SAN ANTONIO, Texas ” A twice-yearly visit to the veterinarian often includes at least some vaccinations for the nation’s 74.8 million dogs and 90 million cats. Although serious vaccine reactions, such as sarcomas, are rare, it is important for animal owners to understand the possibility of adverse reactions to vaccinations and work with their veterinarian to form a vaccine protocol which is right for their animal.
“While common sense dictates that every dog and every cat should not receive every type of vaccine available on the market every year, it is [still]done,” said Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM (Hon), who is also a presenter at the 2008 ACVIM Forum in San Antonio, Texas, June 4 ” 7.
Dr. Ford’s three presentations on vaccine protocols for both cats and dogs will discuss what the veterinary community is doing to track the adverse events of the nearly 80 canine and 69 feline vaccines which are currently on the market.
“Vaccination is, in fact, a medical procedure,” said Dr. Ford. “Despite a relatively good safety record, there is always some degree of risk in administering biological agents in a dog or cat.”
Dr. Ford’s session has been developed to increase veterinarians’ awareness of potential side effects so dogs and cats can receive the best treatment possible at veterinary hospitals and clinics across the globe.The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is the national certifying organization for veterinary specialists in large and small animal internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The ACVIM hosts an annual continuing education meeting (ACVIM Forum) each year where cutting-edge information, technology, and research abstracts are showcased for the veterinary community. For more information, including additional education highlights and an online program, please visit www.ACVIMForum.org.
The Mission of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is to enhance animal health by advancing veterinary internal medicine through training, education, and discovery.