I had a spinal injury a few years ago and the surgeon warned me of permanent nerve damage causing incontinence being a potential consequence if it got worse. It's called "cauda equina syndrome", I did a quick search and it looks like it occurs in dogs too. Essentially you lose all nerve feeling on your bowel, hence not knowing when you need to go. I'm not sure what the solution is (if any) but it could be a clue.
VIRGINIA HB322 Medical Exemption Clause Legislation
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VIRGINIA– Medical Exemption Clause Legislation--HB 322 Rabies vaccination; exempts certain dogs and cats. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=101&typ=bil&val=hb322&Submit2=Go Introduced by Delegate Kenneth R. Plum passed the House UNANIMOUSLY Feb. 15, goes to full Senate floor this week.
"Animal care; rabies vaccination. Requires the Board of Health to provide, by regulation, an exemption to the requirement that an owner of a dog or cat must have his animal vaccinated for rabies if the veterinarian determines that the dog or cat has an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to the vaccination. "
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VIRGINIA–HB322 Rabies Medical Exemption Clause passed the House and Senate and has gone to Governor McDonnell for signature. Delegate Plum's office (703-758-9733) said it should be effective before mid-April!
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Virginia–Medical Exemption Clause enacted March 29, 2010 http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+CHAP0182 VIRGINIA CODE Title 3.2 Section 3.2-6521
D. The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of ? 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of ?? 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.
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Kris L Christine - thank you for all the information and links you post about vaccination. We very rarely have a case of rabies in the UK but I do think that the majority of dog owners over-vaccinate their pets.
