Racing Greys And Vaccination

[Kirislin]

I was surprised to hear today that the GRV doesn't require greyhounds to be vaccinated after proof of their first. As I understood what I was being told, yes, they must show proof of their initial vaccinations but after that no one checks. I am amazed if that's true, I think it's pretty irresponsible. Just imagine if parvo went through on race day. I suppose if a trainer has any brains he will ensure his dogs are covered but I am really surprised it is not compulsory as there's some pretty grotty kennels out there.

**edited OK I've done some reading, thanks to those who pointed me in the right direction. It would seem they're most likely covered for their racing lives.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Kirislin

[BJean]

I was surprised to hear today that the GRV doesn't require greyhounds to be vaccinated after proof of their first. As I understood what I was being told, yes, they must show proof of their initial vaccinations but after that no one checks. I am amazed if that's true, I think it's pretty irresponsible. Just imagine if parvo went through on race day. I suppose if a trainer has any brains he will ensure his dogs are covered but I am really surprised it is not compulsory as there's some pretty grotty kennels out there.

maybe because dogs probably have lifetime immunity after their first series of vaccinations?

[whippets]

I disagree totally. I had bred, broke, trained and raced greys. I suppose you could align a racer with elite athletes. I have seen dogs, that were vaccinated, almost have careers ruined. I don't know anyone who doesn't at least do the 3x puppy vacc though.

Some trainers have amazing facilities, as do some show dog breeders. Some trainers have grotty facilities, as do some show breeders.

[Greytmate]

They have all their puppy vaccs and their one year booster, and that will cover them for their racing life. There have been very few parvo outbreaks in greyhound kennels over the years, compulsory vaccination gives herd immunity.

[WreckitWhippet]

It doesn't surprise me. They are probably more up to date with their understanding of immunity and vacc protocol, than the majority of breeders and dog owners in general.

[Erny]

It doesn't surprise me. They are probably more up to date with their understanding of immunity and vacc protocol, than the majority of breeders and dog owners in general.

Agree - and potentially some Vets.

[whippets]

I prefer Greyhound vets/sighthound specialists over the "GP type" veterinarian.

When did vacc protocols for "lifetime cover" start mainstream? When I started with racers we did 3x puppy vacc and only 1st year. That was late 80's early 90's. Mainstream were still doing yearly vacc at that time and I didn't get back into show dogs till 2003. So for me, with showies, it was from 2003.

Edited March 17, 2010 by whippets

[Kirislin]

so are vaccinations really lifetime cover? My vet was telling me they last about 3 years now. Do we really never need to get our dogs vaccinated again? That would be great if it was correct.

[Crisovar]

so are vaccinations really lifetime cover? My vet was telling me they last about 3 years now. Do we really never need to get our dogs vaccinated again? That would be great if it was correct.

Search for Dr Jean Dodds vaccination protocol, there have been several threads about it on here.

Really informative reading.

[Rebanne]

so are vaccinations really lifetime cover? My vet was telling me they last about 3 years now. Do we really never need to get our dogs vaccinated again? That would be great if it was correct.

you need to do some research

[Kirislin]

I see what you're saying Greytmate (after a bit of reading ), since they're only racing for between 2-4 years generally, they are most likely covered.

Whippets, I am not sure what part you are disagreeing with. I didn't say all greyhound trainers have grotty kennels. I didn't say they dont do the 3 x puppy vacs either.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Kirislin