-MAIL BO Ask a vet about pet health Dear Editor: As a practicing, veterinarian, with some 16 years of evpericnee, 1 offer the following viewpoint in response to Joan Kitcha’s arti- cle “To vaccinate or not vaceinate your dog” (Oct. 15). First off, why docs 4 dog trainer, of which 1 ‘refer my clients and their dogs to her for certain types of dog training, tee! it upon herself to offer a medical opiaion about vaccinations for dogs? What does this have to do with her field of expertise? This style of commentary sits along the lines as myself, wire can balance my cheque book, offering advice on tax planning, or the next door neighbour who cooks offering advice on family nuttition. Let the readers be aware that one of the avo: most significant achievements that lengthened life of people and pets in the 20th century has been the development and use of vaccinations (the second is nutrition). To consider that vaccinations are actually a major cause of disease is silly and shows an incredible lack of understanding. ‘These have been so significant in the animal pop- ulation that Foo longer see major intectious disease in pets, with Proper nutrition no major dietary deficiencies, and with good examinations, little chronic disease. Have vaccines caused some medical problems? Yes, but the instances are rare. Should we vaccinate yearly? Good question, one that is cur- rently being examined with good scientific research, not just apin- ions found on Web sites and books, With the Distemper Virus around that decimated the raccoon population on the North Shore a few years back {am cautious about not using them on “” certain dogs. This is the same virus that 25 years ago was a major cause of death in dogs. Many of these viruses are alive and well -and around the community. The decision should be made on what the environment and lifestyle factors are that influence the pet. A “. young, outgoing golden retriever with bis nose in all sorts of Film fact corrected brow raising comment Dear Editor: things, has a much different litestyle than an indoor older cat. Lifestyle dictates the decision on vaccination vearly or not at all. Is there a correlation to adverse side effects such as hot spots. ear intections, and gastrointestinal upseG Hardly. In tact all these problems are decreasing in my practice with better use of food and environmental care (bathing), and using vaccinations as part of'a good pet health-care program. Further more, what is the growing strong evidence that vac- cines may be the cause of arthritis, allergies, ‘hypothy: roidism and epilepsy? T have not seen any of this evidence. A Web site with an opinion perhaps? Are there questions about the relationship berween vaccinations and chronic disease? Yes, but questions do hor equal strong evidence, Can Titer testing be done? Yes, and we have done it many times in the past only to discover chat the level of protection was low and necessitated the use of a vaccination. Clients can opt for this during an annual pet health-care examination. Do we need alternatives to a technology that has brought increased lite and health to our pets and ourselves? Good question. like what the president of the American Medical Association said about alternative therapies in that he did not believe in “alterna- tive therapies,” just ones that worked or not. Simple. Finally, the decision to vaccinate is nota touchy one, but one to discuss with vour veterinarian at the dine of your pet's annual pet health-care ‘examination. Some need vaccines, some de not. ‘They are just part of vour pet's health-care program, not the whole basis of pet health care. When in doubt, ask you veterinar- ian. Dr. Joel Parker, BSc, DVM Animal Medical Hespital West Vancouver ” Dear Editor: : Tf the lady that Shannon - Nelson met on the bus, was crass enough to take. the Lord’s ‘name in vain ‘in » describing her marital state, Shannon was even more crass We really enjoyed Julie Crawford's Reel Life Article on the new movie Stardom by Denys Arcand (Friday, Oct. 27, North Shore News). However, there was one error that should be brought to your attention, Contrary to the article, Stardom is not Denys Arcand’s first film in English. His first English film was Love aud Honan Remains, an excellent film chat hit the theatres back in 1994, That Save water, hold urine longer Dear Editor: Re: Penalty tor being idle. It was with great humour that [ read the idle engines article in the News (Oct. 13, NVD defines penalty for idling fumes). Somenumes looking trom the outside in, one gains insight ... or a great laugh. 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