Several months ago I came across a discussion on social media concerning a Boston Terrier that had been diagnosed with lymphoma. The topic included some interesting questions. After a bit of research to see what the possible answers might be I thought some of you might just be interested in what I found out.... Here are the questions that caught my interest: "What about rabies vaccine for a lymphoma dog who is currently in remission...although we are watching "defined but not enlarged" nodes right now?" and   "My 8-year-old Boston was diagnosed with Epitheliotropic Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in February of this year, following a biopsy of a small lump on his lip. We declined chemotherapy after the vet advised that few dogs survived [this condition] and that he may only live for around 3 months. Eight months later, he is healthy and happy with no obvious problems (we are very pleased to say). He is due to stay at the kennels in January, and has not had his booster vaccinations, as the vet advised against this due to his low immunity. Should I ask for his boosters or not? ...."

At the time I came across these questions, the general feedback was  similarly to this statement: "I think most oncologists stop all vaccines even if they're in remission."

J.H. Weaver, responded with one solution. "When Shelby had lymphoma, her oncologist recommended no vaccines. We did a titer test & that sufficed for county regulations.  You can also contact the county/city who mandates what vaccines are needed." Another response also got my attention, I had never heard about this either.

M.M. responded with a strong "NO! The vet should not recommend. Vet can issue a rabies vaccination waiver. Compromised immune status. Not healthy."

And this response also was very informative  K. M. Williamson: " Call the people who license pets in your area. My vet said we could do a titer and then he could write a letter asking for an exemption (online it says my state doesn't do rabies waivers). After calling the pet licensing office I found out the titer wasn't needed-just a letter from my vet explaining why she should not get the vaccine. Being that vaccines stimulate the immune system I don't think any dog with cancer or immune disease should be vaccinated even if they are improving."  

 So that do the experts in this field tell us?

Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds:
"In general, cats and dogs receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma or any other cancers should have their routine vaccinations deferred until they have completed their course of chemotherapy and recovered from the associated side effects, such as low white blood cell counts, nausea, and malaise. For pets that are due for rabies vaccinations that are required by law in their state, owners can request their veterinarian write a letter explaining why such a vaccination is medically contraindicated at the present time, along with a copy of records indicating that the pet had previously been current on vaccinations. Pets that are receiving chemotherapy can be boarded. It is recommended that the boarding facility be provided contact information for the treating veterinarian in case of any symptoms or illnesses that develop while the pet is boarding that might require medical assistance. Similarly, the boarding facility should be informed that the pet is immune compromised and that appropriate hygiene recommendations be followed, such as thorough hand washing before the pet is handled. Owners should discuss the upcoming boarding of their pet with the treating veterinarian, who may wish to modify the treatment schedule according to the boarding schedule."¹

 Terms related to this article:

What is a Veterinary Oncologist? Oncology is a specialized field, and a veterinary oncologist can diagnose cancer in your pet and advise you on the best course of treatment.

Canine lymphoma (also called lymphosarcoma) is the most common type of cancer to affect dogs. Canine lymphoma is defined as the occurrence of malignant tumors in a dog's organs, usually in the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. Canine lymphoma can also be present in the digestive tract, as well as in the eyes and skin.¹

Titer testing, also called serology and antibody testing, is a simple blood test to ensure that a dog or cat has responded to vaccination with a specific “core” virus vaccine, for dogs specifically CDV (distemper), CPV-2 (parvovirus), CAV-2 (adenovirus-2), and RV (rabies). Testing can determine if protective immunity exists in a previously vaccinated animal and establish the duration of immunity (DOI). It is a powerful tool for anyone wanting to avoid unnecessary re-vaccination or to ensure effective vaccination of a puppy or kitten. Titer test results are currently not accepted in lieu of rabies vaccination in the US although USDA rabies titer standards for dogs may be established soon by the nonprofit Rabies Challenge Fund study. Titer testing is generally not useful for testing for Coronavirus or Lyme disease. Titer testing for cats is only done for panleukopenia and rabies and not for herpes and calici. (Note: Titer is pronounced TIGHT er.)

Here are more sources if you want to do more reading on this subject.   

Info on Dog Cancer Symptoms - www.dogcancersymptoms.net
Pet Cancer Center - www.petcancercenter.org
Fight Dog Cancer - www.FightDogCancer.com
¹OncoLink Team The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania