vaccination timing question

[Kali]

What are possible risks/side effects of giving rabies/parvo/distemper vaccinations to a dog 6 months too early?

Rescue dog from Mexico going in for spaying - vet says they don't recognize shots/records from there so need to redo. Any issues with the BIOLOGY? (I have big issues with this bullshit but will go along if it is OK health wise)

She is due for them in September, but I need to do the spay NOW. (December, actually but had too many damn car repairs, sigh)

[Brickbat]

1. My vet accidentally gave my dog a rabies vaccine a year too early, and it was no big deal.

[dropkickpa]

2. None

The reason for the time periods between vaccinations/boosters is how long the body is able to produce antibodies to the actual disease. The patient gets boosted BEFORE antibody reaction begins to decline, providing full protection. An adult dog getting vaxed 6 months early is harmless, and the vaccination will still be efficacious. Puppies have a set vaccination schedule due to changes in immune response with their maturing immune system; very young puppies are still protected by mom's antibodies circulating in their system, meaning their own body does not learn to produce the antibodies for itself if vaccinated too early. This is also why there are typically 2-3 sets of shots given, just in case the first 1-2 were given during the ineffective period, and to insure that their is a full immune response.

[Kali]

3. I figured it was probably OK

can I ask you a couple other questions? Is there a preg test for canines? Also this dog was given an estrous control shot, brand name Covinan - ever hear of it? freaking worked to the DAY the next one was supposed to be due! Nobody around here has ever heard of canine chemical birth control. And they all think Mexico is backwards.

[dropkickpa]

4. No preg tests

At least, not specifically. An ultrasound can be done, and testing for relaxin in the blood, but palpitation is generally all a vet will do for dogs unless they want make $$$.

The drug you are talking about is not available in the US. Also, it doesn't confer the same health benefits that spaying does for a female dog (eliminate chance of pyometra, breast cancer, etc).