The Rabies Vaccine and Your Dog: Side Effects
Written by Jan on June 18, 2008 – 4:39 pmRabies Vaccine Adverse Reactions
The rabies vaccine is arguably the most dangerous shot our dogs get. Because it’s required by law, it’s a difficult shot to avoid. Because the vaccine is made from a “killed” virus, rather than “modified live” virus as are the other important “core” vaccines, manufacturers add dangerous “adjuvants” to boost effectiveness. These adjuvants too often cause adverse reactions, some of which occur quickly, but many of which occur days, weeks or even months after vaccination. A “killed” vaccine (rather than one from a modified live virus), the rabies vaccine contains adjuvants (chemical boosters) to enhance the immunological response. In 1999, the World Health Organization “classified veterinary vaccine adjuvants as Class III/IV carcinogens with Class IV being the highest risk.”
My year-old Maltese Jiggy developed autoimmune liver disease after a rabies shot. Rabies Challenge Fund Founder Kris Christine lost her dog Meadow to a vaccination site fibrosarcoma (cancer). Countless other dogs have developed anaphylactic shock; autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; seizures and epilepsy; autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA); aggression, separation anxiety and strange compulsive behaviors; lack of muscular coordination; skin disease; fibrosarcomas at injection sites and countless other disorders. Click here to learn more about adverse reactions to the rabies shot.
But the vaccine is required by law, so what can you do about it?
First, if you can trace your dog’s illness to the shot, you may have a better chance of treating it. A steroids and Benadryl shot may stop an allergic reaction, but will likely do nothing for on-going problems.
Second, if your dog has a documented history of problems with this or any other vaccination, you may be able to get a special exemption from your local Animal Control. Your vet needs to be told about any reactions immediately. Make sure they’re documented. Get a copy of the file.
Third, because of an amazing study by the Rabies Challenge Fund, we now have the opportunity to help extend the period between shots to up to seven years, maybe even longer. Even a $5 tax deductible donation to this fund can make a big difference.
Click this link for more information on the rabies vaccine and rabies vaccine reactions and learn how to document and report the reaction (so you can get an exemption from the shot next time), plus protective measures you can take to make the shot safer. Find a holistic vet to help you undo the damage from the shot. Don’t wait too long. Time is important when dealing with reactions.
Please post your questions, stories or comments here. And please read all the previous comments. There’s a lot of good information here including answers to many questions. Click “comment” below.
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June 21st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
These United States, how ununited we are. The state laws concerning rabies are so OUTDATED, they do not take into consideration that vaccinating an animal is the most dangerouse medical procedure doen on a daily basis, is done without FULL DISCLOSURE and certainly done WITHOUT INFORMED CONSENT. The damage done to our aniamls is unconscionable. There have been NO titer tracking of the masses vaccinated to even record what is happening with these overvaccinations.SO many animals are receiveing annual immune assualts of the mumbo jumbo polyvalent vaccines and many time FOUR vaccines at a time, full of toxins, heavy metals, adjuvants,poisons that are rapidly destroying the health of the vaccinated animal.WE KNOW that rabies vaccines results in behavior problems (rabies miasms), increased aggression, seizures, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, diabetes, Cushings, Addison’s disease and CANCER, many many cancers, mast cell tumors to the whole gamut, the adjuvants are CARCINOGENS. So why the overvaccination? Laws were made like so much in the United States, before the process was investigated. Now, we have vaccinated animals still testing POSITIVE for rabies?????? Why is This? Could it be that we have never tested the long term effects of multiple polyvalent vaccine adminstration on the lot of sickly animals that are now living with VIDS (vaccine induced disease) is it because we are vaccinating sick animals in direct violation to the FDA regulations but even in referral hospitals (BECAUSE THE ANIMAL IS DUE FOR HIS RABIES??????) This is insanity, not to be confused with the fear mongering associated with the need to overvaccinate in the first place. CORPORATE GREED, POLITICAL COMPROMISE, LAWMAKERS WHO ARE IDIOTS ABOUT THE SCIENTIFIC FACTS. Rabies vaccines, every vaccine results in genetic mutation, what are we doing to the animals? What are we doing to the people?
July 19th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Hello!
I saw your ad in The OC Dog just by chance and it caught my attention when I read “Rabies vaccine is one of the most dangerous shots for dogs & cats.” Personally, I knew that, but no one ever talks about it!
I’m in Huntington Beach. I have a Maltese, 8 years old. She has horrific skin problems. I have literally spent thousands on her care, spared no expense, we see a Board Certified Veternary Dermatologist regularly and we still can’t really make it “go away.” We can barely even make her comfortable. Her feet and armpits are extremely raw and irritated, and she constantly has internal bacterial infections.
I moved here from Oregon when she was 1yr. She never had skin problems or allergies, then all of a sudden she gets them here, after about a year. After we were FORCED to give her a rabies shot at the vet. I never gave rabies to my dogs previously - my Mom was a breeder of champion Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers when I was a kid and I knew the problems they caused (she knew people who had very expensive dogs literally die on the spot) plus I knew my dog would never be out in the wild or even in the back yard by herself, so her chances of ever needing a rabies shot was a million to one.
She obviously lived through her rabies vaccines, but it never occured to me that her skin problems could be from the rabies vaccine? We’ve only been here 6 years and she has had two shots. Her allergies/skin problems get worse and worse and at this point she is generally considered to have an extremely serious skin problem. Right now it looks like we may be forced to just go on steroids so that she can be comfortable, but it will definitely end her life early. It really angers me.
Thanks,
Traci & Lulu
July 21st, 2008 at 9:18 am
Hi,
I adopted a young chihuahua, she was 8 weeks when I got her, she had her first shots DHLP Parvo, then I brought her for her 2nd series, which was DHLP Parvo , corona and Bordetella (intro-nasal) and she was 11 weeks when this 2nd series was given, later when I got her home she was very sore and crying when I touched the injection site, which was on the side of her stomach! I thought it was customary to inject between the shoulder blades, so anyway now she has a large knot on her tummy the size of a grape, she is a small dog weighing only 1 pound and 14 ounces. then a day after this she starts hacking and coughing on occasion, then sneezing, and today she has fluid coming out of her nose when sneezing and she has spit up a bit of bile once or twice today. She is eating OK, drinking and playing, but sleeps more often. I am bringing her back to the vet today but I am reluctant to ever vaccinate her again. What should I do from here? Should I have her get her last series? or should I use an alternative method? If so I would not know where to go.
August 1st, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Hi Jan,
Thank you for posting our show with The Rabies Challenge Fund. Dr. Dodds, Dr. Schultz and Kris Christine are doing such a great, selfless thing for all of us and our dogs!
My own VERY special Golden Retriever, Fridge, was a perfectly healthy, happy boy BEFORE his first rabies vaccine. I was working as a vet assistant in a busy clinic at the time, doing what I thought was the right thing to do. My boy suffered seizures his entire life within a day or two of receiving his first rabies vaccine. He died at the age of 12 1/2 of cancer of which I attribute the vaccine and the kibble-fed diet I had him on…if only I knew then what I know now his life would’ve been so much better, healthier and longer. Of that I’m certain.
Thank you for sharing the truth here!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:14 am
This is especially for Traci and Lulu…
As for the rabies vaccine….2 weeks ago my Maltese had the shot and she has been so lithargic, as well as not eating and just a few times throwing up water. Today, again, I “happened” onto your site….and now I understand what she is going through. I am angry that our little furry children have to go through these things…when will it all change?
September 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
But what do we do even when we know that the rabies vaccine is so bad for our dogs. It is required by law and if your dog does not have a current vaccine and for some reason there is a rabies scare in your area your dog could be put down just because the vaccine is not current. This is a major problem. So until the rabies challenge fund is successful what do you advice doing to protect our dogs?
September 26th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I own a 1 1/2 year old Shiba Inu. I got him a rabies 3 yr booster (under the skin instead of in the muscle) on July 7, 2008.
Four days later, I noticed that the hair around his eyes was thinning. Then he started scratching at his head. Now he needs a T-shirt to prevent him from scratching his chest bloody and an Elizabethan collar to stop him from scratching his head bloody and chewing at his forelegs.
We ended up driving 60 km away to his breeders’ veterinarian after a real problem with our former vet. There is no genetic history of allergies, he’s never had a reaction like this before… we’re waiting for the results from some skin plugs that were taken for biopsy.
This is extremely stressful; it’s been 2 1/2 months that he has had to have protective gear to stop him from damaging himself.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Despite my obsessive reading on all things Maltese, today is the first reading your information. My 4 mo. old maltese received his rabies shot and then 2 weeks later had a flea bath at the groomer without my permission. Wally then had a rough week showing signs of neurotoxicity - forgot how to go to the grass to potty, sits vacantly staring, aggressive and biting, listless, chasing tail, licking paws. After receiving homeopathy and acupuncture treatments he is improving but still not 100%. Hopefully over time he will show additional improvement
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I recently took my german shepherd to the vet because I found a lump. It ended up being a sebaceous cyst. The vet was also concerned she hadnt gained weight and is thin…she wants me to up her intake of food and if this doesn%u2019t work she thinks it may be EPI. Now, I didn%u2019t know what EPI is…(found out later after home researching the internet). She told me the cyst wouldn%u2019t matter for her vaccinations (because it should only be given to a healthy pet)….I told her I am only willing to get the rabies one because it%u2019s the law…she of course tried to talk me into all of the vaccinations…but I didn%u2019t give in. So, I got the rabies…but since we were over a year since her last one (she’s 2 yrs old) she said we have to get the 1 year again and then booster 1 year later and then can go to the 3 year rabies vaccine…My dog also got this shot last wednesday and as of saturday she keeps throwing up! And ever since she got her puppy shots she has AWFUL SEPARATION ANXIETY…
February 5th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I took my Jack russell to get his rabies shot as required by the state to get his license, he had severe pain and swelling at the injection site. I took him back to the vet and they said it was rare but should go away after a few weeks. He now does not jump as high, his legs go out from under him on occasion and he has a golf ball sized lump on his thigh. It has been a few months with no sign of improving.
February 7th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I purchased a standard poodle pup at age 5 mths. On Friday before he was shipped he received his rabies vaccination. I received him on Saturday. He ate very little, seemed stressed and afraid and made little attempt to move around. I contributed it to stress from the flight, a new environment and new people. I had to carry him outside and then carry him inside. He continued like this still eating and drinking little. On Tuesday I came home from work and he seemed lethargic. On Wednesday morning we went to the veterinarian. He found he had tonsilitis and a few baby teeth still in that caused some infection. The teeth were pulled and he was put on antibiotics.
On Thursday, he would drink a little and eat a little but could not even stand up on his own. Back to the veterinarian. He has been hospitalized since then and placed on high-powered antibiotics to bring his fever down. His white blood cell count was over 20,000. The veterinarian now believes he had a reaction from the rabies vaccination that has attacked his autoimmune system and caused what is similar to coonhound paralysis. Today he is doing a bit better, is able to eat a small bowl of food and is able to hold his head up, sit up so we are hoping he makes a full recovery. This is the first time I have ever seen this type of reaction to a vaccination and hope I never see it again.
February 7th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Wendy, your story is so distressing. I’m not a vet, but it sounds like your dog has been stressed in every way possible. He should have never been vaccinated against rabies then shipped. In fact, they shouldn’t have shipped the dog at all. It’s a terrifying, terribly stressful experience.
Then for your vet to stress the dog further with anesthesia and surgery, followed by the stress of antibiotics, then a hospital stay. I’m surprised he’s still alive.
If I were you, I’d get a second and even third opinion. I mean no offense, but your vet seems to be guessing about what’s wrong.
Neuromuscular problems are not an uncommon occurrence. You need an expert. You might call or write Dr. Jean Dodds, a rabies vaccine expert. Get her email address or phone number at http://www.hemopet.org. She’s is So. Cal. No one knows more about this than she.
There’s a vet, Dr. Kruesi, who’ll consult by phone at http://www.crvetcenter.com. He’s amazing. Look for a holistic vet near you at http://www.holisticvetlist.com. If your vet is a general vet, get a specialist. Insist. Also, make sure there is qualified help with your dog at night and on weekends at the hospital. Dogs in many hospitals are left alone or with untrained help when the clinic is closed.
I hope this helps and wish you luck.
Jan
February 11th, 2009 at 7:00 am
My 1 1/2 year old yorkie has always had reactions to any vaccine and even to the Advantage flea and tick med. She always get lethargic. With the vaccines she also gets a bit of a fever. A few days ago she had her rabies vaccine. The following day she was feverish, lethargic and very sore at the injection site. She wouldn’t eat or drink or come out of her bed. I was scared and took her to the vet. I was shocked to hear that my tiny dog gets the same dosage as a 150lb. dog! How insane! My vet has noted her reactions and said there were things we could do before the next vaccine to make her more comfortable and minimize a reaction. My baby is doing fine today, thank God, but I don’t want to put her through this again! The pathetic part of all this is that she is an indoor dog. She’s so tiny we use a pee pad in the laundry room. I can’t imagine where she’d ever get rabies from in my laundry room!
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:56 am
Hi,
I am tearfully writing this story about our beloved boxer, Aarris
I have a two year old boxer, when I first got him, I had all kinds of tests run on him to make sure he was in great condition1 the vet said,” he is a perfect specimen of a boxer. there’s nothing wrong with him.
Well, three months ago, I took him in to the vets to have his yearly rabies shot, they gave him a three year rabies vaccine,
A couple of hours after the
rabies vaccine, he had a seizer! it broke my heart!
The next morning, he had another seizer, they are small seizers. its been three months now and he’s still having seizers. Last night he had another seizer and it lasted two full minutes!!!!!
Sometimes after a seizer he doesn’t know where he is, and acts like he’s not sure who we are. His personality is changing.
We’ve already lost his mate, We can’t bear to lose him too.
What can I do? I am afraid to ever have another rabies shot given to him.
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I’m so sorry about your dog’s seizures. Here are two things to do:
1. Make sure everything is documented in your dog’s file. I’m sure every responsible vet would say he shouldn’t have another rabies shot. Get a SIGNED copy of all documentation. When it’s time for another shot, have your vet apply for an exemption. But everything must be documented, including the brand of shot and the lot #. Also, report the reaction to the manufacturer. Make copies of emails, letters, etc. Keep everything in a safe place. Find help about all this at http://www.truth4dogs.org and http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots
2. You need a holistic vet as soon as possible. He/she may be able to reverse the seizures. You didn’t say where you lived. Try http://www.holisticvetlist.com. A fabulous vet who will work by phone is Dr. Kruesi. http://www.crvetcenter.com. Don’t delay. Time isn’t on your side.
3. If you can, make a donation, no matter how small, to the Rabies Challenge Fund. http://www.truth4dogs.org
I wish you and your dog the best.
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I’m so sorry about your dog’s seizures. Here are two things to do:
1. Make sure everything is documented in your dog’s file. I’m sure every responsible vet would say he shouldn’t have another rabies shot. Get a SIGNED copy of all documentation. When it’s time for another shot, have your vet apply for an exemption. But everything must be documented, including the brand of shot and the lot #. Also, report the reaction to the manufacturer. Make copies of emails, letters, etc. Keep everything in a safe place. Find help about all this at http://www.truth4dogs.org and http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots
2. You need a holistic vet as soon as possible. He/she may be able to reverse the seizures. You didn’t say where you lived. Try http://www.holisticvetlist.com. A fabulous vet who will work by phone is Dr. Kruesi. http://www.crvetcenter.com. Don’t delay. Time isn’t on your side.
3. If you can, make a donation, no matter how small, to the Rabies Challenge Fund. http://www.truth4dogs.org
I wish you and your dog the best.
Jan
March 28th, 2009 at 9:46 am
My seven year old Cavalier King Charles spaniel has had a rabies vaccination in January. By February I had noticed a small pea shaped lump on his right hind leg, near the knee joint. This lump is now one centimetre in diameter. The vet took my dog out of the room in order to adminster the vaccination so I don’t know where the injection site was. Max will be returning to the vets so that the lump can be examined. It would be useful to know if canine rabies injections are given in the hind leg-can anyone provide an answer?
April 19th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
My 4 pound Russian Toy Terrier has just been diagnosed with vasculitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia that is now effecting the central nervous system, now with seizures secondary to the 3 year rabies vaccine. I am a medical doctor, and left feeling shocked that it took 4 vets to diagnose it with 4 trips to the vet in 9 days. She is receiving treatment with IVIG (immunoglobulin), steroids and anti-seizure medications. At this point she is fighting for her life and so I have no options but critical care medicine. How is your maltese? Do you have any words of wisdom or words of encouragement for me? Thank you.
April 21st, 2009 at 10:34 am
I replied to Henry privately, but think others might benefit from what I wrote: It’s best not to allow them to take the dog into a back room for anything unless there’s a reason to do so other than their preference. But that’s water under the bridge for this incident.
Here are the options for giving a rabies shot: subcutaneous, that is, injected just under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. Or intramuscular, that is, injected directly into the muscle (usually the big muscles of a dog’s thigh)? My expert says the hind gluteal muscle is the preferred site.
Injection site consistency should be policy at your vet’s office. They should tell you where they gave it, and you’ll probably just have to trust them. You might try asking a vet tech to describe their policy.
See my web page http://www.truth4dogs.org for information on helping your dog with this problem. You should try for an exemption when the shot is due again, and you should also see a holistic vet if possible. http://www.holisticvetlist.com
I wish you good luck,
Jan
April 30th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
My 3-yr-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel had her annual “vaccination package” (including rabies) today. The vet gave her two injections and she yelped horribly with both shots. I have never heard her make that sound ever - and she kept yelping for several minutes after the shots. She seemed fine when we got home, but as the evening has gone on, I’m worried. She won’t walk - when she tries to walk or to get up from laying down, she yelps and cries. She does the same thing if I try to pick her up. She never did this before with any shots. She’s just been sitting all evening - even with a tempting bone in front of her. It’s like any movement is hurting her. How could the shots have hurt her so bad that she even cries if I touch her stomach or legs? Is this a common reaction? Now she’s just sitting (not even moving) and crying. Thanks for any help — Jenn
May 1st, 2009 at 10:19 am
Jenn, your dog is having a bad reaction. Report it to your vet immediately. You must make sure this reaction is recorded in your dog’s file. Get a copy.
Re the pain at injection, I’m not a vet, but I can only guess the needle hit a nerve, although I suspect that’s the least of your problem.
I’d take her in ASAP. She never should have gotten a rabies shot with any other shots. What other shots were given? Was it a shot with lots of antigens, usually called a 7-in-one or 5-in-on? If so, no wonder there’s a reaction. Few adult dogs need shots anyway. Please read my other vaccine articles when you get a chance to learn more about vaccinating.
You’ll probably need a holistic vet to resolve this reaction. http://www.holisticvetlist.com. Let me know if I can help.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I just took my 1 year old bichon-shih tzu mix to the vet today for a suspected ear infection and a rabies vaccination (1 year) since its required by law. he also got a parvo shot. he’s kind of lethargic and yelps when you touch his hind legs. is this a normal reaction? i’m a first time pet owner and i had no idea there were so many possible adverse reactions to the rabies shot and now i’m really worried. any help would be great.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
A dog should never get another shot with his rabies shot, nor should he get a shot when he has an ear infection. He probably didn’t need a parvo shot if he’s had his puppy shots.
Tell your vet about the reaction right away and make sure the reaction is recorded in his file … and get a copy. It’s a not uncommon reaction to a rabies shot. You may be able to get an exemption when the shot is due again. If it were me, I’d ffind a vet with more up-to-date knowledge.
Also, take a look at my last two blog posts on vaccination. Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure and Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots Read the page at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots
Keep an eye on your dog. If he doesn’t improve, get him to a holistic vet who can undo the damage. http://www.holisticvetlist.com
May 9th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Hi,
I took my 15 month old Lahasapoo for his rabies shot just yesterday afternoon, he threw up in the car on the way home, it was a green foamy substance, bile I’m thinking.
He was fine after that I thought that it was from taking a ride in the car and being upset with getting a check up and shots at the Vet. I was not aware until right now that no other shots should be given with the rabies shot. One would think that a Vet would know this, and as I have/had complete trust in my Vet did not think anything about that yesterday.
Buddy had his DA2PPV annual booster shot along with his 3 year Rabies vaccine. This morning when we got up, Buddy clearly is not feeling well, I called the Vet and they told me that this is a normal reaction to the Shots that he received yesterday, I am worried beyond belief because in the year and 15 months that I have Buddy he has never been without his appetite and he has never just laid around, after reading this blog and the website and seeing “Scared Poopless” I must say that I am scared poopless that there is something more wrong with my little man.
I was told by the Vet if he does not improve by Monday to call back, but I just don’t know if I can wait until then.
May 9th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Vomiting is not a normal reaction, but it is a common reaction. Your dog was hit with a lot in one day. Why vets give a rabies vacciine, known for adverse reactions, with other shots is beyond me.
Even after recovering, your dog will need some help to avoid long term damage. A vet who knows homeopathy or a homeopath who does animals is your best bet. Here are some links that might help: http://www.drpitcairn.com/referrals/referrals_intro.html and http://www.holisticvetlist.com
If your dog doesn’t improve right away, go back to your vet. And MAKE SURE the reaction is recorded. Then find a vet who’s more savvy about shots.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:27 am
My two and a half year old Golden Retriever, Molly, got her rabies vaccine on 2/16/09. That same day, within just a few hours, a knot appeared at the injection site. My vet said not to worry about it, as it was just a reaction to the shot. To make a long story short, we watched it for about two months, still doing nothing with the advice from my vet. Finally, I insisted that it be looked at by my vet. It was aspirated, looked at under the microscope, and mast cells were discovered. It was removed, sent off to the University of Ga. Vet school for a biopsy, and it was a stage 2 mast cell cancerous tumor. It was not present until a few hours after Molly received her rabies shot. My husband and I are convinced that it was the shot that caused this tumor. We lost another Golden three years ago to Mast Cell Tumor Cancer. If the rabies vaccine is causing this, something needs to be done.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Jane, I’m so sorry about your dog’s problem. An injection site tumor is by no means an uncommon reaction. It is so common in cats that they recommend giving the rabies vaccine in the cat’s leg. That way, they can cut off the leg if a tumor develops. Can you believe it? Your vet knows, or should know, this. I hope you’ll find a more forthcoming vet ,and wish your dog the best of luck. I also hope you’ll support the Rabies Challenge Fund which is trying to limit the number of rabies shots a dog gets. There is a donation link, and much more information on the rabies vaccine, at http://www.truth4dogs.org. I hope you’ll also post your story at the Guestbook at page’s end at http://www.squidoo.com/rabiesvaccine. I think you’ll be appalled at all the horror stories there.
May 16th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
My 3 year old Pug, came down with seizures 10 days after his rabies vacinne. Turned out to be an auto immunne illness known as the fatal Pug Dog Encephalitis. He lasted 3 and a half months, every day deteriorating more and more. He could barely walk straight, he became blind, he was disoriented. He was like living with a human with advanced dementia but with recurring non stoppable seizures. Only an ER 911 visit with valium would stop the seizures.
This was the most traumatic loss I have ever experienced, worst than my parents death, worse than my divorce.
You know why? I feel responsible that I caused his illness, I will forever feel that the rabies shot was the catalyst for the onset of this illness. I lost my little boy and was devastated for over a year.
(Sorry for any spelling errors.)
May 17th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I know you must feel terrible, but you were doing the best you could at the time. Forgive yourself and start learning more about vaccinating now and tell everyone you know. I hope you’ll go to my other rabies website http://www.squidoo.com/rabiesvaccine and post your story in the guestbook there (at the end of the page). Everytime you tell your story, you expose others to the truth. Also check out all our information at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/ And give yourself a hug.
May 29th, 2009 at 7:35 am
I sent you an account of my experience with a puppy that died from a vaccination. It was from “sad dad”. I hope you will look at it and post it. This kind of senseless tragedy can be avoided if people will get the word out. Thanks for all you are doing.
May 29th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Just a quick story about my sad experience with a local vet that apparently hasn’t heard this news. I brought my 8 week old pup to the vet the day I got her before bringing her home and he informed me that she had kennel cough. We continued to treat her for this until she was 3 and 1/2 months old. At that time I brought her in for her regularly scheduled check up. The vet and I both agreed that she was improving. I was very clear in telling him several times that she was still congested and coughing to the point of “hacking up” mucous at least 2 or 3 times a day. He said said that we would stop antibiotics and give her an antihistamine to “dry up” her cough. He also said he thought she was well enough to give the rabies vaccine. Not knowing any better, and trusting him, I let him do it. That was Friday. Saturday she seemed very tired. We woke up Sunday to find her almost non-responsive and saw that she had vomitted over night. I immediately took her to the local emergency clinic and they put her on IV fluids and antibiotics and told me she was “crashing”. I picked her up monday morning and took her back to my vet who admitted his responsibility, told me to take her to the animal hospital, and told me he would take care of the bills. I took her to the hospital where they tried valiantly to save her but she passed away that night. Tests showed that there was no parvo or any other contributing factors evident that might have caused her death. Unfortunately, the vet decided afterwards that he was not responsible and told me he was “washing his hands of it”. However, is not that easy for me. I am pursuing the matter leagally to make sure he is held responsible and that the next person does not have to go through the heartbreak and pain that I and my family experienced.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
That is such a sad story, Scott. Thank you for sharing it here. Your dog never should have been vaccinating while still ill. Read my post http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/29/vaccinating-sick-dogs-cats/ It says “only for vaccinating healthy animals” on the vaccine label. Make sure you get your entire file from the vet. There’s a lot of information on http://www.dogs4dogs.com/ Click the Vaccinating (/shots) link, and the Rabies Shot (/truth4dogs) and Vet (/vet) links. You’ll find information there about filing complaints and about reporting your dog’s reaction to vaccine manufacturer. For that, you’ll need the manufacturer’s name and lot #. Do not expect a lot of satisfaction. Filing a complaint with your local veterinary medical board is probably your best bet. Lawsuits are stacked in the vet’s favor as dogs are considered “property.” Also expect the vet board to be less than thrilled that you’re filing a complaint. That said, I hope you’ll follow through. (You can check to see if this vet has other complaints.) Also, try contacting your local news stations. I know a woman who got her dog on the news and is getting the law in Massachusetts altered to include rabies exemptions — something already available in other states. Here’s the video link: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/16410586/detail.html I also hope you’ll make a donation to http://www.rabieschallengefund.org All proceeds benefit research of the vaccine and trying to make the requirement for vaccination every seven, not three, years. I wish you the best of luck in all this. Please help spread the word about the dangers of all vaccination.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:47 am
I’m happy to say that my above story about my Shiba Inu has a good ending. Our vet prescribed him Atopica (Cyclosporine) as an alternative to Prednisone and we were able to eventually wean him off the pills after a few months. He now appears to be relatively allergy free, but we’ve had him neutered because there is no way to tell whether the allergies are all from the vaccine or if they’re from an immune deficiency.
June 8th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I have a 2 year old Chihuahua who had her first rabies vaccine at 12 months with no adverse side effects, however, she did have a severe reaction to the distemper vaccine which landed her in the emergency and thank god all went well. She is now due for her 2nd rabies vaccine and I am very concerned about any allergic reaction since many times it’s the 2nd one, not the 1st with the problem. Other than legal issues, is it risky NOT getting the rabies vaccine? Our state has no reports of rabies since the 70’s and bats seem to be the only carriers. Would love to know your opinion. I do go to a holistic vet and she said this 2nd vaccine would last up to 3 years and it would not be yearly. Still, I’d rather not at all after reading some serious side effects.
June 8th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Joann, legal issues aside, rabies vaccine experts Schultz and Dodds believe the vaccine lasts much longer than 3 years. Probably 7 or longer. They’re working to get laws changed to reflect this. See my Rabies Information page for more details. I have vet friends who got the rabies shot in vet school who are still immune 25 years later. You can do a blood antibody titer test to make sure your dog is immune. In fact, you should do a titer test for parvo/distemper and one for rabies (the rabies being most expensisve). Your holistic vet should be willing to try for an exemption for the shot if your dog has a documented history of adverse reactions. Many localities allow this. If you do give the shot, have it done by a vet familiar with homeopathy so he/she can give the appropriate remedy with the shot.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hi Jan,
I read your rabies vaccination article on squidoo and linked over to your site, excellent information!
My dog Pootie was a lab/chow mix who started having seizures after being vaccinated for rabies, it was the only vaccination she received, I quit giving all other vaccinations to any of my dogs years ago. Pootie died of cancer almost 2 years ago at age 10.
I currently have two 1.5 yr old border collies who’ve never had a vaccination, unfortunately I’d be in deep dog doo doo if animal control ever stops by. I know I have to legally get them rabies vaccinations and I’m dreading it. The borders became sick shortly after I got them, they were only 4 weeks old, their mother had quit feeding them (big litter) and I had fresh goat’s milk to give them. They appeared to have parvo, this was cured in less than a day by giving canned pumpkin mixed with pedialyte, about 4 teaspoons every half hour. I have friends who also took puppies from this litter, 3 others that I know also appeared to have parvo. 2 were also treated with pumpkin/pedialyte and cured in less than a day. The other went to the vet, was on an IV for several days and I’d hate to think of what the vet bill was, but she did survive - barely. That pup’s owner had just had her 9 yr old border collie die after receiving her “annual booster shots” - whatever the name of the condition is where the blood attacks itself - and that same vet also treated the dog until it died, another huge vet bill and still the owner continues to use that vet.
My daughter bought two papillon puppies from two different breeders and those poor dogs had had 3 sets of vaccinations before they were 8 weeks old. We have not given them any since and they are 2 years old now. They haven’t had rabies vaccinations either and we’re dreading having to finally do that to be legal.
Our county, by the way, is ‘rabies-free’ and has been for over a decade. The state requires a 1 year vaccination to be followed by the 3 yr vaccination. If you are late on the 2nd 3 yr vaccination you’re required to do the 1 yr vaccination again. This makes no sense to me.
June 8th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Terry, I can’t believe the breeders actually gave 3 sets of shots before 8 weeks. 8 weeks is the earliest in most circumstances that shots should even start! Most puppies still have maternal immunity before that age so are actually immune to the shots. If they were my dogs, I’d ask my vet to give them a titer test for both parvovirus and distemper. (It’s just one test.) Read my article about titer testingfor more information. If the tests show immunity, many of the top experts say never to vaccinate again. Others would wait 5-7 years, which is how long duration of immunity studies show the parvo and distemper shots last. Check out this article Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots to learn more.
Re rabies shots, there are a few things you can do to make vaccinating safer. Check out my suggestions at my Rabies Information page. Make sure you vaccinate when your dogs are healthy and not stressed, and don’t give any other shots or even flea meds within weeks of the shot. If possible, see a holistic vet familiar with homeopathy so that your dogs can get a remedy with the shot. This is what vaccination expert Dr. Jean Dodds does. Your daughter’s Papillons probably need to see a holistic vet in any event because they’ve already been over-vaccinated. This could lead to health problems down the line. There are also remedies to help with vaccinosis issues, although there are no guarantees. The sooner you try, the better. Find links to holistic vets on my Find a Veterinarian page.
Thanks so much for posting your question. I hope this is helpful.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I have a 15 year old Maltese who has had rabies vaccinations as required by law up until this last was due. He has such skin, ear and eye infections that are ongoing. He is treated, then a few months later, they return. I told the Vet that I would not allow my dog to have anymore rabies shots. Now I’m having a hard time finding a Groomer who will give him the regular grooming that a Maltese needs. Any suggestions? Thanks Jan.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Shirley, I have two suggestions. 1) See if your county/state permits exemptions for dogs with health problems. Many do. Some vets will help with this. Some won’t. Remember, vaccine manufacturers’ product inserts say they are for health dogs only. See if you can find a holistic vet who can help with an exemption or making vaccination safer. See my Rabies Info Page for more suggestions. Or 2) See if your groomer will permit titer testing. Testing shows actual immunity. Vaccination just shows intent to give immunity. This may buy you time while you try for an exemption. I wish you the best of luck.
June 11th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Hello,
I have two unrelated 3lb Chihuahuas that have developed lumps from shots. I noticed a small lump on my female Chihuahua’s hip area after she was spayed. I called the vet office and they told me they did not remember if they had given her a shot there during the surgery. My male Chihuahua had oral surgery at the same vet and came back with a lump on his back. The vet said again they did not know what caused it. My male Chihuahua also has a HUGE knotted area on his shoulder that developed after he got a shot at another vets office that the vet said was an antibiotic. They labeled him allergic although I think the vet that gave it to him drug the needle along his muscle. This was the first shot during which my dog screamed. In the past both my dogs had been given their 9-way and rabies on the same day. My male was back then what you would consider a healthy dog.
My male Chihuahua gets extremely sore and lethargic for days after he gets his annual shots. About a month ago my dog had his 9-way shot and I refused the rabies. The vet gave him some type of anti-inflammatory shot to help with soreness. It didn’t work. This year my male has had brain damage from jumping off a couch into a table. He also has excessive fluid issues in his upper respiratory tract due to a collapsed trachea and he has an enlarged heart. He is on diuretics and is going back next month for x-rays to monitor his heart. Because of these issues and his sensitivity to shots, I am reluctant to make my little dog’s body deal with anything else. (by the way, he is only 2 years old!) He has never received a 3-year rabies shot (at least to my knowledge). He is due this month and I don’t know what to do. The vet seems to think he can have his rabies shot now but I just don’t believe that. I have been to many vets and I am not happy with any of them. Please let me know if you have any advice. I also have heard there are certain shots that small dogs should not get and that they can go for longer between shots. I am not sure if this is true. Since I practically live at the vet with my male, I want to keep him with immunity to all of the things he may pick up at the vet’s office.
Thanks,
Noel Taylor, Pensacola Florida
June 11th, 2009 at 9:15 am
This is an important post for Noel and everyone:
Noel, your story is so horrible I don’t even know where to start. To begin with, what’s in a 9-way shot? That’s inconceivable. A 7-way is terrible, and so is a 5-way. What 9 shots could any dog possibly need? And how could they have given a shot during surgery — which is bad enough — and not even have recorded it?
Regarding shots small dogs shouldn’t receive, Melissa Kennedy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM wrote in DVM360 on-line magazine: “The likelihood of adverse reactions in dogs has been found to correlate with the size of the dog and the number of inoculations given, with higher risk associated with small size and multiple inoculations.” This means: no combo shots for small dogs — or any other dogs for that matter. And NEVER GIVE ANY OTHER SHOT WITH A RABIES SHOT. Wait at least three or four weeks between the rabies shot and other shots.
Here’s a question I like better than what shots shouldn’t a small dog get? It’s: what shots should any adult dog get? When was the last time you got YOUR childhood shots? Would you let anyone give YOU 9 shots a year without knowing exactly why? Your vet clearly didn’t inform you of why you needed to give the shots, why they were necessary, what the alternatives were and what the adverse consequences might be. That’s a violation of the legal doctrine of informed consent. If it were my dog, I’d file a complaint with the vet board.
Now, down to business. Get the files on both your dogs. Dogs should NEVER have shots during surgery. NEVER. You need to report the reactions to manufacturers. Please read Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure
I believe you are getting way too many shots. And annual shots are a thing of the past. Please operate from knowledge rather than fear of disease. Please read Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
You can test for immunity rather than getting shots Titer Test: Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily Also see my page on Vaccinating Dogs: Why Your Vet Won’t Tell You Don’t worry about catching diseases from too few shots. Titer test and learn what your dog’s immunity is. Then worry about your dog getting sick from too many shots.
Ask your vet to appy for a rabies vaccine exemption for health reasons. There’s a great deal of info on my Rabies Vaccine Information page. Don’t take no for an answer unless exemptions are prohibited by your area’s laws.
You need a holistic vet to help your dogs heal. It is important to keep an eye on the lump. If you can’t find a holistic vet in your area, write me for a vet who will consult by phone. I’m sorry you’ve had so many problems with your babies. I’m not a vet, but I hope my advice helps.
One more thing: please watch the two videos on Avoiding Dangerous Vets and Standing Up to Your Vet. Your vet should be there to give you current advice and to be a partner in your dog’s health. YOU are there to be your dog’s advocate. It’s rarely easy but almost always necessary. Most of us learn this the hard way because we don’t have the information we need. But the information is there. Now, please share it with your friends. I wish you the best.
June 11th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I have a Registered Aussie. He is now 4 and a half yrs old. After his first Rabies shot he started have bad seizures. Grand mals, and then into cluster ones. Of course the Vet said no way that this caused it. Well I do not beieve him. The breeder I got Kodiac from has bred dogs for 40 yrs and none of her line nor the line she breeds too have had seizures. She is very careful to check out all. Well now I am sadened that my beautiful Red Merle has to live with this. He was having a seizure once or twice a week. Is there anything I can do natural or holistic to help him???? I had to give in and put him n the postassium Bromide and Phenobarbytal. I know the dangerous side affects of these 2 medicines, which I am not happy at all with. He has been on it for 2 mos. now. No seizures, but drugged and not the same boy at all. Please help if you can. Thanks Cara
June 11th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
RABIES VACCINE AND SEIZURES: Cara, seizures are a well-known side effect of the rabies vaccine. Veterinarian Patricia Jordan, a vaccine expert who is just finishing a book on the dangers of vaccination called Mark of the Beast, wrote this when I posed the question to her about rabies vaccination and seizures: “… I know it is one of the more common post vaccine sequelae [an aftereffect of disease, condition, or injury] …….it is so acknowledged in children as to be on the Federal Register of post vaccine events. Best way to have treated is to see a classically trained homeopath and of course, no more vaccines. This should warrant a waiver….but alas the same ignorance still reigns supreme.”
So, to find a vet skilled in homeopathy, see my Find a Veterinarian page. Dr. Pitcairn-trained homeopaths will know a lot about reversing rabies vaccine vaccinosis. There are no guarantees, but if you act quickly, you’ll have the best luck. If you can’t find a holistic vet in your area, try to find a homeopath for humans who also does animals. Many of them do. If that still fails, write me and I’ll send you some names. Be sure to tell me where you live.
A holistic vet, or any vet for that matter, should be able to apply for an exemption for your next rabies shot. Most, although not all, areas allow them for dogs with chronic, severe health problems. Fight for this. It’s vital.
Regarding other shots, if your dog had his puppies shots for parvovirus and distemper, he likely has lifetime immunity — or at least immunity for 5-7 years. You can do a titer test to verify it. Shop around for good prices. They vary widely.
Dr. Jordan is a homeopath and is also trained in acupuncture and herbology. If she recommends homeopathy, that’s what I’d try first. There are “remedies” for the rabies vaccine and also for other vaccination-induced illness. Many other vets I know also recommed homeopathy for vaccinosis, though many people find it odd. My dogs and I both use various rememdies for various complaints.
I wish you the best of luck.
I hope this is helpful.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:22 am
ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE RABIES VACCINE: This question and comment were posted by Grace re my article on Vaccinating Sick Pets, but I believe they should be repeated here:
Grace wrote: My new puppy, was taken to the vet today and got her first rabies vaccination. After she came home, she was doing fine except she kept putting her eyes to the ground to itch them. I took her outside to go for a walk and noticed her staring at me. While she was staring, I realized her outer eyes were swollen. So i picked her up and took her back inside, and when i put her down, she put her eyes to the carpet and started itching them again. I decided to research on what it could be.
I find out, that rabies vaccination is extremely hazardous.
My vet has not told me ANYTHING about it… Her face is swollen, I fed her some benedryl and I’m hoping she will get better, but I am still worried about what might happen to her.
I already paid for all of her shots to be taken care of, but I’m afraid that those shots can end her life…….
I don’t know what to do and I am very scared on what might happen to her…
My Reply: Grace, your dog is having an allergic reaction to the rabies shot. This can be very dangerous. You MUST report this to your vet immediately and ask for advice. This is an all too common response to the vaccine. You MUST make sure the reaction is recorded in your dog’s file and you MUST get an initialed copy of the file. You’ll want to apply for an exemption next time the shot is due. Learn more on my Rabies Vaccine Information page. Also please read our article Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots When the immediate crisis has passed, please see a veterinarian trained in homeopathy. See my Find a Veterinarian page for referral lists. If you don’t address the reaction in a timely fashion, it will likely result in a long-term problem.
June 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
My 14 lb, 15 month old Rat Terrior got a rabies shot today. About 4 hours later his face swole severely. His eyelids were red and he had welts on top of his head. I took him to the vet and they gave him benedryl shots and other shots. Now, 10 hours later his swelling has gone away. I am still worried and very concerned about him having any kind of shots in the future. He will not be due another rabies shot for 4 years.
He is due some other shots but now I’m scared to let him have ANY kind of shots. What does he have to have?? Please advise.
June 14th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO OTHER SHOTS AFTER AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE RABIES SHOT: Cheryl, even if the crisis has past, there is more to do. first of all, you MUST make sure the reaction is recorded in your dog’s file and you MUST get an initialed copy of the file. This will help you apply for an exemption next time the shot is due. Learn more on my Rabies Vaccine Information page.
Your dog had a shot of antihistamine and probably also a corticosteroid shot. Both of these are immune suppressants. It’s so crazy: the vaccine stimulates the immune system to provoke immunity, then the other shots suppress the immune system.
Regarding potential problems with other shots, yes, your dog may well have another adverse reaction. The question is: why does your dog need other shots? Just as people get shots in childhood and then never again, so should most dogs. Please learn which shots to get, and which not to get, at Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots Also, you can and should check your dog’s immunity to parvovirus and distemper with a simple blood test. For details, read Titer Testing.
As soon as you can, please see a veterinarian trained in homeopathy. See my Find a Veterinarian page for referral lists. If you don’t address the reaction in a timely fashion, it may result in a long-term problem. In most cases, an allergic reaction to a shot is not like a bee sting that just goes away.
I hope this helps.
June 15th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
SEIZURES AFTER A RABIES SHOT I got this question on another of my rabies vaccine pages and wanted to share it. They wrote:
“We adopted a 3 yr old Dachshund from the pound and the dog had seizures 12 hours after he got the rabies shot … After reviewing the situation, the Vet told us most probably he has epilepsy, which needs medication for his whole life, and that’s why the previous owner doesn’t want him….. ”
As they had just adopted the dog, they reluctantly returned him to the pound. They soon found the dog listed again as available and wanted to know what to do about going back and getting him.
June 15th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
SEIZURES AFTER A RABIES SHOT Seizures are a fairly common response to the rabies vaccine. They may or may not recur. Your best best, if you want this sweet dog, is to take him to a holistic vet trained in homeopathy. Find A Veterinarian here. This vet could work with you on “clearing” the vaccine from his body. There’s a great deal of information about all this on my Rabies Vaccine Information page. Also at my Truth4Dogs blog, Click “Rabies Shot” in the Categories on the right of the page and scroll down and read comment 43.
One more thought, re the vet saying he probably has epilepsy and that’s why the previous owner didn’t want him, I think that’s unlikely. They would probably have deemed him unadoptable and would have put him down when he arrived at the shelter. Some vets just don’t want to believe that the rabies vaccine causes this problem.
June 16th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I am still stressing so much about this rabies vaccine. The more I read, the more I know it’s a bad idea especially for my little 7 lb. chihuahua. I have indicated to my dog’s vet all my concerns and thus far have set up the following and wanted to know your opinion. My holistic vet is going to give my dog a homeopathic remedy two days before the rabies vac shot in case any reactions occur. I have also scheduled my dog to stay at the vets office to be monitored several hours after the vaccine is given. We are also going to discuss if a smaller rabie vaccine dosage is an option and not sure what your feelings are on that? I was thinking of getting the titer test done but even if she shows efficient immunity, is it legal proof and can I apply for exception? Not sure how that works when you get that titer test done and what legality is attached. I truly appreciate all your insight and value your opinion.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:22 am
MAKING VACCINATING SAFER and VACCINATING SMALL DOGS Joann, I don’t blame you for being stressed, but you are wise to have a vet trained in homeopathy give the shot. The vet’s precautions are excellent. I haven’t heard of giving a homeopathic remedy two days before a shot — only on the day the shot is given. I’d love to know more about this. I hope you’ll ask your vet about this and tell me what he/she says.
I always recommend that you stay in the vet’s office after the shot. With small dogs and dogs prone to reactions, but also with any dog, reactions can happen rapidly. Sometimes just being in the vet’s office when a reaction begins can make all the difference. I think it’s a good idea to get the shot in the morning so you can monitor the dog all day. And always sleep with the dog in the room in case there’s a problem during the night. In no event should a dog be left alone after any shot.
It is illegal to give a split dose, although I suspect it is done all the time. However, holistic vet Dr. Richard Pitcairn (the father of veterinary homeopathy) once asked me: “Do you really think that giving half a billion antigens instead of a billion will really make a difference?” I didn’t have a good answer. Click here to find a vet trained by Richard Pitcairn.
A titer test for rabies is fairly expensive and unnecessary if you’re giving the shot anyway, although you could test two weeks after the shot if you needed to test immunity for some reason. A titer test is usually given to prove immunity if the shot won’t be given for a while or ever, and for international travel. It is not, as far as I’m aware, a legal substitute for vaccination anywhere — although I believe it should be. Titer testing is a good substitute if a groomer or anyone else wants a shot before it is legally due. Don’t ever allow this!
Don’t give any other shots, or any other drug (flea meds, heartworm meds, etc.) within 3 weeks of the rabies shot unless your vet says the medication must be taken. Homeopathy given with the shot for protection is an exception.
Now, try to relax. You’re doing all you can to vaccinate safely and you don’t want to stress out your dog.
Good luck.
June 20th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hi. Very concerned over a dog vaccination given 6.18.9 (two days ago). The certificate of vaccination clearly states that the vaccine was MFG by PFI (Pfizer), there is a serial number, but the concern I have is the LOT EXP: 8/28/8.
It looks like the vaccine is nearly a year over the expiration date. Should I be concerned, is this common and OK… I would appreciate ANY information and quickly if possible.
Many thanks
Earl
June 21st, 2009 at 12:36 am
Hi Jan. Just thought I would write back and let you know I have decided against the rabies vac for my little chi. Given her very serious reaction with a different vaccine, I just cannot take that chance with the rabies vac. My dog is pretty much a “housedog” and only goes in my yard with me directly behind her every move. The only animals in our state with rabies are bats and she does not go out past sun down and there is really no chance of a bat getting inside our home. She is also a timid, scared and mild mannered dog so the chances are her biting anyone also very unlikely and my vet explained how the law works with that issue. She doesn’t travel nor at any daycare or parks. She doesn’t like the big dogs at parks so we avoid them and use my huge yard as her own park where we play. Yes, I am taking a chances but it’s the chance I will to take for the health of my dog. She is my world and no law is going to force me to do something my gut is telling me not to do. My vet actually agreed with my decision which shocked me. I did want to share with you the process my homeopathic vet uses which is probably the safest option when getting a rabies vaccine. She gives a medicine two days prior and I forget the name but it’s not a medicine that would prevent the typical swelling that normally takes place but it works as a prevention of more severe reactions to her system that would cause harm her long term. If there is any reaction, there is a homeopathic remedy she gives that would clean her system out of the vaccine and she would be monitored 3-4 hours after the rabies shot. Can’t get any more precautionary than that so hopefully people on here will take your advise and go to a homeopathic vet, especially for vaccines. Thanks again Jan.
June 21st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Hi. The last month has been very difficult for our family. Our beloved Yorkie mix Rufus, approximately 5 years old rescue, with a heart of gold and a wonderful nature, was going into kennels for 4 days. We took him to the vet on April 29 for his rabies booster, and a well check. He had both with no reactions except that he appeared sore at the injection site. This lasted approximately 4 days improving as each day went by. On Tuesday, May 5 he seemed fine, now jumping on and off our bed. On thursday May 7 in the evening he started to vomit and on Friday morning he had died. I cannot express our devasted we are, we took a perfectly healthy happy little dog, and gave him a death sentence. Our vet performed an autopsy and it was hemalytic aneamia. My vet told me he had reported it to the drug company, and I am waiting on a return phone call from the vet because I want to know if he has reported it to the FDA yet. Obviously the post mortem showed no other problems with my precious Rufus
June 21st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is such a heartbreaking disease, Christine. I’m so sorry for your loss. This is a rare reaction to the rabies vaccine but not nearly rare enough. (It’s on Dr. Schultz’s list of “rare to “uncommon” reactions; that is, reactions occur more often than 1 in 10,000 but less than 1 in a 1,000.) Keep after your vet; reporting rates are estimated at about 1%. You can call the company yourself. And check to make sure the vaccine hadn’t been recalled and was not out of date. I’d be interested in knowing if the vaccine contained thimersol (mercury). Thanks so much for sharing your story.
June 21st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
OUT OF DATE VACCINE Earl, I’m happy to hear your dog hasn’t had a reaction to this out-of-date shot. That’s good. But I’d be furious at your vet for using a legally-required vaccine that far out of date. The vaccine could be useless, dangerous or contaminated.
Here’s your dilemma: is the shot safe … is it legal … and is it effective? What I’d do is to call Pfizer anonymously and ask them these questions. Re possible contamination of the shot, ask them how to proceed.
If Pfizer is worried about whether the shot “took” or not, or for your own piece of mind, I’d insist your vet pay for an antibody titer test. (For accuracy, wait at least two weeks before performing the test.) This test could cost up to $150 or so, so the vet should pay for it. His/her negligence caused it. Of course, if the vet knows about the problem, he/she will probably want to vaccinate again; another shot will only cost the vet a few dollars — but can be dangerous for your dog and end up costing you a fortune in the long run.
If your dog has ever had a rabies shot before this, a titer test will likely come back showing strong titers. Blood studies show the shot gives immunity for seven or more years. A French “challenge” study (which directly exposed dogs to the virus) showed at least five years of immunity. If the test shows weak titers, you have a bigger dilemma.
Your dog got the shot, which is what the law requires. A vet friend tells me, however, that it doesn’t meet the legal requirement because the vaccine had expired. (Note that neither of us are attorneys.)
If you live in a high risk area and you’re worried about your dog being protected from a bite from a rabid animal, that’s another situation. I’d personally hate for my dog to get another shot any time soon because it’s often the adjuvants in the shot (those extra ingredients that make the shot “stronger”) that cause adverse reactions. You’d be getting double adjuvants and that’s not good. Read some of the other comments on this blog to see how dangerous one shot can be — let alone two in a row. If you decide to get another shot, please write me again and I’ll refer you to a vet who’s an expert on the vaccine.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Re my previous post about losing our Yorkie mix Rufus with AIHA 8 days after rabies shot. I have been in contact with the drug company and they did apparently report an adverse reaction to the federal government. BUT, I have just had a vet on from the company, a phone call that was made at my request, and she tells me that the necropsy report that they PAID FOR was insufficient in that it only sent tissue samples, and therefore they cannot prove that the AIHA was due to the vaccine. So it seems like that the end of the story as far as my dog goes.
The vet tells me that every month they look at the data to see if there is a spike, and as there was no spike, my dogs reaction was not deemed to be of significance. and I meant to say, that if it is only Rufus that had a reaction in May, what happens when there is an isolated (the vet’s words) occurrence again in June (another dog dies) and again in July, are they all just pushed to one side as not being conclusive proof or as she put it an isolated incident without proof of cause. I am very angry, frustrated, and helpless over this situation.
Does anybody actually care what they are doing to these dogs with this awful vaccine? Oh I forget the vet from the company told me that they are always doing trials for these things. I think that was supposed to reassure me, although being the in medical profession, and seeing the disasters that occur with trials, and drugs that are later taken off the market, her comment did not inspire me.
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
Christine, I hope you don’t give up. You should follow up on why the necropsy was done improperly.
Also, you mentioned that the vaccine maker said they are always doing trials. I think they meant they look for patterns in adverse reactions. The only safety trials done for vaccines are performed prior to the vaccine being approved — usually for just a year. This is why vaccine labels say to vaccinate annually. That’s all they test them for. Of course, these vaccines have been on the market for years and tests by immunologists show that most of them last for years, if not for a lifetime. It’s one of the dirty little secrets of the vaccine business that keeps vets bringing in the yearly income. If your vet vaccinates yearly, find another vet.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dog, and for all the grief and aggravation that follow.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
RE: EXPIRED RABIES VACCINATION:
I am happy to report that it was the computerized office form that needed to be updated, NOT the vaccine.
First, I talked to Pfizer, who were wonderful to speak with, they assigned a case number and offered to speak with the vet herself should she have any questions about the expired vaccine. Unfortunately, Pfizer has no data on using an expired vaccine on an animal; its outside the scope of any research they’ve done.
At the vet’s office, one of the front-desk personnel assured me that it could not be expired as they go through so much of it. She then talked to the vet, whose “heart dropped” when she read the exp. date of 08/28/08 but then located Rory’s office paperwork, on which the sticker from the vaccine vial had been placed. The expiration date is really later this year. They thanked me several times while I was there for bringing this to their attention.
As you can imagine, I didn’t sleep much last night. Men tend to go through all the worst-case scenarios in their heads when anything happens, so that’s where I headed. Obviously, I’m looking forward to sleeping like a log tonite.
Many, many thanks for your research and emails. I very much appreciate you “being there” and your support over the weekend when there wasn’t much of anything available for answers.
Earl Micknass
June 24th, 2009 at 10:10 am
This is a question about a reaction from a rabies shot that came from another of my rabies pages.
I took my almost 6 yr old, 2.6 lbs chihuahua to get her yearly rabies shot yesterday. she hasn’t eaten at all today and this morning when my husband picked her up she yelped real loud! I noticed she won’t put any weight on that leg, she barely got out of her bed today. I even tried to give her some of her favorite treats and she was not interested one bit, instead she growled and barked at me! She has no diarrhea and has not vomited, but her big ears look really red…should i take her to the vet? or is this normal after the rabies shot?
June 24th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Marion, call your vet immediately. You should report all symptoms. Make sure your vet reports everything in your dog’s file so you can file for an exemption when the shot is due again. Go get a copy of the vet’s report and keep it in a safe place.
I’m not familiar with the red ear symptom, but it sounds like blood sent to the area. Clearly, it’s not a normal reaction.
I would also see a homeopathic vet, or a homeopath, as soon as possible to help with the effects of the vaccine. You do not want this to get worse and it may not get better on it’s own. The aggression is particularly troubling (and all too common). Read the short article by Dr. Dym for more information on rabies vaccine reactions that mimic the behavior and symptoms of dogs with rabies. (No, your dog is not infected.) I hope you’ll also go to Vaccinating Dogs: What Your Vet Won’t Tell You to learn more about vaccinating. Your dog may react to other vaccines. This is important!