We are all aware that any dog may have reactions to routine vaccinations.

These are not common, but they can occur in any species and in people as well. In the Akita we have a very specific and severe post (after) vaccination reaction that can occur. The condition is genetic and at this time it is believed that both the sire and dam must be carriers in order for a pup to be afflicted with this condition.

Pups that are affected have severe vaccination reactions 3 to 10 days after their first or even their second modified live virus vaccination. They may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms: fever, lack of appetite, painful and/or swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, a reluctance to rise and move normally, bone marrow suppression and anemia for up to 21 days.

Frequently this vaccination reaction is misdiagnosed as hip dysplasia, unknown systemic infection or toxic ingestion. if the pup is vaccinated again, death is almost sure to occur.

It's impossible to know which pups may be affected until this reaction has occurred but precautions can be taken to avoid this by following a new and very specific vaccination regime specifically for Akitas.

Once a pup or litter of pups is discovered, their sire and dam should be looked at very carefully since both are probably carriers. If bred again, breeders should warn potential puppy owners of the problem and complete out-crosses should be made when possible carriers are mated.

The reaction can be worsened or even created by certain medications as well as vaccinations. Akita owners should always carry the list of medications with them. They should be avoided or used very cautiously.

Dr. Nancy was the attending veterinarian to our (Akita Welfare League's) rescued Akitas. She wrote this article on AIR in Akitas, at our request, in 1989. One of our rescued puppies had become very ill, we soon learned that his having recently received vaccinations using old protocols was the trigger for his adverse reaction. Nancy states that had she not been in the midst of attending a Dr. Jean Dodd seminar, thus receiving the most current knowledge on immunity and breed specific problems, she would have continued treating the puppy based on the symptoms of toxicity...and he would surely have died. We love Nancy for her open mind to continued learning and the receptive attitude that all breeds are not "the same".

Everyone is welcome to copy and utilize this article and "hit list of drugs to avoid", in hopes that this information will serve to further educate Akita owners. We request you credit Akita Welfare League, Inc., and refer readers to this page http://www.natural-akita.com/JPTeez/html/reactions.html.

Akitas are not the only breed exhibiting adverse reactions to vaccinations utilizing old vaccine protocols. We encourage all dog owners to investigate the new limited vaccine protocols or the alternative; homeopathic nosodes.