Mostly Photos and Some Comments About Leptospirosis Vaccine

We are having a lovely autumn here -- crisp mornings and balmy afternoons with warm sunshine, blue sky, and white wispy clouds. Then I think about Hurricane Florence, the damage it is wreaking on lives and properties, those people who decided not to evacuate and those who left and sought shelter where they could, and all who worry about family and friends who live in the hurricane's path. It's a different world between here and there, and I cannot even imagine what those in the hurricane's path must be thinking and feeling right now. "Scared" might cover it.

Thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Today I have quite  a few photos to share, especially at the requests of those people who are waiting to see how their puppies have grown  this past week. However, first I want to show photos of our newest champion, CH Joyslyn's Moonlight Beckons. Bekka's finishing photo arrived this week and really shows what a lovely Lhasa girl she is.

New Champion "Bekka" with judge Nancy Simmons

Don't ask me why I look so solemn in that picture. I was on Cloud 9 and so excited that Bekka was a new champion!

As we usually do with our dogs, we took some portrait photos of Bekka this week. (I wanted to get a photo of her in coat because, now that AKC has sent me her championship certificate and I sure her championship title is official, one day soon, the clippers are coming out!) Here is one of the photos.

Bekka comes from a long line of champions. I thought it might be interesting to show her ancestors on her mom's side of the family.

First we have Bekka's mom, CH. Joyslyn JaMa Dancing By the Light of the Moon (Luna).

Next is Bekka's grandmother, CH Joyslyn's Midnight Enchantment (Raven).

Finally, Bekka's great grandmother, CH Karlyn Joyslyn Who's The Fairest (Mira -- I am so proud of myself for coming up with that name! Love it still!!)

I am so proud of all of them!

And you are right! I have not changed my hairstyle in many, many years!  LOL

Back to photos! Bekka's litter brother, Chance, sired the litter out of Jenna. These puppies will be 7 weeks old on Sunday.

Male - Mick

Male - Pete

Female - Roxy

Female - Sparkle

Male - Stone

Female - Ashley

Male - Baron

Let me tell you, they are a bunch of "characters." Cute. Curious. In to everything.

Judy, who now owns Raven, recently sent a photo and update. "Raven does NOT like my camera. She turns her head to the left, to the right, but will not look at me. Danged retired show dog. LOL … Raven is always happy to go to her groomer, and even more happy when I come to pick her up. She wants me to pick her up and she even gave me a kiss this afternoon. Raven is NOT a kisser for the most part."

Raven, enjoying the CA breeze

Barbara sent photos and a note about her Kamper: "Kamper celebrated his 2nd birthday on July 26.  He loves to run around the backyard - chasing the bunnies, and will play fetch with anyone willing.  He likes to be with us and do anything we do - including paddle boarding (he has his own life jacket too)!"

Kamper is the son of Maggie (CH Joyslyn's Moonlight Magic). Maggie and Raven are sisters.

Kamper

Kamper in his life jacket

 What About the Lepto Vaccine??

From the time I began breeding Lhasas, the "old timers" cautioned me to avoid giving my Lhasas  vaccine that contained Lepto since Lhasas were known as a breed that could have severe reactions to the vaccine. I have always cautioned my puppy buyers and written in the sales agreement that they should avoid vaccinating their puppy with a vaccine containing Lepto. Now that incidents of Leptospirosis are on the rise, I believe people need to have a serious discussion with their vet regarding incidents in their region and their own dog's activities and possible exposure. In addition, people need to read articles and make up their own minds, always knowing that a negative reaction to the vaccine could also harm their dogs. Some of you who are regular readers may recall how one of my puppy buyers did not remind their vet about the possible negative reaction their Lhasa puppy could have and how they nearly lost her as a result.

My best advice is that if you and your vet decide the vaccine is needed for your Lhasa, then you should hang out in the vet's waiting room for a while, just to make sure you are close by in case your dog gets sick and needs a quick shot of epinephrine.

One article you might read is "Leptospirosis in Dogs: How Concerned Should You Be?"
The article addresses what the disease is and which dogs are most at risk.

Some negative reactions are outlined in the following article:

Common Leptospirosis Vaccine Side Effects
Source: https://www.certapet.com/leptospirosis-vaccine/

"Side effects and adverse reactions to vaccines can be both mid to severe. Here we have listed some common side effects a dog may have to the canine leptospirosis vaccine.
 
The first common reaction may be anaphylaxis—which simply means an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Remember, some vaccines are actually created using the proteins of the actual virus or bacteria itself. If the vaccine tends to have a large amount of the bacterial protein, then chances are some dogs may develop some form of an allergic reaction.

The second common reaction a dog may develop is local reactions.  This means that your dog may develop mild pain, redness, soreness or swellings at the site of injections. In rare cases, local reactions can be quite severe. For example, some dogs may develop granulomas or growths at the site of injection.

The third common reaction may be systemic reactions—which simply means your dog may develop fevers, loss of appetite, lethargy or depression. Very rarely are systemic reactions life threatening as they usually disappear a few days post vaccination. "


 If this topic is of concern to you, you can find more by googling : "Dog reaction to Lepto Vaccine" or "Lepto Vaccine Controversy."

Joyce