What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction
Written by Jan on December 2, 2010 – 1:32 pmI
S THIS AN EMERGENCY? If your dog is breathing heavily, his face is swelling and eyes watering, and/or he’s vomiting, has hives or is having a seizure or collapsing, your dog is having a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY! and start for your vet’s office or an emergency facility while, preferably, someone else drives. (You do know where the nearest emergency vet is, don’t you?)
Your vet may not recognize your dog’s symptoms as a vaccine reaction and probably won’t want to believe or admit that the shot he/she administered brought on this problem. If you believe it’s a vaccine reaction, be strong. You know your dog better than your vet does. Above all, keep your wits about you. Don’t be pressured into doing anything that doesn’t feel right. For example, if your dog has her first seizure ever soon after vaccination, she is probably having a vaccine reaction; she probably does NOT suddenly have a brain tumor requiring a $800 MRI! As they say, when you hear hoof beats, think horses not zebras!
Similarly, if your vet wants to give your dog antibiotics because she may have developed some unknown infection the day after the shot (rather than a vaccine reaction), question that assumption. Antibiotics given needlessly can lead to antibiotic resistance and even autoimmune disease, and will destroy good intestinal flora which can potentially lead to gastrointestinal problems and allergies. Vets (and medical doctors) too often recommend antibiotics because they don’t know what else to do and feel they should do something. Insist on a good evidence-based reason for giving any antibiotic.
If you’re having an emergency, read about CPR or scroll down to Treatment.
Pet CPR: If your dog isn’t breathing, you’ll need to take action fast. Here’s an instructional video on pet CPR . Also see these written instructions which you can print out.
Non-immediate reactions: If your dog has developed any unexplained health or behavioral problem within 45 to 60 days of vaccination, or even longer, it may be a reaction to the shot. If you suspect the problem may be connected to a vaccine, you’ll likely have to convince your vet. It’s common to hear “it couldn’t be the shot” or “a reaction like that isn’t possible” — even when the reaction is a common one.
Many primary vets believe vaccine reactions to be rare, in large part because severe cases go to emergency clinics, not back to the primary vet. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association, WSAVA (p. 55), says: “It is generally only the adverse reactions that occur within the first few hours to a day after vaccination that are considered vaccine-associated by most veterinarians or owners. Even when the adverse reaction occurs shortly after vaccination there are many who fail to recognize that the vaccine caused the reaction. Certain adverse vaccine reactions are not observed until days, weeks or even months and years after vaccination or revaccination. The autoimmune disorders and the injection site sarcomas, which are among the rare vaccine adverse reactions, may not develop for years after being triggered by vaccines.”
Even the drug’s manufacturer (to whom you should immediately report the reaction) may deny the connection. (Admitting it may cost them money.) If your dog got a rabies vaccination plus another vaccine of any kind, make sure you know where on the body the different shots were given and the name and serial number of each shot. This is especially important if your dog got a rabies shot.
Insist on seeing every product’s package insert. Get it from your vet or call the manufacturer and ask if it’s viewable on-line. (It probably is, but they won’t admit it. Note: the Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDA, is not the same thing.) Also know that long-term reactions aren’t usually documented or even studied. So persevere! A suspected vaccine reaction, especially one supported by your vet, may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses from the drug manufacturer.
Which dogs are most likely to have reactions? Small and medium-sized dogs are the most likely, especially when given more than one vaccine at a time. (DALPPC, a common “combo shot,” contains SIX vaccines! If your vet gives rabies or Bordetella at the same time, that’s EIGHT!) For more about this, read my article about a study published in the American Veterinary Medical Association Journal showing the connection between multiple vaccines and reactions. (Give your vet a copy.) Note: multiple vaccines also make it difficult to figure out which vaccine caused the reaction. Just one of countless good reasons not to allow them! (Wait at least three weeks between shots and pesticides like heartworm meds.)
Dogs vaccinated when they are not healthy, dogs with previous adverse reactions to vaccines and dogs vaccinated within three weeks of a previous vaccination are also more likely to react adversely. Read this article on Protecting Dogs from Vaccine Reactions to find other ways you or your vet may have put your dog at risk.
How prevalent are reactions? The USDA/CVB 2008 Report states that “Rabies vaccines are the most common group of biological products identified in adverse event reports received by the CVB.” In 2007, 6500 reactions were reported for the canine rabies vaccine alone. Unfortunately, former FDA commissioner David Kessler estimated that only 1% of all drug reactions are ever reported (even for human reactions). Thus, approximately 650,000 rabies vaccine reactions likely occurred. Add to that more than a dozen other vaccines also causing reactions. Worse yet, long-term reactions are seldom even recognized let alone reported.
What reactions are commonly seen? Common rabies vaccine reactions, followed by the percentage of reactions reported to the USDA (many of which are also reactions to other vaccines): Vomiting-28.1%; facial swelling-26.3%; injection site swelling or lump-19.4%; lethargy-12%; urticaria(hives)-10.1%; circulatory shock-8.3%; injection site pain-7.4%; pruritus-7.4%; injection site alopecia or hair loss-6.9%; death-5.5%; lack of consciousness-5.5; diarrhea-4.6%; hypersensitivity (not specified)-4.6%; fever-4.1%;, anaphylaxis-2.8%; ataxia-2.8%; lameness-2.8%; general signs of pain-2.3%; hyperactivity-2.3%; injection site scab or crust-2.3%;, muscle tremor-2.3%; tachycardia-2.3%; and thrombocytopenia-2.3%. (Oddly, they don’t list seizures which may occur after rabies vaccination. Click here for more on seizures.)
Other reactions considered “possibly related to vaccination” included acute hypersensitivity (59%); local reactions (27%); systemic reactions, which refers to short-term lethargy, fever, general pain, anorexia, or behavioral changes, with or without gastrointestinal disturbances starting within 3 days after vaccination (9%); autoimmune disorders (3%); and other (2%).
Also see the chart on page 54 of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines (which lists seizures.)
What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog is Having a Vaccine Reaction
1. Get treatment!
In emergencies: Most dogs will get emergency treatment from a conventional vet — often from an emergency facility veterinarian you don’t know. The vet will likely administer steroids and an antihistamine. These are the conventional treatments of choice. Most important at this point is to save your dog’s life. Note: Unless there is a good evidence-based reason for your dog to get antibiotics, consider whether or not this is a wise course of action.
If you have a relationship with a holistic vet and can get immediate treatment, you will probably be offered homeopathy and/or acupuncture — which unlike steroids and antihistamines have no harmful side effects.
Non emergencies and long-term treatment: If possible, find a vet trained in homeopathy to treat your dog — to “clear” the bad effects of the vaccine rather than just suppress symptoms. See these vet referral lists If you can’t find a good vet, or can’t afford one, contact me for other experts you can contact. The rabies vaccine alone can cause blood disease, autoimmune disease and more. Find a list of rabies vaccine reactions here.
Watch your dog carefully for new or worsened symptoms. Report all changes to your vet. If the symptoms are visual, take photograph or videotape what is happened.
2. Document everything! Make sure all vets treating your dog record any reaction in detail (even a mild one) in your dog’s file. Ask the vet to sign the notation about the reaction. Vets retire, move and lose files. Keep a copy of the file in a safe place along with any photos or video.
If the reaction was to the rabies vaccine, you’ll want to ask your vet to apply for a medical exemption when the shot is due again. Ask the vet to write a letter now to use later. If the reaction is to any other vaccine, you may want to get an exemption from groomers and boarders who require other vaccines — most if not all of which are unnecessary. (Please read our page on vaccinating before you give another shot of any kind. And check your state’s rabies law and also your local Animal Control to see if local exemption options differ.)
3. Call the vaccine manufacturer. Get the vaccine brand, serial number and lot number from the vet who administered the vaccine to report to the manufacturer (who in turn is legally required to report the reaction to the USDA). Ask your vet to report the reaction but don’t expect that he or she will. The 2006 American Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Task Force Report pleads with vets, page after page, to report reactions — because they seldom do. Vets either don’t link the health or behavior problem to the vaccine … or they can’t be bothered. Thus, reactions go unrecognized and reported, and dangerous vaccines stay on the market.
If the vaccine can be proven to be at fault, you may be able to recover your expenses from the manufacturer. Reporting is in your best interests.
If, tragically, your dog dies or has to be put down, ask the manufacturer if they’ll pay for a necropsy (autopsy). If they won’t pay, but it’s pretty clear that the vaccine caused the dog’s death, you might want to pay for it yourself (if you can) and then go after the manufacturer for reimbursement. This is especially important with injection-site tumors.
4. Report the Reaction to the USDA Go to the USDA animal vaccine reaction reporting page to view information on reporting adverse events. The reporting form can be accessed from that page and submitted electronically, or it can be mailed or faxed to the Center for Veterinary Biologics. Or call the CVB at (800) 752-6255.
Why should you bother? The only way for the USDA to track drug reactions is by receiving reports from vets, pet owners and manufacturers. Theoretically, if enough reactions are reported, the drug can be recalled.
5. Report your vet.
If your vet didn’t advise you before vaccination about possible reactions, or let you know if the vaccine was even necessary, file a report with your state veterinary medical association. Find the medical board by doing a web search of terms like [your state's name] and “Veterinary Medical Board” or “Veterinary Medical Examiners.” In some states, they’ll tell you if your vet has a history of negligence. In others, they won’t tell you anything. Filing a report can result in no action being taken, so be prepared to be disappointed. But do it anyway. Multiple complaints can make a difference.
Wait until you’ve gotten everything you need from your vet before filing the complaint. Also, fire that vet and tell him or her why. Click here to find a list of vets with holistic and/or homeopathic experience to treat your dog in the future.
6. Take More Action. If your vet’s behavior was particularly negligent and harmful, especially if the vet is with a large corporate practice, consider contacting your state’s Attorney General and/or a local television consumer reporter and/or the Better Business Bureau. Laws are changing because consumers have taken action.
7. Stop vaccinating unnecessarily. Your vet should have told you before vaccinating that parvovirus (one “P” in DALPPC) lasts 9 years to a lifetime; the same with distemper (D). The L, leptospirosis, shouldn’t be given to a small dog unless there’s an epidemic. C, Coronavirus, is for a very mild, rare disease of very young puppies. It’s often called a vaccine looking for a disease. A is for adenovirus 2, a disease virtually unknown in North America. Read more about your vet’s duties to get your informed consent.
Additional articles of interest: Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots and see how long vaccines give immunity here under Point #6.
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely
Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing
Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions
***
Get Our Vaccination DVD: W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March. A DVD of the event is available. Buy it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/New%20Shopping%20Cart/Check%20out%20page.htm Or learn more about it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/saferpet. Learn more about rabies vaccination at www.truth4dogs.org and about vaccination in general at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots and at http://www.truth4dogs.com.
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December 2nd, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Thank you for your ongoing effort to warn people about vaccine problems. I have a sanctuary full of immune-damaged dogs, all with a history of over-vaccination, low thyroid.
December 8th, 2010 at 11:45 am
These poor dogs only get 10 days to live. They want to live with a nice family who will give them the time and love they need, maybe you can save one or know someone who can.
Maltese/Poodle
These two poor girls will need a special home.. They were found abandoned in an apt left to die. Just by looking at them you can see the pain and suffering they lived with..
Click on the link >
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/18047308
More poor Dogs >
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT141.html
Please help them!
Helping Dogs Find New Homes From The Heart
December 15th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
[...] war against over-vaccination, Australian Elizabeth Hart, posted this as a response to my article, What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction I’m posting it here, instead of as a comment, because the subject is so important. Here’s [...]
December 29th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Hi,
I am at my wit’s end!!!!! On Dec. 6th, our Emma (a 2.5 y/o pit/lab mix) went for her annual check up and received ALL shots the vet had to offer. On Dec 10th she had a sever seizure and has not been right since. Took her back to the vet that gave her the shots and was told “she seems fine now. some dogs just have unexplained seizures now and then and it is probably not related to the vaccinations.”
Here I am now, 3 weeks later and my dog has lost all zest for life. Our once exuberant life of the party just lies around the house and if you try to get her to play, she breaks eye contact and acts like someone beat her (though she has NEVER had a hand laid on her).
Had a new vet check her out today and they said, “its probably not related to the vaccines at all. The holidays can be stressful on a pet when they get out of their routine. Just give her some time to settle back in and she should be fine.” Well, SHE’S NOT FINE AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HOLIDAYS!!!
I wish I had known about this site before we took our Emma to the vet and got all those shots. I was never told that she could experience side effects like this. All they said was we could expect some localized swelling and maybe some malaise for a day or two.
I miss my old Emma, even if she jumped on company. I would give anything to have her back to her old self. Please help!
Branden
Westbrook, Maine
December 29th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Branden, don’t give up on your dog, but dump both of those ignorant vets. It’s unlikely your adult dog even needed the shots. Certainly a combo shot was not needed or even wise. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/
Two things I’d do to help your dog. Find a vet with homeopathic expertise. There are referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet There are also vets who will communicate by phone if none are in your area. I can help you find one. Homeopathy can also help “clear” the vaccine.
Make sure your dog has a full thyroid panel. Thyroid problems can cause seizures and behavior changes as can vaccination. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/28/is-your-dog%e2%80%99s-bad-behavior-caused-by-a-health-problem/
Please reread the section on reporting the adverse reaction to the drug company. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/ Make sure first that both vets recorded your observations in your dog’s file, and get a copy. The vaccine company may help pay for treatment, at least a thyroid panel. Seizures are a known reaction to vaccination. Don’t let them tell you that they’re not.
I just hate what your vets did, one for over-vaccinating an adult dog, both for not recognizing the reaction. Shame on them.
Don’t give up on your dog. There’s an excellent change the condition can be reversed — but not by a vet who didn’t even recognize the reaction.
December 30th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Thanks Jan,
The vet called today with Emma’s liver and kidney panel results and her BUN is elevated to a level of 50 (was advised that normal range is 4-25). He has suggested a prescription diet (Science Diet k/d) to support her kidney function for a month and new tests to follow. He wants to know if 50 was the “high” and we are catching it on the way up or if it is falling from a much higher level.
He is still adamant that the vaccines have nothing to do with her very sudden onset of symptoms and suggested poisoning (highly unlikely since she is NEVER out of our sight unless she is in her crate, or a congenital condition that has been coming on and we didn’t notice subtle changes in her until it reached the epic proportions that we see now. I pride myself on knowing my dog pretty well and can usually detect subtle changes in her mood and demeanor. I think I would have noticed something.
Anyway, I am wondering if there is any liability on the part of the vet who gave her all the vaccinations? Not so much for the vaccinations, but for not doing anything to investigate the cause of the seizure, i.e. draw some blood to see if her BUN was elevated then. We could have started treatment almost 3 weeks sooner!
I sincerely hope that our Emma will become well again, and I thank you for all you advice.
Branden
January 10th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
My question is:
If a dog is allergic to beef, won’t she be allergic to some of these vaccines? Aren’t they made with bovine tissue?
The problem I’m facing:
My last belgian died on Christmas Eve (2009) – within a weeks of his last rabies shot in November. (He had puppy shots and a few others in his 2nd year. He was on a home-made and raw diet with supplements his entire life) There were always some kind of reaction to any vaccine – dragging foot, weak mucles in back legs, lethargy, etc. So I quit vaccines except for the 3 yr rabies. He had an autoimmune disease for the 3 yrs prior to his last rabies shot and the vet would not let me by-pass his last rabies vaccination. I went to another with the same result. They both said he still looked healthy enough to get the shot. So I relented and he died a few weeks later. He was 10 and not an “old” 10. By looking at him, people usually guessed him much younger.
This past year I bought another Belgian pup. She was a little over 4 months old when I got her. The breeder had just gotten her rabies vaccine (and deworming) but nothing else before I got her.
The first week she was VERY aggressive to my other 7 yr old dog (attacking her for just walking past). I had to constantly monitor situations when they were together. After the first week, I was ready to give her back to the breeder, but the breeder wouldn’t take her. The pup was also scratching, drinking LOADS of water, and not really urinating that much for the amount of water she was drinking. She was due for her distemper shot anyway and I made a vet appointment. I advised of the aggression, water and peeing issues, and her constant itching. I told the tech that I was also there for her distemper shot, and she would also need a parvo shot somewhere down the line – thinking that I would get them done separately. The vet gave her a shot and I asked when I should come back for the Parvo shot. He told me that he gave her a Distemper/Parvo/Parainfluenza/Adenovirus. She was also treated for urinary problems with antibiotics – 2 courses – because the UTI wouldn’t clear up. They wanted to keep her on antibiotics but I said no. At the same time I asked about the itching and the vet said to concentrate on one thing at a time – if it was allergies, he didn’t want to put her on prednisone at such an early age. Her UTI continued and the vet suggested that if I was going to later spay her anyway, he’d do it now and do exploratory surgery at the same time to check for a reason for her UTI. I agreed and she was spayed at 8 months old. Nothing was found and he did a cysto – which came back clean, even tho 2 days after the test she had peed a pretty good amount of blood – I told the vet. He said that we could put her back on antibiotics, but I again declined and figured I’d try to treat her with alternative methods. I went searching for a holistic vet – not very common in our area. The pups itching and scratching continued, only now it was much worse than before – she was also biting, and losing mounds of fur. She’d wake me up every 2 hours all through the night because she was so uncomfortable. And when she was sleeping, she’d moan and groan. (Nothing the holistic vet has given us has worked for this) All along I had thought this might be some kind of allergy. She is on a home-made diet with supplements which I’ve been doing for 10 years – and includes pre & probiotics, omega oils. I thought it could be a food allergy and made adjustments. I have noticed that if she is given beef in any form it makes matters worse – then it’s almost non-stop, minute to minute itching, scratching biting. However, even when off beef for months, she continues to itch, bite, scratch, and lose fur. With the winter months and snow and cold, there has been no change – so according to the vet probably isn’t an outside allergy. The vet also didn’t think it was a food allergy, but he had seen her after I had taken her off beef.
Personally, I’m wondering if the cause of her problems are the vaccines. First the rabies – before I got her, and evidently she had a UTI when she got the shot, and then the distemper – and matters got much worse. I’ve started reading up on these vaccine problems and it makes sense that it could be the shots. She was sooo bad for awhile there, that I was hoping I would not have to put her down. The ONLY things that seem to help are massaging her and applying Young Living Essential Oils. But even this is only temporary. At this point I feel I need to forget the shots. I know they’re required by law. But I don’t want to have to put my dog down because she’s allergic to the shots or the bovine tissue in the shot.
Could it be the bovine tissue in the shots causing her problems? And if so, how long does that part of the shot last? Any other suggestions on how to get her through this?
Thanks for any and all help, advice, suggestions you can offer.
January 10th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Michelle, both of your dogs seem to have had vaccine reactions. The rear end lack of coordination is a symtom of rabies vaccinosis, as is aggression. Any vaccines can cause allergies and lethargy.
I’m appalled that your vet vaccinated your poor dog and operated on her! What was the hurry???? Surgery and vaccines are for healthy dogs only!
Re the bovine tissue in the vaccines, it may or may not be in the vaccine and there’s no way I know of to check. The ingredients are proprietary.
If it is in there and your dogs were allergic, that’s certainly problematic. It could have set off a lifetime of problems. Your best bet is a vet skilled in homeopathic therapy. Did you check the vet referral links at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet ? If you can’t find one, contact me again and I’ll give you two people who will work by phone. Where do you live? Maybe I know a good vet there.
If you want to test your dog’s immunity rather than ever vaccinate her again, you can do a parvo/distemper antibody titer. Have your vet draw the blood and send it to Dr. Jean Dodds to read. http://www.hemopet.org Her prices are good and she’s the best! She’s also a vaccination expert and knows a lot about the rabies vaccine. To avoid the rabies vaccine, you’ll have to get a legal medical exemption. For this, you’ll need to have a vet apply for it. Make sure all your dog’s symptoms are in her file and get a copy of the file.
Another thought: although food can kick off allergies, the tendency to react can be caused by vaccination. There’s a product you might try: http://www.optimumchoices.com/ It’s inexpensive and you can call them and tell them about your dog’s problems. Tell them I sent you.
February 4th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
NJ has a recently enacted dog licensing law. Licenses must be renewed in January and if your dog’s rabies shot ‘runs out’ within the next 10 1/2 months you are required to have the dog re-inoculated in January at the time you apply for a license. So, if I had had my dog inoculated this past November 2010(the 1 year shot), I would be required to have the shot re-administered in January 2011…that is 2 months later…and for my dog that means 6 months early. I think rabies shots are important but my dog has had rabies shots reactions and I don’t want him to have the shot early. I am waiting for a call from my vet because my town will accept a vet’s note…saying in this case that my dog needs to wait another 6 months. Has anyone else come up against this problem?
February 8th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Listen, I am so glad that someone is going after these vaccination companies. But I need to inform you about the danger of vaccinations to humans. It’s incredibly important that you look into things like the Flu Vaccination; there is something terrible happening in the United States, things I cannot even begin to explain lest I sound crazy. You need to fight the Flu Vaccine if you’re not already. Animals are important, but the lives of human beings are at risk. Women are miscarrying, people are developing Tardive Dyskoniesia, people are actually passing away, and the vaccinations have been linked to brain damage and certain autisms. Not to mention they lower the autoimmune responses, because they are loaded with poisonous chemicals. E-mail me so I know you got this. Listen America is under attack, these vaccines tie into much worse things. Peace be with you.
February 9th, 2011 at 10:03 am
Krantz, you have no need to educate me on the danger of vaccines to humans. I hope everyone takes the time to learn about any medication they put in their body. The immune system of humans and dogs are very similar.
February 9th, 2011 at 10:25 am
Alice, I know the Rabies Challenge Fund is aware of this law. It puts bureaucracy and money ahead of animal health. It is possible the animal control officer in your area is unaware of the many adverse reactions to the rabies vaccine. The money frequent the shot, the more likely the adverse reactions. Vaccination expert Dr. Jean Dodds wrote: “Rabies vaccines are the most common group of biological products identified in adverse event reports received by the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB).” Put simply, no other vaccine causes as many reactions. Read more at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/06/15/rabies-vaccination-medical-exemptions-for-unhealthy-dogs/#more-899
Just one person has changed rabies laws in dozens of states. I hope you’ll become that person in NJ.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I just lost my best friend and my heart in December. Rocky was a healthy, happy and highly intelligent Otterhound mix that had developed a very intense distaste for veterinarians in recent years. I should have listened to my dog. He objected in an extreme manner when I took him for his annual shots and all the while I thought I was doing the best for him.
Rocky never had been sick a day in his life, but about a week after his last vet visit and injections he started vomiting, urinating in the house and became extremely lethargic and wouldn’t eat anything. I took him to the vet who suggested that he may have had a virus. He had no fever, but they gave him antibotics and some special dog food. Charged me $400 for the food and the emergency care and sent us home.
I took him home and the next day I offered him boiled chicken and gave him sugar water, which he seemed to respond to and within another day, he was back to his old self, eating, playing running and having fun. The only symptom that seemed to linger was his urinating in the house not on a daily basis, but only in the morning and never beyond that. 2 weeks later he collapsed and could not get up and seemed to have very laboured breathing. I layed down with him and talked to him and petted him. He was cognizant and reactive, but he would not get up and his breathing was getting worse. I took him to the vet hospital and they could not tell me what was wrong. Shortly after we arrived, they told me he had lost all conciousness and did they want me to try and revive his vitals.
I still don’t know what happened for sure, but at this point I even regret taking him in after his collapse. I will forever regret not taking him in for blood tests after he seemed to recover from his illness, but he hated needles so much and I did not want to take him back to the vet when he seemed so much better. At that point I had believed the vet and figured he had a “stomach flu” or something. Ater reading this information I will never subject another animal to unnecessary injections again. My sweet Rocky. I’m so sorry and I will miss you forever.
February 15th, 2011 at 10:42 am
Christine, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you file a claim against the vet with your state’s veterinary board for not giving you full information about the needlessness, and potential risk, of annual shots. Also, that he didn’t inform you about what was clearly a vaccine reaction. A virus? Please. I’d also write him a letter telling him that you want your $400 back. You can also report him to your Better Business Board. I know it’s hard to do all this, but it’s the only way to make him think twice about what he’s doing. I’d be happy to send you links that verify that annual shots are not recommended by any vet organization or US vet school.
February 21st, 2011 at 9:59 am
Your article says to contact you if can’t afford vet, I had my daschound/lab mixed vaccinated a couple of weeks ago with a 3 year shot. I noticed she was sleeping a lot lately. Now I’ve discovered several sores in different locations including her ears. I’m currently out of work and can not afford a vet, are there any natural solutions?
February 21st, 2011 at 10:11 am
Roxie, I’m sorry for you and your dog’s problems. This article on assistance with vet bills might help: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/27/help-with-vet-bills/
Immediately contact the vet who gave the shot and/or check the receipt to find out the brand, lot # and serial # of the rabies vaccine, then call the manufacturer and report the problem. They may pay for tests and treatment. Or may not. It would help if a vet thinks the sores are an adverse reaction to the rabies vaccines. If you haven’t already told your vet about the problem, do so immediately and make sure it is recorded in your dog’s file.
Also read this article http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog4dogs/2009/07/01/rabies-vaccine-skin-reaction-ischemic-dermatopathy/ and do some research on Ischemic Dermatopathy.
Try the manufacturer first. Be insistent. If they won’t help, contact Marina at naturalrearing.com and see if she has any ideas.
Wish I could help more. Don’t just ignore this problem. It could be serious.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:52 am
I had a 8 year old Maltese. We had him groomed January 27th and of course the rabies vaccine. When we brought him home he would just shake and not eat or drink for the first 2 days. He started eating and drinking, but still shaking. Three weeks later he was acting different, not eating, or drinking when he would walk sometimes he would just fall over. Took him back to the vet told them that he has not been the same since he received the shot. Of course they said that it had nothing to do with the shot. Wasn’t sure what was wrong. Sent us home. I took him back on Wednesday, while we were there he had a seizure and a heart murmur (that he didn’t have the day before). Gave us Prednisolone and Diazepam. She told us that he needed to see a neurologist and cardiologist and be prepared to pay atleast $2,000 of course we could not afford to take him. That night he acting more like himself except he was still weak. He has always turned circles to the right since he was a puppy, when we would ask him if he wanted a treat or to go outside. The vet also told us that was not normal that it was a neurological problem. Thursday we called the vet back to let her know that he was still having seizures, so she told us to give him the Diazepam every 6 hrs instead of when needed and if he kept having them to bring him back in. So about 30 minutes later he had another one, we took him back to the vet and she gave him a shot of Phenobarbital and gave us a prescription for them. We brought him home and by 8:00 he died. I am not sure if it was something neurological or what. I do know that before I took him to get groomed and the rabies vaccine he was a healthy dog. Now I have lost my baby!
February 28th, 2011 at 11:42 am
Diane, I’m so sorry for your loss. What you’re describing is a vaccine reaction. And I suspect your vet knows it. She probably didn’t want to take responsibility and didn’t know what to do. I hope you contact the drug manufacturer and report what happened. This is important. Seizures are a known reaction to the rabies vaccine. Ask your vet for the vaccine package insert. I bet seizures are there as possible reactions. If your vet won’t give you the info, that tells you everything. But you have a legal right to your dog’s file. Get it or get a copy.
March 24th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Hi, I have a couple of questions and I’m really worried after reading all of these things.
I got my little 10 pound chihuahua mix vaccinated two weeks ago, but midweek I noticed he started developing a huge lump above his ribs. I took him back to the vet and he just said it may be a vaccine reaction and that the lump was filled with fluid. So he went ahead and took my dog and had put tubes in the lump in order to drain it. My dog had to keep it for 4 days and I had to be constantly cleaning it. Just today he had the tubes removed and now he has two holes that still leak a bit of fluid. I was told to continue cleaning, so I am….but is it really safe to just leave the wounds open like that? Surely, it can be at greater risk to infection. Reading all of this, I’m guessing what initially happened to my baby was the rabies vaccine? I foolishly had the whole set done on him. Obviously something went wrong because we weren’t charged for the tubes.
At the same time, I had my full-bred chihuahua vaccinated as well. I haven’t noticed any sort of changes to him, other than he yelps a bit when you touch his thigh, so should I take him back in? He still has appetite, runs around, and is happy.
My last question deals with my 3 month old Dalmatian. He has had 2 sets of vaccines thus far, but not the rabies yet. Should I just avoid the rabies shot all together or?
I really don’t want my babies hurt anymore.
April 3rd, 2011 at 3:27 pm
HI.. I wish I could save my dog! I took her to my backup Vet, cause my regular vet was on vacation. Wll, she got the shot, as mandated by the State of Wisconsin,… Many people commented to me how beautiful my 4 year old Weimaraner was… Now, 2 weeks later, she os covered with HUGE HIVES, TREMBELING, TIRED and SHAKING… NEITHER VET AGREES ON WHAT AND WHY… Neither agrees on treatment. I am giving her Benadryl, Steroids and Amoxcycillian… She came in POSITIVE on the snap LYMES test. She is a house dog and has not had a tick that I know of and she is checked daily. She is now shaking and trembles, the hives are scabbing, breaking, bleeding, etc and I can not find any help with the Vets… I honestly fear she may die! What do we do? She is a great dog! Very smart, and just an awesome friend!
April 4th, 2011 at 9:19 am
Randy, if it were my dog, I’d consult Dr. Konrad Kruesi. He consults by phone. You just send in the dog’s records. He’s brilliant and his prices are reasonable. He treats both my dogs. http://www.crvetcenter.com You need a vet trained in homeopathy. You might also try the referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets
Have you contracted the drug manufacturer? If not, do so immediately. They may also help you pay for the treatment.
Don’t delay.
April 22nd, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Help!
My wife and I recently adopted a Siberian husky puppy. At the time, the puppies were 9 weeks old. We selected one named Ed. While we were picking out Ed, my wife also fell in love with one of the other litter mates, named Fred.
At the vet’s office the other day, my wife ran into the breeder and Fred. Fred had been sick with a disease called puppy strangles (juvenile cellulites). Because of this, Fred was never adopted. The puppies are four months old.
The problem started one week after the first vaccination was given. Once it was diagnosed, Fred was treated with steroids and antibiotics. However, the problem has flared up after each of the subsequent rounds of vaccinations. Fred is still scheduled for the final round of vaccinations. Also, because the steroids are intended to suppress the immune system, the vet mentioned risk of demodectic mange (i.e. mange mites).
We are interested in adopting Fred. However, we don’t know what continued medical issues may come up. What should we do?
Thanks, Stephen and Christine
April 23rd, 2011 at 10:01 am
Hello again,
one more after-thought: Fred had fever, swelling of the face and neck, hives (mouth and eye area) – these symptoms sound like the reaction against the vaccine! And Fred had a relapse after the next vaccination!! Now I don’t want to sound paranoid, but is ‘puppy stranges’ a disease that was invented to cover up whenever puppies have allergic reactions to the vaccinations? To me it sounds like that! We would love to get Fred and make him healthy, just worried about the longterm risks. We really appreciate your insight. Christine & Stephen
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Hi Stephen and Christine. Have a vet run an antibody titer test done to see if Fred even needs vaccinating. No vet I know would vaccinate him unless his life is in danger from the disease and titers are very low. It’s likely he already has immunity to parvo and distemper, the important shots. Read about titer testing here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2008/10/22/titer-test/ Read about unnecessary dog vaccines here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/
If you decide to get Fred, and his titers are high, I’d see a vet trained in homeopathy to treat the damage done.
Steroids are not a cure. See referrals at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets Also, feed the best possible food, probably a good raw diet. Learn more at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/food
I hope this helps.
April 24th, 2011 at 12:01 am
Jan,
I was a victim of the stupid NJ law. I live in Mount Laurel, NJ. Scared to death for my pup right now. Time to vote out these politicians for their lack of knowledge and common sense and I will now dedicate a lot of time doing so and trying to get the law changed.
Please share any advice!
About 1 month ago my 5-year old beagle was told he had to be vaccinated or they would levy a huge fine against us. He had a “1 year vaccine” on August 1st before we adopted him from the shelter. So his next vaccine was about 8-9 months later, just finding out now it was a few months early (the vet didn’t mention this!) He had some general soreness at the injection site, but nothing overly problematic right away. He still went for walks and ate and drank, etc.
The pain never seemed to go away and seemed to worsen over time. He’d have good days and bad days. We have been to THREE vets that people recommended and they all think it’s back, nerve, etc and say it can’t possibly be related to the rabies vaccine. My friend who works for SPCA tipped me off to your site and I wish I knew this info beforehand. The vet did a HORRIBLE job (never educated about risks) and shouldn’t practice!
I need to know how to help my buddy heal. Within the last day or two he yelps half of the time he walks and has poor rear coordination. He had an appointment scheduled for Monday but I’m going to take him tomorrow to an ER, probably University of Penn. Anti-inflammatory/steroids which were given failed and did not work. X-rays were negative and there were no injection site issues or masses in his body so the vets are stumped.
Here’s my question to Jan or anyone else who is informed on this: Have dogs with similar symptoms been able to bounce back? I’ve seen the symptoms and problems listed but not solutions. Right now it’s mainly pain and rear end coordination and his back left leg looks weak. He’s still eating and drinking and going to the bathroom as normal, he’s just in pain doing so. Right now he’s sleeping on his doggy bed next to me and breathing normally. When he gets up in the morning I’m going to take him in. Please share your thoughts!!
Justin J
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
April 25th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Justin, please tell me what kind of vets your dog has seen. Are they all conventional? Have you seen a neurologist? A homeopath? Let me know what the last vet said.
April 26th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Jan,
We took him to a couple local vets who seemed to have no clue what was going on. Then we took him to see a neurologist at University of Penn. They were way more open to looking into a possible vaccine reaction then the local vets were and seemed very knowledgeable about the reactions. They also didn’t rule out the reaction being due to distemper shot he had the same day. They did some tests and thought he possibly had meningitis or a disk issue in his back. Today, they performed an MRI on him which showed a compressed disk 50% into his spinal column which was consistent to the area he yelps when you touch him most. They performed surgery today and the surgeon said his prognosis is “excellent.” I will keep you posted. Surprisingly Jan, I’ll give them credit. The neurologist at UPenn didn’t dismiss my talk of vaccine reactions like the local vets did. He very seriously considered it and did testing. We’ll see what happens. I ran the MRI by 2 other neurology specialists that had no financial gain involved and they said we “100% made the right choice” to do the surgery to avoid permanent nerve damage. What I have learned on your site so far about overvaccination is scary and I’m 500% more aware now than I was a week ago.
Justin
April 26th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Justin, thanks for the update. I’m happy to hear that the prognosis looks great. Universities tend to be more open to vaccinosis, although some still aren’t. I’m glad Penn was. They have done interesting work on heartworms. I based a few articles on their work, in fact.
Not all things that COULD be vaccine reactions are, but certainly they should be ruled out first. I know you must have spent a fortune on all this. You’re a great dad! Please keep me posted.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:13 pm
I adopted a 12 week old Maltese puppy March 22 and she was due for her 3rd DHPP on April 4. Two days later she had hypoglycemia and I gave her Nutrical and rushed her to the ER and her blood sugar was normal at that time. The very next day she started vomiting and I rushed her to my vet who gave her fluids sub-Q and a shot for vomiting. I took her home and she kept on vomiting and so I rushed her to the ER again and they kept her all night and ran barium x-ray studies on her to check for a blockage. I asked about her recent vaccination 3 days earlier and the ER vet said not likely as a reaction would have happened immediately. Three days ago (three weeks later) she had her 4th DHPP and started vomiting as soon as we got home from the vet (within 20 minutes). I rushed her back to my vet who administered benadryl and some kind of prednisone injections and had a syringe of epinephrine ready while he had us stay there another 45 minutes. I asked him if she could possibly have had a reaction 3 weeks earlier when she had hypoglycemia and vomiting and he said probably not but she was having a reaction to this 4th DHPP. He also made note of it in her char. I’m starting to think the two incidents are related even though the ER vet and my vet deny it. She’s due for rabies in 2 weeks and I am going to cancel the appt. until she’s months older and I will no longer let her get DHPP boosters. Do you think I am over-reacting? I am worried sick for my puppy and don’t know what to do.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Hi Tricia. Do I think you’re over-reacting? NO! I think you’re under-reacting!
Reactions happen as long as ten years later (cancer) and countless reactions happen up to 45 days later. Vomiting usually is immediately, but not always. It certainly should have been considered. That vomiting was a reaction the second time, it surely was the first time.
You have read my article on reactions. Call the manufacturer and report both reactions. Ask your vet to do the same. Ask the drug manufacturer to pay your vet bills. Get a copy of your dog’s file and the drug package insert. You’ll have to insist.
Your dog has a 95% chance of being immune for life to distemper and parvo if vaccinated after 15 weeks. If you want proof, ask for an antibody titer test. (There’s an article about titers at truth4dogs.com). Re the rabies vaccine, your dog may or may not react. All vaccine are different. However, I would try to get an exemption as your dog allready has health problems. If you can afford to contact a vet trained in homeopathy, do so. You don’t want your dog to have any long-term reactions.
BTW, vets almost always deny that anything short of instant death or collapse is caused by shots. It’s their livelihood that’s at risk.
May 6th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Jan, thank you for your reply. I am very fortunate in that my veterinarian has listened to what I had to say regarding the adverse vaccination reactions Mootsie had and he has advised me that Mootsie, will never have another vaccination including rabies due to her severe reactions. I’ve also contacted the manufacturer of the vaccines. Thank you for signing my copy of your book. Your dogs are beautiful. Thank you for everything!!
May 6th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Tricia, I am thrilled that your vet is protecting your dog. That’s wonderful!
May 16th, 2011 at 11:30 am
my chinese Crested had been given a rabies vac so that I could have her groomed. With in a few days she started vomiting some yellow foam and sometimes falling down. now she does not really want to do anything. I contacted Banfield vets several times for them to give me a call but never recieved any call back. Today I went back over to them and was told that the vet I had was not there and I could bring the dog in any time then they could talk to me about her. I again said she was fine till she got the shot and is now going down hill.
May 16th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Randy, I just wrote this to a woman with a similar problem: Your dog needs to see a vet immediately. If your vet doesn’t know what to do, and he/she probably doesn’t know how to treat vaccinosis, contact Dr. Jean Dodds at hemopet.com. She will likely consult with you at no charge, although you should offer a donation to her nonprofit. Or try Marina at naturalrearing.com or any local vet with knowledge of homeopathy. See a referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets Also, contact the vaccine manufacturer. They should pay for your vet care. Don’t be surprised if you vet says “it couldn’t be the shot.” That’s easier than doing something about it.
I wish you and your dog the best of luck.
June 7th, 2011 at 7:38 am
[...] http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/ [...]
June 14th, 2011 at 5:58 am
My 10 yr old mini Schnauzer went to the vet last week for his annual check-up, rabies booster and lepto and DHPP booster. A week to the day of this visit, he is now acting in strange ways that I have never seen before. He was absolutely restless and ithcing all day yesterday, would jump from chair to couch to crate to bed all afternoon and evening and ended up doing this all night long. He is now hiding underneath my bed and will not come out. I am now afraid that this is due to a reaction from all of the vaccines he received last week. I’ve been reading this site and this type of reaction doesn’t seem typical of other vaccine reactions I have seen. Again, this is a sudden onset of behavior that I have not seen in the 10 yrs since I have had my dog. Any thoughts or comments would be most appreciated. Thanks.
June 14th, 2011 at 8:43 am
Elizabeth, in my opinion, your adult dog had 5 puppy shots he didn’t need and, worse yet, he had them with a rabies shot. Fire your vet!
There was a study published in the American Veterinary Medical Journal, using data from Banfield vets, showing that miniature Schnauzers are among the dogs who react worst to multiple shots at once. Doesn’t your vet study journals? You can read a condensed version here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/ If you want the actual study, write me.
Please follow the health info in the article you read about What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/
Try to find a holistic vet to treat your dog. Do it now! See the referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets You need a vet trained in homeopathy.
Don’t forget to get all the symptoms recorded in your dog’s file. And find out exactly what shots your dog got and call the manufacturer.
June 14th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Thanks Jan. I spoke with my vet this morning – she naturally said that the shots could not have had anything to do with the condition he is experiencing right now. She tried to run down a list of things that could be causing this and wanted me to bring him in today to give him a shot of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. She then said if that didn’t work, we would move on to more blood tests to see if it is liver related or something neurological. I am not subjecting my dog to any more of this. Thanks for the links – hopefully I will be able to find a holistic vet in my area.
July 21st, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Our 4-month old Labrador Puppy was vaccinated with rabies yesterday and today he doesn’t like to eat and drink. He is so weak and whenever he eat he has been vomiting what he ate after an hour more or less.
I am now worried if he can’t recover from this reaction.
Just wanna ask, is it safe to get a 4-month old puppy to get vaccinated with rabies?
July 21st, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Rob, 4 months is the age at which most dogs are required to be vaccinated against. Is it safe? It is required. I don’t feel that most rabies vaccines are all that safe. They are highly reactive. The safer ones are thimerosol (mercury) free.
Do get some homeopathic help if you can. What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction has advice on what to do. Definitely report the reaction to your vet and get it in your dog’s file. It will help next time around. Also, reactions should be reported to the manufacturer who will in turn report to the USDA. If you incur medical costs, they may help.
Good luck.
August 19th, 2011 at 2:56 am
Hi,
Our 4 year old pug, Hope, passed away aproximately 2 weeks ago. We had been to the vet for a routine check-up and rabies vaccine less than a month prior. During the visit they told us she had a clean bill of health with only some light tarter on her teeth. About 3 weeks after the visit, our pug began acting more sleepy than normal. She began trying to lick/eat the block pavers bricks in our back yard. Within days, she quit eating entirely and had no motivation to even move. She died very quickly, having convulsions while she layed in our master bedroom bath.
When we heard that the vaccine could be a possible cause, we contacted the veternarian, Banfield Veternary in Turnersville, NJ. The veternary assistance said they have never heard of death being caused by a rabies vaccine, and that they had even asked the doctor who said she had never heard of it.
It was then that I realized why I had never heard of possible side effects, the vet seemed to know nothing!
I’ve since gotten the lot number, expiration date and maker of the vaccine.
It still doesn’t help with our loss, but we want to be able to help others.
What can we do now?
Thank you for your time
Cherylyn S
August 19th, 2011 at 8:07 am
Hi Cherylyn. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I find it hard to believe that the vet didn’t know death was a possible side effect. It’s in the product insert. My guess is that they just didn’t want to admit it. It happens all the time. If they knew it, they violated the doctrine of informed consent by not advising you. BTW, Banfield is very pro-vaccine. Too pro in my opinion.
Okay, what to do. Call the manufacturer and also write them. They will probably also say it’s not possible, but they know better. Here’s an article I suggest you read. Scroll down to where it says Non-Immediate Reactions and read on. It will tell you all about the reactions and the incidence of them. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/
Again, I’m so sorry about your dog. It’s too sad for words.
August 19th, 2011 at 9:03 am
We have a shelter dog we think is a toy poodle but might be a mix.
We’ve had him for 3 years now and think he’s 8. He is only 8 pounds.
The first year we had him he appeared to be in perfect health. He vomited some but I changed his diet until it agreed with him.
2 years ago we took him to the vet for his distemper and rabies shots.
He was given 3 year shots of both. That night he had a severe seizure, couldn’t stand, foamed at the mouth and vomited. Of course the vet was closed and I took him to the ER. By the time we got there the seizure had stopped and he appeared to be back to normal. The vet gave him a shot of cortisone anyway. After that he began having seizures regularly until 6 months ago they were up to every 3-4 days. We took him back to the vet who said he probably had epilepsy. We were giver phenobarbitol for him to take 2x a day. The seizures have stopped, but I honestly believe the vaccines caused them. I have 9 grandchildren who are mostly not vaccinated as my children believe that the side effects are worse than the disease in most cases. Just recently I began to think that the vaccines might be the cause of the seizures. Neither my regular vet or the ER vet seemed to think so, but they can’t convince me otherwise.
August 19th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Mary, you wrote “He was given 3 year shots of both.” Surely they wouldn’t have given 3 shots each of distemper and parvo at one time. That would be crazy, incompetent, worse! Do you mean they got 3 shots each over time?
Re seizures, they very well may be from vaccination. Please read this. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/dog-seizures-and-vaccination If you dog had a seizure, collapsed and vomited right after the shot, the vet should have immediately thought it was from the vaccine.
Find out exactly what vaccines your dog got on the date that he collapsed. Then contact the manufacturer with details, plus the vaccine name, serial # and lot #. They should pay for your dog’s treatment. Find more details about reporting here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/ Try to find a holistic vet trained in homeopathy to help get your dogs off meds and back to normal. http:www.dogs4dogs.com/vets
September 17th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
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September 18th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Thanks for your kind words. I hope truth4dogs have been helpful.
October 16th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
On Sept 26th our 2 dogs went in for shots. Our
older 13 year old English Setter got rabies but the vet did not give her distemper because of her age. She started vomiting and had runny watery stool both with blood in less than 2 days later. She ate nothing and we had mess after mess.
Yesterday, 1 week later we had her put down. She
would eat nothing even cooked hamburger and rice and had lost 2 bs in 1 week. I called the vet office and asked if it could be from the shot or if she caught some illness from going to the clinic. They said they didn’t think so. I googled tonight to start reading all the information you offer and am alarmed at what I have read so far. I truly believe it was the rabies shot that triggered our dogs illness resulting in having to have her put down. The shot was maybe too much for her at her age or there was something underlying going on inside her.
What if anything should we do? I want to get the word out
there.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
My dog had a problem he was always twitching a lot in his dreams. Should I be worried?and it is natural for a dog to breathe heavely?
November 30th, 2011 at 9:13 am
Debbie, your dog is probably just having a vivid dream, although I’m no expert on dreaming. Dogs sometime breathe heavily in their sleep. If your dog is awake, he may be hot. Make sure he has water and isn’t hot. If your dog seems in distress, call your vet.
December 7th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Re: Our 4-month old Labrador Puppy was vaccinated with rabies
Hello Jan,
Sorry for my late reply, but after few days that day when I commented above, our puppy was back to normal and he is very playful. Thanks for all the info you’ve been providing here.
Cheers,
Rob
December 9th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Rob, make sure your dog’s reaction was recorded in your dog’s file. You’ll want to try for an exemption in three years. Your dog is clearly allergic to the shot and revaccination could be very dangerous.
December 24th, 2011 at 9:12 am
My 9 yr old maltese has AIHA. At 1 yr old she developed it but recovered and has been healthy since. about two months ago now she and her sister had their rabies shot. it’s the only vaccine i’ve allowed to be given to her because – well i’ts rabies. about a wk later he tarted full on epileptic seizures. I took her back and she was put on phenobarbital. which made her not able to function. since the seizures happened at night my vet suggested only giving it to her at night. i’ve been doing that. trying to wean her off. so far it’s been about a week since she’s had the meds or a seizure. but she really needed them, sometimes when i didn’t give it she had them. but the seizures have lessened as time passes away from the date of the vaccine. I asked my vet if it could be causal and he was nonplussed to say the least. All this happened before i did any net research to find out if it could be causal. she never had any seizures prior and that was the only thing different that had occurred.
i bought a book on amazon about dogs and epilepsy, they hinted that some vets think it’s related to vaccines but that was it but suggested accupuncture to help
i looked into accupuncture but cound not find any holistic vet within public transport to take her to. when i looked into it is when she started to get better.
so far a week has passed and no meds or seizures that i am aware of, and i’m with her most of the time.
It’s the only shot i allowed since she was 1 yr old and it’s the last of any vaccine she will get if i can help it.
anything else i can do for her at home to help with the possible seizures or things to help aid in recovery?
December 24th, 2011 at 11:49 am
Sue, I’m horrified any vet would even consider vaccinating any dog with AIHA. Any vet who knew anything about the disease or vaccination would never do it. But most conventional vets don’t. I just wrote an article called Why Vets Don’t Recognize Vaccine Reactions at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2011/12/17/why-vets-dont-recognize-vaccine-reactions/ The vaccine label says “for healthy dogs only.” Most vets will fight to avoid the rabies vaccine for an unhealthy dog; many states will allow exemptions with just a letter from a vet.
Anyway, please read the last half of What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/vaccination/vaccine-reactions-vaccination/ Just pass up the first section on emergencies. I feel really strongly that your dog needs a vet who is skilled in homeopathy. You’ll find links in the article. And you should report your vet and call the vaccine manufacturer.
You might contact Russell at http://www.optimumchoices.com/ He once sent me information about his product and AIHA. I can’t give you any guarantees, but it’s worth a try. But please try to find a homeopathy vet. If you can’t find one nearby, I can highly recommend Dr. Kruesi at http://www.crvetcenter.com He has treated my dogs long distance for years and is absolutely brilliant.
If your state doesn’t allow rabies medical exemptions, now is the time to change the law. It’s happening everywhere every day. Here’s the law in your state: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/rabies-laws California law has just changed and I haven’t posted the change yet.
December 24th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Sue, here’s someone else to try. Marina at naturalrearing.com
January 31st, 2012 at 10:28 am
I have a 4 year old lab/shepherd mix – 55 lbs. I’ve had him for just over 2 years, my son had him for a year before that, and he adopted him from a animal rescue group. Clive is timid and sweet natured. When I first got him, I took him in to the vet and he was given the rabies vaccine. Clive seemed a little lethargic – but going the vet scares him, so I just thought it was doctor trauma. But I did call the vet, they recommended and I gave antihistamine. The next year Clive started acting very agitated about 17 days after receiving the vaccine. When I examined him it looked like he welts on his haunches. I had previously noticed some redness on his belly and wondered if he had been bitten by an insect, but he was acting normally. On day 18 I took him to the vet since his behavior had become erratic and agitated. They treated him for an allergic reaction and anxiety. By that evening all redness and sign of welts seemed to be gone and his behavior was 90% recovered. Over the next few days he seemed to recover completely. But no one suspected the vaccine connection. This year, 7 days after the vaccine he was covered in welts larger than quarters and acting erratic and agitated. On day 8 the vet treated him and we discussed the vaccine connection – especially since this reaction occurred more quickly and was easily 10X stronger. It is now day 11, Clive is showing slight improvement each day. I’m talking to the vet each day – and today the vet called the vaccine manufacturer and they and my vet agree that Clive should not be vaccinated again. I know this site doesn’t agree with treating with steroids and antihistamines, but that’s what is being done for now. We may have been slow to put 2 and 2 together, but we all agree the vaccine is the culprit (well, the manufacturer will only say “likely” culprit).
January 31st, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Karen, short term treatment as you described should be fine, but I would be very careful before continuing it for long. Treatment with homeopathy would help a great deal. You can get a consult by telephone if you like. Go to the referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets Or contact marina at naturalrearing.com. Your vet is currently suppressing symptoms, not treating the cause, and that can be dangerous long term. Homeopathy is inexpensive and can help prevent long term problems.
Make sure you have written proof from your vet and the manufacturer that your dog should not be vaccinated again. Records get lost and vets move away. Also, the manufacturer should be paying your vet bills. Press for resolution.
February 18th, 2012 at 11:34 am
Hello. I’ve been reading your website with great interest since our dog, Blue, has a recently discovered, critical, immune-mediated disease. He is 7.5 years old, and like many owners posting here, he received “all traditional” vaccinations regularly throughout his life (with a “normal lethargic reaction” after each set of vaccinations). Until now –
1/16/12: Blue received shots for rabies and DHPPC (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, corona virus).
2/8/12: Routine pre-op blood work (for a pending knee surgery) showed platelet count of near zero with a diagnosis of ITP (immune-mediated thrombocytopenia). In addition to negative abdominal x-ray and ultraound, Blue received vincristine (1x dose), and prednisone and doxycycline (on-going).
2/11/12: Blue’s platelets were up to 43 (still low compared to normal 200-900).
2/17/12: Blue’s platelets were adequate, but his segmented neutrophils (part of the white blood cell count) were critically low (neutropenia). After more negative blood tests, titer tests, and urinalysis, Clavamox was added to his regimen of prednisone and doxycycline.
Since 2/8/12, he has been very tired, although bright-eyed when alert and happy, with a good appetite and “typical” prednisone reactions (high thirst and frequent urination). We are supposed to take him back on 2/20/12 for follow-up blood work. Who knows what we will find. Needless to say, this is traumatic for all of us.
After researching your site and others, I am certain these immune-mediated diseases are an adverse reaction to the vaccines. I will not give routine heart worm (we live in the northern part of the midwest). I don’t feel like we have a no choice but to continue on the current immuno-suppressant drugs and antibiotics until we get “normal” blood work back. There are no holistic vets nearby. Any thoughts? Keep your fingers crossed for my Blue. Thank you.
February 18th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Keka, is the same vet who over-vaccinated your dog still treating Blue? (Why did he/she give an adult dog puppy shots, especially coronavirus — which is a nonexistent disease?) Please read http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/
If Blue were mine, I’d contact Dr. Kruesi at http://www.crvetcenter.com He has treated my dog Jiggy for many years; Jiggy has suffered from liver disease for 10 years since a rabies vaccine reaction. He’s quite brilliant and will work by phone. I’ve never met him, but two of my vets use him for tough cases. You send in your dog’s tests and records. I think he’s brilliant.
His consultation fee is reasonable. Ask about the price of supplements to remedy the condition, which can run into some money. But then, you’re already spending a fortune.
Another option is a homeopathic regimen prescribed by Dr. Charles Loops at http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/ He is treating Jiggy whose liver disease has finally turned into cancer. Jiggy is doing well.
Good luck. I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.