily contact with urine), venereally, across the
placenta, through broken skin (e.g. bite wounds), or by the ingestion
of infected tissues. The bacteria may also be acquired from contact
with contaminated soil, food, water, bedding and other fomites.

The bacteria prefer soil that is moist and has a neutral pH, as well
as stagnant or slow-moving warm water.  1,2Water is most often contaminated
from the urine of infected animals, as the bacteria
may be shed in the urine for months after an infection.

Because Leptospires prefer warm weather and are readily killed
by freezing, the incidence of clinical disease is greatest in late
summer to early winter (August - December), in the southern
areas of the United States, and in semitropical regions around
the world. Disease prevalence also increases after periods of wet
weather.

Leptospires penetrate the mucous membranes or abraded skin
and produce a bacteremia within 3-8 days. Infection then spreads
to a variety of tissues, including the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas,
CNS, genital tract, and eyes. The bacteria commonly localize in the
kidneys, causing impaired renal function. Acute nephritis develops
and may progress to chronic renal failure.

Leptospires appear in the urine about 12-15 days post-infection,
and may persist for up to four years. 2 Infection of the liver is also
common and results in hepatic necrosis and icterus. Historically,
renal disease has often been associated with L. canicola and L.
grippotyphosa infections, and liver disease has been associated
with L. icterohaemorrhagiae and L. pomona infections (especially
in dogs < 6 months old). Overlap occurs in the clinical syndromes
caused by the various serovars, however.

PREVENTION..

It MAY be prevented with Vaccines, BUT that
depends upon the specific strain of Lepto..

Over the last 15 years, the serovars involved in clinical
cases of canine leptospirosis have shifted from predominately
L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae to L. pomona, L.
grippotyphosa, L. autumnalis, and L. bratislava.

Historically most vaccines for dogs contained primarily
the serovars L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae.

With the realization that other serovars are now contributing more
to clinical disease in dogs, vaccines have recently been produced
that also contain L. pomona, L. hardjo and L. grippotyphosa.

POST VACCINAL REACTIONS

Postvaccinal reactions are common with the leptospiral
bacterins. They include hypersensitivity reactions,
localized inflammation at the injection site, and
generalized malaise (sometimes with fever).

Prevention of leptospirosis also involves the elimination
of carrier states and the avoidance of potential sources
of the bacteria in nature. Isolation of infected animals,
the use of doxycycline to eliminate leptospiruria, strict
sanitation in kennels and hospital settings, control of
local rodent populations, and elimination of stagnant or
warm, slow-moving water are all measures that may help
prevent this disease. The bacteria are usually sensitive
to the iodine-based disinfectants.

SO what do I advise?

Well that partially depends on where you live, and your
dog's lifestyle.  If you area has abundant Lepto, AND
our dogs are regularly in slow moving warm water, then
you could CONSIDER the Vaccine.

I for one am NOT convinced that the Lepto vaccine is that effective...

There are MULTIPLE strains of the disease, AND it is very difficult
to create an effective vaccine for anything other than a virus.

I started in practice 15 years ago, and I once regularly vaccinated
for Lepto..AND I saw a LARGE number of serious VACCINE REACTIONS.

I DO NOT advize giving it to ANY of my local clients here,
BUT I livein an area that FREEZES ( it is below ZERO now),
hence Lepto is not a problem.

As for WHAT you should do?

Talk to your Veterinarian and explain your concerns.

Its ALL about RISK/BALANCE

If you choose to NOT VACCINATE for Lepto, and one of your
dogs contracts the disease, they can generally be treated
early on with a penicillin based antibiotic..but there is
the RISK of some serious long term side effects.

THEN there is ALSO the RISK of some serious LONG
TERM side effects with the Vaccine.

WHAT would I do??

NOT VACCINATE.

My personal opinion and I really feel that the Vaccine
RISKS outweigh the REWARDS of protecting against POTENTIAL
DISEASE.

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

            ------------------------

   Rabies Reactions..( And the Twisted Law )
  "If I Had A Strictly Indoor Cat He Would
           NEVER Get ANY Vaccines -
          Regardless of State Law."

From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: http://www.theveterinarysecret.com

Hello The,

Re: Rabies Reactions..( And the Twisted Law )

One of our readers sent me in a question asking How
they could avoid mandatory Rabies vaccine for their
indoor cats.

In Canada, Rabies is NOT required by Law- but
this is different in the U.S.

This got me doing some research, and I found a very
interesting article by a prominent 'conventional'
veterinarian, Denis Macy, president of the American
College of Veterinary Internal Medicine ( ACVIM)

Dr Macy re-iterates many of the things I have said,
such as Rabies vaccine side effects of auto-immune
disease and cancer, then comments on the lack of
ANY legal recourse a Pet Owner has in the event of
a Vaccine. Even MORE ludicrous, is that the Vaccine
Manufacturer is EXEMPT from being sued at a State
Level because of the FDA. YET this is NOT SO with
Human Vaccines.

The Pet Owner is on the hook for paying for the COSTS
associated with a Vaccine Side Effect, EVEN IF that
owner did NOT want the Vaccine.

Commentary by Dennis W. Macy, DVM, MS

President-Elect and Diplomate ACVIM - Oncology

Rabies vaccination is also associated with adverse events
including the potential for autoimmune disease, anaphylaxis,
granuloma formation, soreness at the injection site, and
tumor development in cats.

Because rabies is a fatal disease in both humans and
animals, it is mandated by law that dogs and cats be
vaccinated against rabies in many parts of the country.

Despite the fact that adverse events associated with
rabies vaccination may result in death or the development
of a tumor at the injection site which may result in death
or the development of a tumor at the injection site, which
may result in more than $3,000 in treatment costs, owners
really don't have a choice whether their pet receives the
mandated rabies vaccines.

In many parts of the country, pet owners must have their
animals vaccinated for rabies or face a court appearance.

Rabies laws usually apply to dogs and / or cats regardless
of how low the risk of contracting rabies may be for an
individual pet.

Most veterinarians support routine rabies vaccination for
dogs and cats for the protection of not only the pet, but
also for public health reasons.

It could, however, be argued that the risk of rabies in a
cat living in a high-rise in Denver, Colorado is much less
than the risk of developing a fatal sarcoma as a result
of receiving the mandated three year rabies vaccine annually as
required by law (Denver has not had a case of terrestrial
rabies in over 20 years).

Although the risk : benefit ratio this situation would tend
to favor not vaccinating for rabies, neither the client nor
the veterinarian has that choice.

In order to comply with locallaw, the three year rabies
vaccine must be given annually or the owner will face a
possible court appearance.

The risk of developing a vaccine site tumor has been
estimated by the Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma
Task Force to be between 1 / 1000 and 1 / 10,000 cats
receiving rabies or feline leukemia virus vaccines and
the risk of developing vaccine site tumors increases
with the number of these vaccines administered, Who
is financially responsible if the owner complies with
the law and the cat develops a fatal adverse event
such as a vaccine-associated sarcoma ?

Currently, the clients whose cat develops vaccine-associated
tumors must pay thousands of dollars for the treatment of
this adverse vaccine even that was caused by a veterinarian
administering a USDA-approved vaccine.

What recourse does the client who didn't want their cat
vaccinated against rabies have against the veterinarian
and the vaccine manufacture ?

Let's first look at the liability of the vaccine manufacture.
Surely, based on state common law, the client should be able
to hold the vaccine manufacturer responsible for providing a
product that resulted in harm.

This would be true if it were a human being who had an
adverse reaction to DTP vaccine, but it's not the case
for veterinary vaccines.

Veterinary vaccine safety and approval are the responsibility
of the USDA, which claims federal law preempts the state's
common law. If the vaccine is produced in accordance with
the USDA guidelines, recent court decisions hold the
manufacturer harmless for reactions caused by vaccines
(Smith-Kiln Beecham vs. Linnbrook Farms, Circuit Court of
Appeals, March 26, 1996).

It is interesting to note that although the FDA controls
the approval of licensure of human vaccines, the FDA
claims no federal preemption, and a human vaccine
manufacturer may be held liable for injury produced by
their vaccines under state common law statutes.

What is the veterinarian's liability in such a situation ?

If the veterinarian provided the owner with information
regarding the potential of adverse events associated with
vaccination prior to vaccine administration and there is
evidence of such in the medical record, the veterinarian
would not be considered liable for the adverse events
caused by the vaccine. If the veterinarian, however,
merely administered the vaccine without providing
information regarding potential adverse events prior to
the vaccination, the veterinarian may be considered
liable for damages associated with that product.

Rabies Vaccination

In all states, rabies vaccinations are required by law.
The first rabies vaccination is good for one year. In
many states subsequent vaccinations are good for three
years. In other states, they are only valid for one year
by law.

Please check with your vet to determine the legal
requirements in your state.

P.S. If your dog or cat is ILL and You go to a
Veterinarian, they can NOT force the Rabies vaccine
upon you. Many Holistic Practicioners will offer other
options such as Homeopathic Nosodes. If I had a Strictly
Indoor Cat he would NEVER get ANY vaccines- regardless of
State Law.

P.P.S. I go into detail on the Alternatives
to Vaccines in the Veterinary Code. It's at

http://www.theveterinarycode.com

It's Your Pet. Heal Them At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

              ==================

                                     Here's The SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
                     Your Veterinary Malpracticioners And Ethickal
Breeders
                                                 Will DENY
                           And Try To Prevent Your From Reading:

           ASK YOUR VETERINARY MALPRACTICIONER TO DEFEND HISSELF
                                                   OR
                        GET THE HEEL HOWETA THIS BUSINESS:
                                              Neutering
                                   Dra. wendy brooks, DVM,
                     IDENTIFIED, EXXXPOSED and DISCREDITED

> Why Neuter Your Male Dog? By Wendy Brooks, DVM WHAT ARE THE HEALTH
> BENEFITS TO THE DOG? There are several health benefits to neutering.

That's preposterHOWES. Surgical sexual mutilation is inapupriate
inhumane ignorameHOWES behavior that causes fearful / neurotic
behaviors (although that may be allelomimetic) and so called
SPAY INCONTINENCE in more than 40% of their VICTIMS and ONLY
benefits the veterinary malpracticioner <{): ~ ( >

> One of the most important concerns the prostate gland, which under the
> influence of testosterone will gradually enlarge over the course of the
> dog's life. In age, it is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly being
> large enough to interfere w/defecation.

That's MALARKEY:

"There are a number of adverse health problems that have been linked
to spay/neuter in dogs, and are documented in the veterinary research
medical literature.  One will not find any mention of these adverse
impacts
in the pro-spay/neuter propaganda that commonly comes from breed rescue
groups, animal rights groups, animal welfare groups, and (sadly)
veterinary
medical resources aimed at the layman.

Contrary to the common claim, the risk of prostate cancer in dogs is
not
reduced with neutering.  Some published studies showed an increased
risk of prostate cancer in neutered male dogs [1-3].  Two of the most
recent studies show a 4 fold increased risk of prostate cancer in
castrated
dogs [2,3].

The risk of osteosarcoma, a bone cancer with a far worse prognosis than
testicular cancer, doubles with spay/neuter in dogs [4].  Neutering in
the
first year of a dog's life was found to be associated with an increased
lifetime risk of osteosarcoma in male and female Rotties of a factor of
3-4 [5]. [Rotties were the only breed examined in this depth, the
increased
risk with spay/neuter likely affects other breeds too]

Spay/Neuter in dogs is also associated with a 3-4 fold increased risk
of
hypothyroidism [6], a doubled risk of obesity [7], as well as an
increased
risk of splenic [8] and cardiac hemangiosarcomas [9], diabetes (in
males)
[10], fatal acute pancreatitis (in females) [11], cranial cruciate
ligament
rupture [12], urinary incontinence [13,14], and geriatric cognitive
impairment
(in males) [15].  These are all documented in the veterinary medical
research
literature.

Here's the medical studies your ill trained ignorameHOWES veterinary
malpracticioner PROFITEERS DON'T WANT YOU TO FIND:

[1] J Vet Intern Med. 1987 Oct-Dec;1(4):183-7. The influence of
castration on the development of prostatic carcinoma in the dog. 43
cases (1978-1985).  Obradovich J, Walshaw R, Goullaud E.

[2] Vet Comparative Oncology.  2003 Mar; 1(1):48.  Immunohistochemical
characterization of canine prostatic carcinoma and correlation with
castration status and castration time.  Sorenmo K, Goldschmidt M,
Shofer F, Goldkamp C, Ferracone J

[3]  Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2002 Nov 29;197(1-2):251-5. Canine prostate
carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated
dogs. Teske E, Naan EC, van Dijk EM, Van Garderen E, Schalken JA.

[4] Vet J. 1998 Jul;156(1):31-9. Host related risk factors for canine
osteosarcoma.  Ru G, Terracini B, Glickman LT.

[5] Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Nov;11(11):1434-40.
Endogenous gonadal hormone exposure and bone sarcoma risk.
Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman NW, Glickman
LT, Waters DJ.

[6] J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1994 Mar 1;204(5):761-7 Hypothyroidism
in dogs: 66 cases (1987-1992).  Panciera DL.

[7] Vet Rec. 1986 Apr 5;118(14):391-6  Study of obesity in dogs
visiting veterinary practices in the United Kingdom.  Edney AT, Smith
PM.

[8] J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1988 Sep 15;193(6):706-12.  Epidemiologic,
clinical, pathologic, and prognostic characteristics of splenic
hemangiosarcoma and splenic hematoma in dogs: 217 cases (1985).
Prymak C, McKee LJ, Goldschmidt MH, Glickman LT.

[9] J Vet Intern Med. 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):95-103.  Cardiac tumors in
dogs: 1982-1995.  Ware WA, Hopper DL.

[10] Am J Vet Res. 1982 Mar;43(3):465-70.  Epizootiologic patterns of
diabetes mellitus in dogs. Marmor M, Willeberg P, Glickman LT, Priester
WA, Cypess RH, Hurvitz AI.

[11] J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1999 Jan 1;214(1):46-51.  Evaluation of risk
factors for fatal acute pancreatitis in dogs. Hess RS, Kass PH, Shofer
FS, Van Winkle TJ, Washabau RJ.

[12] J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1993 Oct 1;203(7):1016-9. Epidemiology of
cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Whitehair JG, Vasseur PB,
Willits NH.

[13] J Small Anim Pract. 1998 Dec;39(12):559-66. Acquired urinary
incontinence in bitches: its incidence and relationship to neutering
practices. Thrusfield MV, Holt PE, Muirhead RH.

[14] J Reprod Fertil Suppl. 2001;57:233-6. The relationship of urinary
incontinence to early spaying in bitches. Stocklin-Gautschi NM, Hassig
M, Reichler IM, Hubler M, Arnold S.

[15] J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001 Jul 1;219(1):51-6. Effect of gonadectomy
on subsequent development of age-related cognitive impairment in dogs.
Hart BL

                 ------------

> The prostate under the influence of testosterone

That's right. And THAT'S HOWE COME we shouldn't MESS with it.

> is also predisposed to infection which is almost impossible to clear up
> without neutering.

That's a LIE.

Infections are opportunistic invasions of a compromised
auto immune system, as caused by surgical sexual mutilation
and stress from mishandling like lockin dogs in boxes and
jerking choking shocking bribing intimidating them <{); ~ ) >

> Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance thus
> preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable benign
> hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging.

That's MALARKEY. Maybe 60% of men reachin 85 get it too.
Tough break. Perhaps they shoulda took better care of
themselves. You know, lots of green leafy veggies, stuff
with seeds an bright colors, Omega3 oils, a little EXXXERCISE
NHOWE an again... probably live FOREVER if you didn't have
ambient smoke and environmental toxins:

"Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of
an increased risk in castrated dogs." Castration (26/56)
increased the risk (OR=4.34; 95% CI 2.48-7.62) of PCA."

> It is often erroneously held that neutering prevents prostate cancer but
> this is not true.

IN FACT, the OPPOSITE IS TRUE:

"The interval between castration and onset of prostatic
problems was highly variable, suggesting that castration
does not initiate the development of PCA in the dog, but
it does favour tumor progression."

"This article supports previous studies showing BPH as the
most common prostate disease in dogs; that prostate carcinoma
is relatively rare; and that the prevalence of prostate
carcinoma is higher in castrated dogs than in intact dogs.

The age of castration had no effect on the age at
which the tumor was diagnosed. Because prostate
carcinoma is so rare in both intact and neutered dogs,
this should not be a deterrent to castration.

Prostate carcinoma is seen only in dogs older
than 6 years. When prostate disease is diagnosed
in castrated dogs, the probability of cancer is very
high. - David F. Senior, BVSc, Diplomate ACVIM &
ECVIM"

> Other health benefits of neutering include the prevention of certain types
> of hernias and tumors of the testicles and anus. Excessive preputial
> discharge is also reduced by neutering.

That's SHEER IDIOCY:

"Neutered bitches lived longest of dogs dying
of all causes, though entire bitches lived longest
of dogs dying of natural causes, with neutered
males having the shortest lifespan in each category."

> WHAT BEHAVIORAL CHANGES CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER NEUTER? The only behavior
> changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviors influenced
> by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans
> are not changed.

That's ABSURD. There are NO behavioral BENEFITS to surgicaL
sexual mutilation. IN FACT, surgical sexual mutilation CAUSES
AGGRESSION and PROBABLY accHOWENTS for the increase
in dog / child aggression as SEXUALLY NEUTERED CRITTERS
LACK PARENTAL / MATERNAL / PATERNAL INSTINCT <{): ~ ( >

> The behaviors that change are far less desirable.

That's ABSURD.

> The interest in roaming is eliminated in 90 percent of neutered dogs.

THAT'S ABSURD.

> Aggressive behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60 percent of
> neutered dogs.

CITES PLEASE?: That's A LIE.

>  Urine marking is eliminated in 50 percent of neutered male dogs.

So called marking is an anXXXIHOWESNESS behavior
which can be EXXXTINGUISHED IN WON DAY using
effective scientific behavior modification and conditioning
techniques.

> Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70 percent of neutered dogs.

CITES PLEASE?: That's A LIE.

> Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and
> male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles.

Thus far that's the ONLY TRUTH dra. brooks has given us.

> In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under
> anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will
> stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days.

What's the % of complications and DEAD DOGS from
inapupriate unnecessary surgical sexual mutilation?

> Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a
> few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures
> to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.

There AIN'T NO BEST AGE to perform unnecessary inapupriate
life threatening non medical surgery on domestic pets.

> Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet

That's a LIE.

> Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
> Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of
> health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.

THAT'S A LIE.

> Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and
> greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet
> is spayed before her first estrous cycle.

That's IDIOCY. Of curse surgically removing internal
organs "PREVENTS" them from GETTIN SICK. HOWEver, cancer
is likeWIZE CAUSED by STRESS, garbage commercial diets,
toxic veterinary treatments and environmental toxins.

> Neutering eliminates testicular cancer

BWEEEAAAHAHAHHAHAAAA!!!

THAT'S IDIOCY. And the IDIOCY does NOT address the
INCREASED RISK of other related DIS-EASES <{): ~ ( >

> and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

THAT'S A LIE.

> Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You

THAT'S INSANE. It's ONLY good for the VETERINARY MALPRACTICIONER.

> Spaying and neutering makes pets better,

THAT'S A LIE.

Surgical sexual mutilation makes dogs FEAR AGGRESSIVE
and for the SAME REASON causes so called LEAKING aka
SPAY INCONTINENCE which requires LIFE LONG PHARMACUTICAL
TREATMENT benefing ONLY the veterinary malpracticioner
and the pharmacutical companies which PAY FOR their
malignant university "education".

> more affectionate companions.

THAT'S A LIE.

> Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray

Spraying is a SYMPTOM of anXXXIHOWESNESS, not a
trait of maleness. Female kats likeWIZE, SPRAY
when they're bein mishandled <{): ~ ( >

> and mark territory.

Terrortorial markin ONLY occurs when kats are
roaming and breeding indiscriminately <{}: ~ ( >

> Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle.

BWEEAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAA!!!

> Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs

That's IDIOCY and a LIE.

Estrus lasts 21 - 23 days in bitchess, twice a year.

> and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats.

Estrus lasts 3 to 16 days (average of 7) and then subsides
for 3 to 14 days (average of 9 days), seasonally.

>  Females in heat can cry incessantly,

Calling for a mate is NOT "crying".

> show nervous behavior,

That's a LIE. Critters show nervHOWES behavior when
they're bein PUNISHED, inapupriately / ineffectively
CON-TROLLED / CONfined and IGNORED when they "cry".

>  and attract unwanted male animals.

So don't invite them inside. NO PROBLEMO.

> Unsterilized animals

They mean UN-MUTILATED animals.

> often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who
> have been spayed or neutered.

That's a LIE. There's volumnHOWES CASE HISTORY DATA provin otherWIZE.

> Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.

That's a LIE.

> Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away,

That's a LIE. Dogs an kats are TERRORTORIAL critters by
NATURE, therefore they can be TRAINED to stay within their
own TERRORTORY in just a few minutes of teachin them their
perimeter.

Critters RUN HOWET on their owners for the same reasons
children run HOWET on their parents, on accHOWENTA they're
ABUSED IGNORED NEGLECTED or SMOTHERED by doting loving
parents who never taught them SELF CON-TROLL, UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE, TRUST and RESPECT <{): ~ ( >

> or get into fights. Spaying and Neutering Are Good for the Community

No. Surgical sexual mutilation is the CAUSE of animal
aggression towards small children and other dogs.

> Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
> Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and
> attacks.

That's INSANE. Aggression is LEARNED BEHAVIOR *(cite
recent studies at Harvard and UCLA) <{}; ~ ) >

> Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.

Animal shelters run by ANIMAL LOVERS MURDER five milliHOWEN
dogs a year in the USA alone, and probably more kats, ALL FUNDED
by YOUR HARD EARNED TAX DOLLARS and DONATIONS to
FRAUDULENT "charitable" animal welfare orgainizations like HSUS etc.

> Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in
> public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no
> understanding of their misery or needs. Some stray animals also scare away
> or kill birds and wildlife.

Well then perhaps these EXXXPERTS will teach folks
HOWE to pupperly handle an CON-TRAIN their critters
instead of MUTILATING and MURDERIN them?

> Fix That Bunny! When being conscientious about the pet overpopulation,
> don't forget to spay or neuter your pet rabbit. Altering rabbits can
> reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying, and
> boxing.

That's ABSURD and it's a LIE. These pathetic miserable
stinkin pathological animal molestors will DO an SAY
ANYTHING to defend their alleged RIGHT to PROFIT from
your ignorance.

> Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammarian, and uterine cancers, which
> can be prevalent in mature does. Also, rabbits reproduce faster than dogs
> or cats and are the third-most surrendered animal to shelters. Spay or
> neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one
> considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your
> pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.

You can ALWAYS EAT your UNWANTED BUNNYS and we can
slaughter and ship dog meat overseas to feed hungry
children in China, who bye the way, still ain't got
SHOES <{): ~ ( >

"Sheree" <gleeso...@optusnet.com.au> wrote in message

news:44c5d0d8$0$22359$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...

> Hi, just need some practical advise if anyone is willing to give it!

You're askin liars dog abusers coward and active acute
chronic long term incurable mental cases who beat choke
shock bribe crate intimidate mutilate and murder innocent
defenseless dumb critter and LIE abHOWET it <{) : ~ (  >

> I know male pups can be desexed very young,

So can females but that's INSANE.

> but how long can you wait until the hormones kick in

Six to nine months.

>  and they become fertile/get the urge to roam

Roaming AIN'T caused by hormones.

>  and/or do other 'unsavoury' doggy things?

Dogs DON'T do unsavoury things on accHOWENT of hormones.

There are NO "behavior problems" caused by NOT MUTILATING
innocent defenseless dumb critters. Unnecessarily spaying / neutering
dogs for CONVIENENCE is NOT WIZE and CAUSES problems of it's
own like FEAR AGGRESSION, DEATH from COMPLICATIONS of
SURGERY and INCREASED RISK of PROSTATE CANCER and
other IATROGENIC DIS-EASES <{}; ~  )  >.

> We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and for a variety of reasons,
> including a favourite vet who has a locum filling  in for her at the
> moment, I'd like to wait until he's about 9 months old to have him fixed.

Surgical sexual mutilation for non medical puporses is
unnecessary inapupriate risky cruel inhmane heelth
threatening life shortening veterinary malpractice:

"Castration (26/56) increased the risk (OR=4.34;
95% CI 2.48-7.62) of PCA."

"Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological
evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs."

"Neutered bitches lived longest of dogs dying
of all causes, though entire bitches lived longest
of dogs dying of natural causes, with neutered
males having the shortest lifespan in each category."

"Cancer was the most common cause of death in
the groups as a whole, accounting for 44.9% of
deaths of entire males, 34.7% of deaths of neutered
males, 50.2% of deaths of entire females, and 39.6%
of deaths of neutered females."

"The interval between castration and onset of prostatic
problems was highly variable, suggesting that castration
does not initiate the development of PCA in the dog, but
it does favour tumor progression."

 "COMMENTARY: This article supports previous studies
 showing BPH as the most common prostate disease in
 dogs; that prostate carcinoma is relatively rare; and that
 the prevalence of prostate carcinoma is higher in castrated
 dogs than in intact dogs.

The age of castration had no effect on the age at
which the tumor was diagnosed. Because prostate
carcinoma is so rare in both intact and neutered dogs,
this should not be a deterrent to castration.

 Prostate carcinoma is seen only in dogs older
 than 6 years. When prostate disease is diagnosed
 in castrated dogs, the probability of cancer is very
 high. - David F. Senior, BVSc, Diplomate ACVIM &
 ECVIM"

          ---------------------------

>  The locum vet said 9 months is really too late,

That's idiocy. Have your vet defend hisself here.

>  but didn't elaborate beyong saying cavs can be fertile as early as 5
> months.  Is this true?

It's true of any dog. So HOWE COME the "cut off" at nine months?
She's BULLSHITTIN you to rip you off for your hard earned dough
at the EXXXPENSE of your dog's heelth which will PROBABLY
result in IATROGENIC DIS-EASES for your veterinary malpracticioner
to TREAT <{): ~ (  >

> And even so, is this neccesarily a problem if he's in a well fenced yard
> with no opportunity to wander off in search of bitches in heat?

It's UNNECESSARY INAPUPRIATE LIFE and HEELTH
THREATENING VETERINARY MALPRACTICE <{) : ~ (  >

http://www.neutering.org/

                          ================

J Vet Intern Med 1987 Oct-Dec;1(4):183-7

The influence of castration on the development of prostatic
carcinoma in the dog. 43 cases (1978-1985). Obradovich J,
Walshaw R, Goullaud E

Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.

Prostatic carcinoma (PC) was diagnosed in 43 dogs at the Michigan State
University Veterinary Clinical Center (MSU-VCC) between 1978 and 1985.

Of the 43 dogs with histologically confirmed PC, 19 (44.19%) had
been castrated at least three years prior to the development of
any prostatic disease. Seven of the castrates had been neutered
at less than 12 months of age.

Fourteen dogs (32.55%) were presented as intact males at the time
of diagnosis. The remaining ten dogs (23.62%) had been castrated
as treatment for presumptive prostatic disease prior to referral
to the MSU-VCC. Dates of castration were known in all cases.

In this study, therefore, castration at any age showed no sparing
effecton  the risk of development of PC in the dog. The etiology
of PC in the dog may not be exclusively related to testicular hormones.

Work in humans suggests that the adrenal and pituitary glands play
a significant role in the disease. Preliminary work in dogs supports
that nontesticular androgens exert a significant influence on the
canine prostate.

>From the Merck Veterinary Manual 8th Edition

Page 416 - The Thyroid Gland

Clinical Findings: Although onset is variable, hypothyroidism is most
common in dogs 4-10 years old. It usually affects mid-to large-size
breeds and is rare in toy and miniature breeds. Breeds reported to
be predisposed include the Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher,
Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, and
Airedale Terrier.

There does not appear to be a sex predilection, but the risk of
developing hypothyroidism appears to be higher in spayed
females than in intact females.

Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982-1995.
Ware WA, Hopper DL.

J Vet Intern Med 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):95-103
A Veterinary Medical Database search from 1982 to 1995 identified 1,383

dogs with tumors of the heart from a total population of 729,265 dogs
(0.19% incidence). Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) was the most common cardiac
tumoridentified.

In the subset of dogs with specific histologic diagnoses, the number
with HSA was almost 10-fold that of the 2nd most common tumor,
aortic body tumor.

Primary heart tumors were more common than cardiac metastases.

When biologic behavior was noted, most heart tumors were classified as
malignant. Cardiac tumors (excluding lymphoma) occurred most often in
dogs between the ages of 7 and 15 years. In very old dogs (>15 years),
the frequency of cardiac tumors was the same or lower than that of the
youngest age group. Tumors occurred with similar frequency in males
and females, but the relative risk for spayed females was >4 times that
for intact females. For HSA, spayed females had >5 times greater
relative risk than did intact females.

The risk for castrated males was slightly greater than that for intact
males, which had 2.4 times the relative risk of intact females. Thus,
neutering appeared to increase the risk of cardiac tumor in both sexes.

Intact females were least likely to develop a cardiac tumor, whereas
spayed females were most likely to develop a tumor. Twelve breeds
had greater than average risk of developing a cardiac tumor, whereas
17 had lower risk.

Influence of Gender and timing of Gonadectomy on risk for
appendicular bone sarcoma in Rottweilers

Cooley DM, Beranek B, Glickman LT, Waters DJ.
Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Pathobiology

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Background: The role of sex hormones in bone sarcomagenesis has not
been extensively studied. In a previous study using the Veterinary
Medical Database (VMDB), Ru et al. (Vet J 1998:156??-39) found a
significantly increased risk for osteosarcoma in castrated males and
spayed females compared with sexually intact dogs.

However, this VMDB- based study could not evaluate whether
age at neutering significantly influenced osteosarcoma risk.
Purpose: To determine if gender or lifetime duration of gonadal
exposure influences the risk for appendicular bone sarcoma in
Rottweilers.

Methods: Data were obtained from owners of 746 purebred
Rottweilers as part of a nationwide, population based study.
Each dog owner completed a questionnaire regarding gender
neuter status, age at spay or castration, bone tumor occurence,
age at diagnosis, current vital status and age of death.

The incidence of appendicular bone sarcoma per 1000 dog years
at risk was determined for intact males, castrated males, intact
females, and spayed females. The relative risk (RR) and 95%
confidence limit of appendicular bone sarcoma was calculated by
dividing the incidence rate for each gender-neuter category by
the incidence rate for intact males (reference category; rr=1.0).

For males and females, the influence of lifetime exposure to gonadal
hormones on bone sarcoma was determined by comparison of the
incidence of four subgroups stratified by age at neutering.

Results: Appendicular bone sarcoma affected 111 of 746 (14.9%)
Rottweilers. The RR for bone sarcoma was 1.64 for castrated males,
1.36 for spayed females and 1.04 for intact females. Females spayed
at <1 year of age had a significantly increased risk for appendicular
bone sarcoma compared with intact females (RR=2.21).

Similarly, males castrated at <1 year of age had a significantly
increased risk for bone sarcoma compared with intact males
(RR=3.12%)

Conclusions: In this population-based study, Rottweilers that
underwent gonadectomy at <1 year of age had a significantly
increased risk for bone sarcoma.

These observations may be explained by either a direct effect of sex
hormones  on skeletal homeostasis or by indirect effects on body
conformation or physical activity.

Alternately, confounding factors unique to dogs that undergo
early spay or castration may account for this association

From: michael <c...@dogtv.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 15:04:57 GMT

Subject: Re: Neutering & Health (everything our "experts"
             have preached for YEARS is wrong)

Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an
increased risk in castrated dogs.

Teske E, Naan EC, van Dijk EM, Van Garderen E, Schalken JA.

Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht
University, P.O. Box 80.154, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands

The present retrospective study investigated the frequency of prostate
carcinoma (PCA) among prostate abnormalities in dogs and determined
whether castration influences the incidence of PCA in dogs. During the
years 1993-1998, 15363 male dogs were admitted to the Utrecht
University Clinic of Companion Animals, and of these dogs 225 were
diagnosed with prostatic disease. In addition, another 206 male dogs
were diagnosed as having prostatic disease based on cytologic
examination of aspiration biopsies submitted by referring
veterinarians.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia was diagnosed in 246 dogs (57.1%),
prostatitis in 83 dogs (19.3%), and PCA in 56 dogs (13%). Dogs with
PCA were significantly older (mean age=9.9 years) than dogs with
other prostatic diseases (mean age=8.4 years).

The Bouvier des Flandres breed had an increased risk (odds ratio
(OR)=8.44; 95% CI 4.38-16.1) of having PCA. Castration (26/56)
increased the risk (OR=4.34; 95% CI 2.48-7.62) of PCA. The mean
age at diagnosis of PCA in castrated dogs and in intact male dogs was
not significantly different. The interval between castration and onset
of prostatic problems was highly variable, suggesting that castration
does not initiate the development of PCA in the dog, but it does favour
tumor progression.

                 -------------

      HERE'S REAL DEAL, THE BOTTOM LINE:

From: michael <c...@dogtv.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 22:44:49 GMT

Subject: Re: Neutering & Health (everything our "experts"
                  have preached for YEARS is wrong)

WalterNY wrote:
>michael <c...@dogtv.com> wrote in message
><news:3DD9636E.7010508@dogtv.com>...
>> Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk
>> in castrated dogs. Teske E, Naan EC, van Dijk EM, Van Garderen E,
>> Schalken JA. Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals,
>> Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.154, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Hello WalterNY,

I'm not talking about our "scientist experts." As they
are a lot MOORE free from bias than our so-called "expert"
spay and neuter nazi nannies.

A brain dead contingent of primarily white, suburban, overfed,
undersexed radical control freak TOXIC MOMMIES who pave
the road to heel with their good intentions.

For DECADES they have disinformed the public about the so-called
DANGERS of a dog living with all the natural organs the dog was
born with.

VETS are complicit in this as well, because SPAY and NEUTERING
is a PROFIT CENTER for many of them, much like VACCINES are.

But this is the CHANGING of the MUZZLE and SMARTENING UP
of the PUPULACE.

For DECADES our Spay and Neuter Nazis have nagged and scolded
and lied and skewed and pupularized the idea that sex organs on a
dog are an EVIL, a veritable cancer waiting to happen.

They have used FEAR and IGNORANCE and LOATHING for dogs
so that they could further their goal of the ELIMINATION of dogs.
Dogs (yes, actual dogs themselves) make our so-called "dog lovers"
radically uncomfortable and they are driven to round them up and
systematically ELIMINTATE them in our so-called "Shelters."

They have PROMULGATED the LIE of a "PUPULATION CRISIS"
in order to justify their means of radically removing sex organs from
dogs and dogs themselves from society. They don't believe a dog has
a right to live if it is uncaged, unfenced and unowned.

Meanwhile, they care nothing about loose, unowned deer, squirrels,
rats, possums, etc... and to a lesser extent CATS. It is only DOGS
that DRIVE THEM CRAZY with the desire to ELIMINATE them
from the streets of America.

They think there is TOO MANY DOGS and they are desperate to GET
RID OF THEM. They claim to be "dog lovers" but really their main and
ONLY concern is CONTROLLING PEOPLE that they deem "irresponsible."

Unfounded FEAR of rabies drives the OVERvaccination of the Pupulace
and UNFOUNDED fears of CANCER and UNFOUNDED FEAR of UNCONTROLLABLE
intact dogs drive the POUND OF FLESH that our so-called "dog lovers"
radically DEMAND be cut out of our dogs to "FIX" them.

But I got news for ya WalterNY.

DOGS AIN'T BROKE! And they don't need radical, invasive
surgery in order to "FIX" them.

Welcome to the NEW MUZZLE.

I'll be your host:

http://dogtv.com/michael_matty.rm

Look for MOORE of me on TV discussing this and sundry
other dog issues.

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

this is michael
reporting live...
from the NEW MUZZLE of  Dog Training

http://dogtv.com
http://changethemuzzle.com

From: Michael Patton <zzen...@earthlink.net>
Date: 1999/11/20
Subject: Sex and the Modern Day Spay and Neuter Nazi...

Eric Hayreh wrote:
> Jerry Maybe if you kept it short you wouldn't annoy so many people. Say
> what you have to say, without all the trimmings.  If people are interested
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> there is always a drive to get pets neutered to try and reduce stray
> problems and unwanted dogs.

In Britain, there is also always a drive to exterminate
whole breeds of dog, and/or force whole breeds of dog to
live miserably, by forcing them to wear muzzles at all times
in public.  All this, is spurred on by people who think they
are doing it in the interest of dogs.

Congratulations!  You've done so well, that you've exported
your hate toward dogs to America and many other points West
and East...

You see, the vast majority of spay and neuter nazis, whether
in the US or Britain, aren't really interested in dogs at all.

They are interested in control.  They have a bloodthirsty desire
to cut out the sex organs of dogs, yes any dogs they can get
their hooks into, all this, of course, in order to "save" dogs.

Dig beneath the surface, and you see that all they are really
interested in, is in obtaining some type of "control" and
"ownership" of the dog "problem" by presenting themselves
as the "good guys" and obtaining some cheap moral authority
which allows them to feel good about themselves and their
pernicious quest to stigmatize and eliminate a fundamenta
part of dogs, their reproductive organs.

Are you still with me, sweetie?

The vast majority of spay and neuter nazis are pitiful
control freaks who fear and detest dogs as they really are,
and who are too cowardly to go afer the people who cause all
the supposed problems in the Dog Game....so they take their
pound of flesh where they can get it, out of the dog, and it
gives them some satisfaction and helps them think they are
bettering life for dogs.

They hystericalize to mythological proportions the supposed
"overpopulation" and "health" problems related to dog sex
organs, and make it seem like a dog with sex organs is a
disaster waiting to happen...

All of which is to further their own pathetic, self serving
agenda, and all of which has little or nothing to do with
the overall long term benefit of dog in society.

Are you still with me, Sweetie?

What the Spay and Neuter Nazis don't realize, sweetie, is
that by encouraging and demanding the elimination of dog sex
organs so rabidly, they are unwittingly participating in the
overall stigmatization and elimination of dogs altogether.

Sex organs are a fundamental part of dogs and dogs are (or
at least, "were") a fundamental part of society.  Let's see
how long it lasts with friends like the Spay and Neuter
nazis helping out so diligently.

If there is a problem with dogs in society, it has little to
do with their sex organs, and everything to do with the two
legged part of the symbiosis who isn't keeping up their end
of the bargain.  Any extreme focus on the dog end, or the
dog reproductive end of the equation, is simply a quick,
easy, cowardly, scapegoating play for self-gratification by
a do gooder desperate for a cause.

Are you still with me, sweetie?

If your rabid focus is on parts of the dog, then you are not
a part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Are you still with me sweetie?

Have a nice day!

This is Michael
Reporting Live...

>From the SuperDog Station

http://dogtv.com

From: michael <c...@dogtv.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 01:06:57 GMT
Subject: Re: *ooomph*

The Puppy Wizard wrote:
> These imbeciles are pretty hung up, eh Soup???
michael wrote:

HOWEdy Wiz,

our spay and neuter nazis' fear and loathing of testicles is emblematic

of their fear and loathing of dogs in general. They are deeply and
shamelessly repulsed by the natural parts which  make up the dog.

They seek to eliminate parts of dogs, to eliminate dogs themselves
and eliminate access to dogs in HOWER society.

They are HOWER dogs worst enemy. Yes, it's the Suja's and the BethF's
and the Tara O's and TaraGreen2's and the "rescue" BWAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!
societies and the shelly and MALinda's who talk a good game, but all
they really want is blood and their pound of flesh.

This sick freaks need to be exposed for the dog haters and enemies of
dog that they are. They need to find another species to busybody into
the ground and love to DEATH.

That's not gonna happen anyMOORE, Wiz. Not on our
watch. We're flippin the script on these Bizatches.

It's DOG GAME TIME.

>> If you bitches are so repulsed by testicles, why did you get male dogs in
>> the first place? BethF wrote:
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>>> totally invisible so i had no idea that hairy dog balls could hang out.
>>> Its truly hideous. I will take a photo and post.

Signature

this is michael
reporting live...
http://dogtv.com

with the all
new & exciting
dogtv.com couchcam

                 -------------------------------------

And when your heads stops spinnin, The Sincerely Incredibly
Freakin Insanely Simply Amazing Grand Puppy, Child, Pussy,
Birdy And Horsey Wizard sincerely wishes you and yours happy,
heelthful days, FOREVER <{}; ~ ) >

                     I remain respectfully, humbly yours,
                                   Jerry Howe,
          The Sincerely Incredibly Freakin Insanely Simply
                                A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
                                  G-R-A-N-D
       Puppy, Child, Pussy, Birdy And Horsey Wizard  <{) ; ~ ) >

                   HOWE MAY I SERVE YOU <{}; ~ ) >

Phil.P. - 19 Aug 2008 02:43 GMT
> > Adult cats don't require the FVRCP vaccination series- its only for
> > kittens.
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> I don't believe that I've seen any feline veterinary authorities claim what
> you claim above.  

I consider Dr. Scott a feline veterinary authority- and so does the
Cornell Feline Health Center, even if you don't. After all, he was the
first to describe maternal antibody interference in cats.

"Immunity produced by FP vaccines is long-lasting, perhaps for life.
Revaccinations every year would not seem to be necessary from a
scientific standpoint, but the vaccines are licensed for only 3 years'
protection." (Scott FC Cornel Book of Cats)

"If the kitten is 12 weeks of age or older when the first vaccination
with MLV is given, a second vaccination is not necessary. " (Scott,
FC. Diseases of the Cat p 190)

FRED W. SCOTT, D.V.M., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary
Microbiologists;
Professor Emeritus of Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Cornell University, Ithaca;
Acting Director, Cornell Feline Health Center

The standard recommendations of the association of feline
> practitioners is for all cats to get an initial series of fvr boosters 3-4
> weeks apart, then every 3 years.  

Why revaccinate for FP every three years if the intitial vaccine
immunizes the cat for at least 6 years if not for life?

Even though maternal antibody may not play
> a role, the booster is recommended to ensure full protection.

But they do! More from Dr. Scott on maternal antibody interference.

"Immunity acquired from the queen via colostrum (initial breast milk)
must be considered when establishing a routine vaccination program.
interference by maternally acquired (passive) immunity is the most
common cause of vaccine failure. There exists a direct correlation
between the FPV antibody level of the queen at the time of birth and
the duration of passive immunity in the kitten. This passive immunity,
if of sufficient strength, will not only protect the kitten against
virulent FPV but will also react with the vaccine virus and interfere
with immunization. Vaccination must be performed after kittens have
lost most or all of their maternally derived immunity."

hth,

Phil
kraut - 15 Aug 2008 14:04 GMT
>> I have a question regarding immunization for cats and hopefully
>> someone can help me out with the answer here.
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
>
>Phil

Thanks very much Phil.  You have been a great help.

I have never been an advocate of all these shots every year and after
reading your reply and doing a little research on what you said it
makes me more so.

The only reason I got them was because he has been an outside cats
'til now and I wanted to make sure he was protected until I find him a
home.

Thanks again.
alfie - 19 Aug 2008 01:20 GMT
<snip>

> Sounds like your vet is either uninformed, misinformed, or just plain
> soaking you for as much as he can. In either case- he's not a vet I'd
> trust with my cats' lives.
>
> Phil

You've said similar things several times in this group. Makes me wonder
why are there so many incompetent, greedy or just plain bad
veterinarians being licensed to practice?
cybercat - 19 Aug 2008 01:44 GMT
> <snip>
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> why are there so many incompetent, greedy or just plain bad
> veterinarians being licensed to practice?

It's the "Vet's Suck" troll!
kate - 19 Aug 2008 02:05 GMT
>><snip>
>>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> It's the "Vet's Suck" troll!

Maybe it's an MD and is jealous that it only knows how to treat one species.
Phil.P. - 19 Aug 2008 02:55 GMT
> >><snip>
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Maybe it's an MD and is jealous that it only knows how to treat one species.

Or an MD whose jealous because vet patients can't complain and sue for
malpractice.
Phil.P. - 19 Aug 2008 02:44 GMT
> <snip>
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> why are there so many incompetent, greedy or just plain bad
> veterinarians being licensed to practice?

Its all about money, Alfie.
alfie - 21 Aug 2008 01:23 GMT
>> <snip>
>>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Its all about money, Alfie.

Hard to say if you're being facetious, but yes, it DOES seem to
frequently be about money, which is another good reason to wonder who
the idiots are that screen pre-vet candidates and allow them to
graduate. (BTW, hope you all are better at your medical opinions than
you are at your internet skills :-))
Sharon Too - 21 Aug 2008 01:31 GMT
> Hard to say if you're being facetious, but yes, it DOES seem to
> frequently be about money, which is another good reason to wonder who
> the idiots are that screen pre-vet candidates and allow them to
> graduate. (BTW, hope you all are better at your medical opinions than
> you are at your internet skills :-))

And just how would *you* screen pre-vet candidates?
kate - 21 Aug 2008 01:34 GMT
>>Hard to say if you're being facetious, but yes, it DOES seem to
>>frequently be about money, which is another good reason to wonder who
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> And just how would *you* screen pre-vet candidates?

I imagine the pharmaceutical companies are more to blame than the vets.
news.mixmin.net - 21 Aug 2008 03:26 GMT
They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to eliminate
those individuals who lack good character and motivations to become
veterinarians. They used to do this at Harvard for medical doctors. Only
people who have noble aspirations and the wherewithall to fufill those
aspirations in the REAL world get accepted. Test scores and grades are
important, but not nearly as important as other qualities.

>> Hard to say if you're being facetious, but yes, it DOES seem to
>> frequently be about money, which is another good reason to wonder who
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> And just how would *you* screen pre-vet candidates?
Sharon Too - 21 Aug 2008 04:31 GMT
> They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to eliminate
> those individuals who lack good character and motivations to become
> veterinarians. They used to do this at Harvard for medical doctors. Only
> people who have noble aspirations and the wherewithall to fufill those
> aspirations in the REAL world get accepted. Test scores and grades are
> important, but not nearly as important as other qualities.

Then please, do, apply. Because every veterinarian out there must be sh.t.
Save the world, Superman.
ohenry - 21 Aug 2008 23:33 GMT
>> They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to eliminate
>> those individuals who lack good character and motivations to become
>> veterinarians. They used to do this at Harvard for medical doctors. Only
>> people who have noble aspirations and the wherewithall to fufill those
>> aspirations in the REAL world get accepted. Test scores and grades are
>> important, but not nearly as important as other qualities.

Huh??!!! Think you got the wrong person, lady.

> Then please, do, apply. Because every veterinarian out there must be sh.t.
> Save the world, Superman.
Dale Atkin - 24 Aug 2008 05:14 GMT
> They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to eliminate
> those individuals who lack good character and motivations to become
> veterinarians. They used to do this at Harvard for medical doctors.

How do you *think* the process goes now? I can't speak for schools I didn't
apply to, but my University of Calgary Admission went something like this:

Volunteer uncounted hours on my own time for 2 years prior to applying (Ok,
this part isn't strictly required, but some 'significant animal experience'
is. This generally involves lots of time hanging out in vet practices on
your own time trying to learn what vet practice is *really* like, beyond the
15 minute consult most clients get to see).
Excellent grades (obviously)
Being interviewed by a total of ~20 veterinarians both from the faculty and
the community (MMI interview)
On site Essay
3 References, at least one of whom must be a vet. (presumably these are
people who have known you for longer, and know you better than is possibly
in the course of a day long interview)

Saskatoon was much of the same, although the interview style was different
(panel interview with 3 vets sitting on the panel, 2 from the AbVMA, 1 from
the school), and the fine details of evaluation were a bit different too, oh
and no essay.

> Only people who have noble aspirations and the wherewithall to fufill
> those aspirations in the REAL world get accepted.

One would hope so, yes. In reality, many of those with noble aspirations,
and the wherewithall get passed over, and some who don't, get in (to both
human and animal medicine). Its just a sad fact of life.

>Test scores and grades are important, but not nearly as important as other
>qualities.

Don't know exactly how I'd weight the two. Pretty sure with Saskatoon it was
a 50/50 split. Don't know how U of C did it.

Dale
KingGeorge - 25 Aug 2008 00:05 GMT
>> They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to
>> eliminate those individuals who lack good character and motivations
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> are people who have known you for longer, and know you better than is
> possibly in the course of a day long interview)

wolunteer activity,that's a good measure, but it should not be limited
to volunteering at vet clinics. Can't speak for Canada (my inclination
is that it is a world above the USA), but interviews should include
those in the animal protection, shelter and rights movements, and other
laymen, not just veterinarians. Veterinarians have a jaundiced interest
in who gets in; it may not coincide with the interests of pets and their
owners,nor the community at large.

> Saskatoon was much of the same, although the interview style was
> different (panel interview with 3 vets sitting on the panel, 2 from
> the AbVMA, 1 from the school), and the fine details of evaluation were
> a bit different too, oh and no essay.

the interview process is often very tricky and can be highly misleading
because interviews are so easy to fake. other objective measures are
needed such as the volunteer hours you mentioned. something that
discriminates the selfish and undedicated from the selfless and
dedicated. also the dishonest from the honest. even references often do
not do this.

>> Only people who have noble aspirations and the wherewithall to fufill
>> those aspirations in the REAL world get accepted.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> get in (to both human and animal medicine). Its just a sad fact of
> life.

you're right, but does not mean we cannot improve on that.

>>Test scores and grades are important, but not nearly as important as
>>other qualities.
>
> Don't know exactly how I'd weight the two. Pretty sure with Saskatoon
> it was a 50/50 split. Don't know how U of C did it.

too much emphasis is placed on GPA, test scores, etc. A minimum facility
in these areas is needed,but they certainly do not give good correlation
between the good, dedicated, ethical, honest, compassionate person from
many of the jackasses that get to practice vet medicine. they tend to
show how good in school you are and how good you take tests.

the place to get rid of bad veterinarians is before they even get in and
graduate and are licensed. much easier than dealing with them after they
are out and causing damage. i think that vet schools need to get input
from other professions in how they admit and graduate their students, as
here in the USA, they are quite obviously not doing their job in
graduating good people. least in my city/state they are not.

> Dale
>  
kate - 25 Aug 2008 01:32 GMT
>>>They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to
>>>eliminate those individuals who lack good character and motivations
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
> in who gets in; it may not coincide with the interests of pets and their
> owners,nor the community at large.

I imagine interviews do include shelter work, if the applicant has done
some. But animals rights? Protection? How about animal rescue, while
you're at it? Do you expect medical students to have the equivilent?
Homeless shelters, foster parenting, I'm drawing a blank on human
preotection - bodyguard experience perhaps? Peace Corps work?

Are veterinarians supposed to be saints? It would be nice if they didn't
expect payment if you couldn't afford it, volunteered their off time to
rescues and I know some do. But why hold the profession to higher
standards then other similar professions?  Why do you expect vets to be
better people than most?
KingGeorge - 28 Aug 2008 00:27 GMT
(different body to satisfy this stupid server)

>>>>They should be interviewed by skilled, trained interviewers to
>>>>eliminate those individuals who lack good character and motivations
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> equivilent? Homeless shelters, foster parenting, I'm drawing a blank
> on human preotection - bodyguard experience perhaps? Peace Corps work?

Let's stick to the topic ok? Human physicians, as I have said earlier,
do go through a much harder screening process in their early clinical
training, and many are washed out in the process.

> Are veterinarians supposed to be saints? It would be nice if they
> didn't expect payment if you couldn't afford it, volunteered their off
> time to rescues and I know some do. But why hold the profession to
> higher standards then other similar professions?  Why do you expect
> vets to be better people than most?

As a matter of fact, YES, I DO expect veterinarians to be better people,
because imnsho, ANIMALS are superior to humans in many ways and DESERVE
better treatment. An animal will not lie to you, scheme to cheat you,
stab you in the back, kill you for no reason, etc. etc. Read Mark
Twain's essay on this, wherein he argues that homo sapiens are an
inferior species. The veterinarian profession is a calling, not a ticket
to making money. Judging by the caliber of vets I have run into
generally, with some notable exceptions, the people that train and
license these so called medical professionals seem to think that, since
they deal with animals, they can lack the good qualities that are
demanded in so many other professions,-character, professionalism,
ability to communicate and relate to both owners and their pets and
honesty.
Dale Atkin - 30 Aug 2008 05:03 GMT
>> I imagine interviews do include shelter work, if the applicant has
>> done some. But animals rights? Protection? How about animal rescue,
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> do go through a much harder screening process in their early clinical
> training, and many are washed out in the process.

Proof? Just because you say something doesn't make it true (or untrue for
that matter). If you're making a statement of something which may be
contentious, I suggest you provide at least a shred of evidence to back it
up, or you're likely to be dismissed as a troll.

IMO Vet school is at *least* as hard to get in to as human medicine. If you
look at the number of spots available for Human Medicine vs. the number of
spots available for veterinary medicine, and compare that to the applicant
pool you'll see why.

> As a matter of fact, YES, I DO expect veterinarians to be better people,
> because imnsho, ANIMALS are superior to humans in many ways and DESERVE
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> ability to communicate and relate to both owners and their pets and
> honesty.

I am truly sorry that you've had a number of bad experiences with vets. I
too expect vets to be better than average, and in my experience, the mean
for vets *is* higher than the mean for the general population,
unfortunately, there is a distribution, there are some really rotten vets,
and some very good vets.

Before you comment on it being a 'ticket to making money', I strongly
suggest you educate yourself on the economics of the situation, that you
realize for yourself, how many tens of thousands of dollars the average
sized vet clinic has to spend on equipment that they need to practice. (As
an example, I believe the blood machine recently purchased by the clinic I'm
at cost ~$50,000. At $120 per 'full' panel, and $65 for a half panel, they
need to run an awful lot of blood work for the machine to pay for itself
(and guess what? They use far more half panels than full, and don't forget
the consumables cost money too...). X-Ray equipment is similarly priced.
These are all necessary pieces of equipment to properly diagnose and treat
your animal.

On an average month, operating *costs* top $50,000, and this is just for a
small vet practice.

I do admit though, some of the larger 24h hospitals tend to get a bit loony
with their prices, but they also have a lot more staff and equipment that
they have to pay for (IIRC a CT scanner runs in the neighborhood of
$1,000,000).

Just some things to think about.

Dale
DWMeowMix - 03 Sep 2008 17:07 GMT
> >> I imagine interviews do include shelter work, if the applicant has
> >> done some. But animals rights? Protection? How about animal rescue,
[quoted text clipped - 59 lines]
>
> Dale

Not surprising that pet insurance is getting so popular.  Most people
can't afford the vet bills anymore.
Sharon Too - 03 Sep 2008 20:12 GMT
>Not surprising that pet insurance is getting so popular.  Most people
can't afford the vet bills anymore.

It's tough all over. We own a practice and we've taken personal pay cuts,
withheld a couple weeks of payroll for ourselves so we could pay our staff,
their pensions, health insurance and other benefits. The price of running an
animal hospital has skyrocketed and we haven't passed all that on to clients
to maintain the profit margin. We, as well as most vets we know, have
absorbed a good deal of that cost increase. The overhead to maintain an
animal  hospital is astronomical.
DWMeowMix - 03 Sep 2008 22:02 GMT
On Sep 3, 1:12 pm, "Sharon Too" <askformya...@nospamhotmail.com>
wrote:
> >Not surprising that pet insurance is getting so popular.  Most people
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> absorbed a good deal of that cost increase. The overhead to maintain an
> animal  hospital is astronomical.

I've no doubt about that!  And unfortunately, it's not just vet
bills.  I don't know about you but my paycheck isn't keeping up with
the basic cost of living.  I'm curious, you sound like you're well
informed in the running of a vet's office.  How does the pet insurance
thing work for an average vet?  Do the companies that hold the
insurance pay you just like a person's health insurance?  It's so
relatively new that I'm a little leary of it.  How does the whole pet
insurance thing work?  Is it worth it to the average "Joe" to buy
insurance for your pet and are the companies that sell it
trustworthy?  Does a person pay a co-pay when they come into the vet?
Sharon Too - 04 Sep 2008 02:16 GMT
>How does the pet insurance
thing work for an average vet?  Do the companies that hold the
insurance pay you just like a person's health insurance?  It's so
relatively new that I'm a little leary of it.  How does the whole pet
insurance thing work?  Is it worth it to the average "Joe" to buy
insurance for your pet and are the companies that sell it
trustworthy?  Does a person pay a co-pay when they come into the vet?

We literally have very few clients who use pet insurance. We had more a few
years ago when the idea was fresh, but unfortunately, the companies tended
to deny coverage at the annual renewal time for certain conditions if a pet
had been treated for that condition that year. In human insurance it is call
"pre-existing conditions". The few that have insurance now pay us and then
are reimbursed a percentage by the company so we have little contact with
the incurance company, if that. The pet insurance industry, I hope, has
learned a lesson and there may be a change coming. So far our clients don't
ask much about it.

"Care Credit"  http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/whycc.html  is something
some practice participate in. We offer our own financing which can be a
headache in the management aspect with regards to collecting on some folks.
When clients don't pay, we become the bad guy even though we end up on the
losing end.

We encourage clients to buy gift certificates from us each year and put them
aside in case of emergency. They never expire and they're always around,
even if they want to gift them to someone else. Unlike a credit card, you
can't use them elsewhere so that temptation is not there. We'd refund
certificates too if clients moved away.  We're in a medium sized county -
not in a city, so we can be somewhat more laid back about things
financially, but it ends up biting us in the butt sometimes. I can't think
of any other business it sucks to have to ask for money for services (in
some situations) more than this... except maybe funeral homes. Ick.
cshenk - 04 Sep 2008 20:49 GMT
> >How does the pet insurance
> thing work for an average vet?  Do the companies that hold the

> We literally have very few clients who use pet insurance. We had more a
> few years ago when the idea was fresh, but unfortunately, the companies
> tended to deny coverage at the annual renewal time for certain conditions
> if a pet had been treated for that condition that year. In human insurance
> it is call

Thats bad.  In my case, mine is via Banifield (Petsmart) and all known
conditions are covered provided I got the right type of coverage for the
known conditions.

Cash-pup had heartworms and heart damage and the insurance annual was far
less than the tests he's already had.  I dont have to file anything since
the vet is same place.  Daisy-cat came to us with tooth issues so has a
dental plan.  Slated for a free (to us as paid for by insurance) cleaning.
Her cleaning bill without the insurance would be more than the policy costs.

> We encourage clients to buy gift certificates from us each year and put
> them aside in case of emergency. They never expire and they're always
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> of any other business it sucks to have to ask for money for services (in
> some situations) more than this... except maybe funeral homes. Ick.

I can understand.  For me, I put money aside in a named secondary account
for various things.  Have about 5 savings ones for various stuff.  If it's
not in my checking account, I dont spend it by accident.  Same idea but i
get a little interest on the money.  Most banks will let you open a second
or 3rd or 5th account with a small bit if you have a main account there that
fills the minimum.

Accts here:  Main, checking, house, vacation, charlotte, pets, long-term

House is for known averages on 'stuff' like will need a new HVAC of 3,500
current est in about 4-5 years (will cost more by then).  Known average of
about 1,000$ a year in 'something or other went boom'.  It gets 200$ a month
dropped in automatically.

Charlotte is out kid, she gets 100$ a month til she's got a job.  This for
starter money to get her first car etc.  She's 14.  It amasses enough now
for a simple car, all her deposits for first apartment, and close to 2 years
of college tuition.

Pets gets 50$ a month because we _knowingly_ adopted 2 rescue pets with 1
having known health issues. This is covering other 'stuff' they need like
flea meds etc.

Long term gets overflow from checking, tax rebates.  Tends to get rolled to
CD's.

Vacation varies and is mostly for Don to go fishing.  5$ here, 50$ there
sort of thing.

Main is ready cash for sudden needs.  It's handled manually like vacation
with 'might need this' from excess checking.  Xmas shopping, etc uses.
Dale Atkin - 25 Aug 2008 05:14 GMT
> wolunteer activity,that's a good measure, but it should not be limited
> to volunteering at vet clinics. Can't speak for Canada (my inclination
> is that it is a world above the USA), but interviews should include
> those in the animal protection, shelter and rights movements, and other
> laymen, not just veterinarians.

Oh I suppose I should add I also had about 8 months volunteering twice a
week for one animal shelter, and 6 months once a week for a different
shelter. Almost forgot about those. Don't know how much of an impact they
had on my being accepted, but I'm glad I did them. Also had a few days at a
couple of equine practices in there too.

> Veterinarians have a jaundiced interest
> in who gets in; it may not coincide with the interests of pets and their
> owners,nor the community at large.

And why would this be different from the interests of shelter workers,
animal rights movements, laymen etc? Vets are people too, and as such there
is a variety of different inclinations among them. I've heard some freaky
things from some animal rights activists, to downright lies, and don't feel
inclined to get involved with them (more in line with animal welfare
myself). There are unethical people *everywhere*, just because someone
volunteers their time for a shelter doesn't make them ethical.
A good portion of my Calgary interview (which I can't discuss in any detail
due to a confidentiality agreement I signed) focused around ethics and
motivations. Basically they presented you with a situation, and asked to you
to discuss it, and provide insight, generally in a 'what would you do if?'
kind of light.

> the interview process is often very tricky and can be highly misleading
> because interviews are so easy to fake. other objective measures are
> needed such as the volunteer hours you mentioned.

I don't know how objective number of hours is... One person could spend 1000
hours in a place, but contribute nothing, and learn nothing, whereas another
could spend 50 hours, and make a major contribution and just 'get' what they
are all about.

> something that
> discriminates the selfish and undedicated from the selfless and
> dedicated. also the dishonest from the honest. even references often do
> not do this.

I should mention here that all of the references are confidential. I never
get to see what any of my referees say about me, and there is definite
guidelines as far as who makes an acceptable referee (generally someone
governed by a professional organization who has a stake in providing an
honest reference, as opposed to a potentially biased one)

>>>Test scores and grades are important, but not nearly as important as
>>>other qualities.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> many of the jackasses that get to practice vet medicine. they tend to
> show