Craig Datz, DVM, MS, DABVP

In recent years, vaccination protocols have undergone a number of changes, such as which vaccines to give, when, and how often.

Considering the large impact of immunology on companion animal practice, it's natural to wonder what role nutrition plays.

Vaccines are such a routine part of everyday veterinary practice that we often forget about potential reactions and complications until they occur.

There are a number of causes of decreased platelets in dogs and cats, but whenever platelet counts fall acutely an immune-mediated disorder should be suspected.

Practitioners may choose to vaccinate with most or all of the vaccines available, with the belief that prevention is better than treating the disease.

As with canine vaccines, feline products are now categorized as core, noncore, and not generally recommended.