Clifton Standards: Health & Genetics
                                                           Raising quality standard poodles to preserve the breed and warm your heart.

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We're still working on this one page. Look for information soon about the health and care of a poodle.




GENETICS still in development

VACCINATIONS

Without argument, vaccination for deadly diseases has been largely responsible for increasing the domestic dog's longevity. There are two groups of vaccines available for the following diseases: 1) Core - Those that are essential for all dogs (rabies, distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus). 2) Noncore- Those that are not always recommended for such reasons as geographic location, age, breed, and overall health status of the dog (Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica (canine kennel cough), Coronavirus, Giardia, Distemper-measles, periodontal disease, and Rattlesnake.

Re-examination of the standard vaccine protocol. The veterinary community is unified in advocating vaccination for all dogs. However, more recently, compelling evidence indicates that vaccines can trigger immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis), and there are data that support modification in the way vaccinations are administered or vaccine protocols which support recommended changes to the timing and regularity of vaccinations in order to maintain immunity while reducing the risks of side effects.
I follow the vaccination schedule recommended by Dr. Jean Dodds.

The risks of over-vaccination Significant scientific evidence exists indicating that over-vaccination can overwhelm the immunocompromised such as recently weaned young puppy with an immature immune system, as well as the elderly facing age-related diseases and conditions. In addition, healthy animals that are repeatedly challenged, are also at a higher risk from a heavy vaccination schedule.

Symptoms: The result of over-vaccination can be temporary or permanent. Young immune systems can be rendered permanently compromised for meeting immunity challenges, while older systems risk increased susceptibility to chronic debilitating diseases. The onset of adverse reactions to conventional vaccinations can be an immediate hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction, or can occur acutely (24-48 hours afterwards), or later on (10-45 days) in a delayed type immune response often caused by immune-complex formation. Typical signs of adverse immune reactions include inflammation at the injection site, fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, central and peripheral nervous system disorders or inflammation, collapse with autoagglutinated red blood cells and jaundice, or generalized pinpoint hemorrhages or bruises. Liver enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may accompany bone marrow suppression.

Titers instead of Vaccinations How big is the risk? Data are not available that quantify the risk, except for certain breeds with known susceptibility, but data clearly indicate that a conservative protocol is advisable. The most recent approach now centers initial vaccinations administered later (9-10 weeks instead of 6), followed by an annual drawing of blood to titer for serum antibodies to each common disease, as opposed to annual revaccination. If an adequate immune memory has been established, there is no reason to introduce additional antigens through booster vaccinations. Humans, with a greater longevity, do not receive booster vaccinations (except for tetanus), so it is not surprising that the veterinary community has reassessed this proven approach.

What does this all mean? Based on the data, the short and simple is:
1. First vaccinations at 9 & 12 weeks, not 6.
2. Do not vaccinate for rabies at the same time as other vaccinations.

Please Note: IF YOU VACCINATE FOR RABIES AT THE SAME TIME AS OTHER VACCINATIONS, YOU WILL VOID YOUR HEALTH GUARANTEE WITH CLIFTON STANDARDS.

3. Avoid multivalent vaccines, those that contain a number of different antigens - Vaccinations given within two weeks of each other can interfere with each other so separate your vaccines by at least a two week period. Giving each vaccine by itself will allow your dog to deal with each immune response, and if there is a reaction, will allow you to know to which vaccine your dog is sensitive.
4. After one year of age, ask your vet to run a serum titer for the core diseases. Do not give a booster vaccine unless the titers are low.
5. Use caution when vaccinating for non-core diseases such as Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease vaccines - Both of these diseases are caused by bacteria, not viruses, and vaccines for these two have a low efficiently (effectiveness) and the immunity does not last long. In particular, the leptospirosis portion of the DHLPP vaccine for dogs has a reputation for being the most likely portion to cause vaccine reactions, and this multivalent vaccine should be avoided. All of my dogs have had Lyme disease, despite being vaccinated, and I no longer vaccinate for this.
6. Avoid Vaccine clinics - they are not designed for dealing with your pet as an individual, and commonly use multivalent vaccines given all at one time. You should establish a relationship with a vet who know your dog, listens well, and respects your decisions.

NUTRITION still in development


I follow a mostly raw diet.  You can read more about the raw diet from the "Natural Dog"



General poodle information and helpful links

Health

    Canine Genetics
    Excellent resource for many of the genetic issues.
    Canine Inherited Disorders Database
    Useful for:
        dog owners whose pet has been found to have an inherited condition
        potential dog owners who want help in avoiding these problems when choosing a pet
        veterinarians looking for current information on both well-known and more obscure genetic disorders, including diagnostic and therapeutic information
        dog breeders who are looking for suggestions on how to avoid these conditions in their lines of dogs.
    Canine Genetic Diseases - Neonatal Encephalopathy
    DNA test is now available for Neonatal Encephalopathy.
    Poodle Health Registry
    The nonprofit PHR is a permanent international open registry for all diseases affecting Poodles, living and dead, of all varieties everywhere in the world.
    SA / Addisons Support Group
    Support group is for those who have dogs with Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) and/or Addison's Disease.
    Dr. Jean Dodd's Vaccination Protocol
    Dr. Jean Dodd's vaccination schedule is highly recommended for the long term health and safety of dogs.
    Dodd's non-profit animal blood bank
    Dr. Becker's Pet Health articles
    Informative articles on many different subjects, from feeding your pets to vaccinating them.
    The Natural Dog
    A guide to raw diet and health the natural way.
    Wolf Creek Ranch
    An excellent resource for holistic animal health information.
    The Poodle History Project
    Canis Major
    General disease information
    Pet Health Library
    General disease information

Food

    Source for raw dog food

Recommended Reading

    Pukka's Promise by Ted Kerasote
    Work Wonders, Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones by Tom Lonsdale
    Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
    Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson

Clubs and Organizations

    American Kennel Club (AKC)
    The United Kennel Club (UKC)
    Poodle Club of America
    The Standard Poodle Club UK
    Devoted entirely to standard poodles.
    Versatility in Poodles
    Excellent site with comprehensive coverage of virtually any topic concerning poodles.
    List of USA Poodle Clubs & Rescue Societies
    List of Australian Poodle Clubs & Rescue Societies
    National Animal Interest Alliance

Health Organizations

    American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
    AVCA Doctors
    Doctors, worldwide, certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
    American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
    American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture
    International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
    The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy

Miscellaneous

    Information regarding PETA and HSUS
    Poodle Pedigree Database
    SitStay
    Wide selection of supplies many at close-out prices.
    Dog's Health
    Assortment of traditional and naturopathic health aids and remedies.
    Dog Owner's Guide
    Generally informative articles.
    The Only Natural Pet Store
    Holistic approach to pet health - natural dog food, treats, supplements, medicine, shampoos, herbal remedy treatments, raw and organic food, and much more.
    Animal Den
    Great place for many poodle items from labels and key chains to calendars and t-shirts.
    Dog Toys
    Fun toys available for specific breeds of dog.
    Pet-Urns
    This company offers pet urns and memorial markers
    Poodle Crests
    Available as framed prints or screened onto clothing, caps, plates or mugs.
    Kritters in the Mailbox
    Poodle figurines, stuffed toys, cookie cutters, mugs, you name it.
    Animal Krackers - K9 Gifts
    Fine selection of a broad range of poodle gifts & collectibles.

Dog training

    Training an Adult Dog
    Dog Training Tips
    The Canine Behavior Series













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