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. 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
How to Report Vaccine Reactions
Questions to Ask Before Vaccinating
***
Get Our Vaccination DVD: W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March 2010. 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.
March 14th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Hi,
I found your post thru a search. Wish I had read it earlier!
My maltipoo puppy is 14 weeks old and had her 3rd puppy shot set last Thursday. Saturday she started vomiting and was lethargic. We ended up back at the vet all day requiring fluids, anti-nausea meds, anti-inflammatories, and pain meds
She seemed to be bouncing back but today, one week later, she started vomiting again and is lethargic. Everything else with her seems okay. Is this possibly a vaccine reaction? Or should I be looking other places?
March 15th, 2012 at 6:37 am
[...] of course last night I googled vaccine reactions and ended up reading this site: Your Dog's Vaccine Reaction: | Truth4Dogs Totally freaked me out. My vet is great but wonder if she will try to pass it off as something [...]
March 15th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Hi Tori. Same symptoms? Given no intervening problem, it’s probably the same cause. And when these symptoms disappear, new ones may take their place. Your dog can, but hopefully won’t, experience different reactions over time unless you take action.
Was your dog given more than parvo and distemper? I fear she was. Maltese are #6 on the list of dogs reacting badly to receiving more than one vaccine (not just one shot) at a time. You might want to read this and please tell others at Spoiled Maltese. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/
Make sure you report these new reactions to your vet. Also, get all the vaccine info and report it to the manufacturer. Your vet should have done this but they seldom do. Sometimes the manufacturer will help with the cost of treatment.
Now, find a vet trained in homeoopathy. Your vet is treating symptoms without even believing that the vaccines are at fault. How do you cure something you think doesn’t exist??? You need someone to treat the cause: vaccinosis.
Okay, your dog is likely finished with puppy shots. See http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/ I’d get a parvo/distemper blood titer test in two-three weeks. If it comes back positive, your dog likely needs no more vaccination except for rabies. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2008/10/22/titer-test/ I suggest you have the blood drawn by your vet and sent to hemopet.com A world-renowned expert will read and interpret the result at no extra cost. You only need to do this test once if it come back positive.
Wait as long as legally possible to get the rabies shot. Read this before you do: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/09/23/rabies-vaccination-12-ways-to-vaccinate-more-safely/ And try to find a holistic vet to give it. You may be able to get a medical exemption depending on where you live and your vet.
Sorry to give you so much homework! But your pup is worth it!
March 21st, 2012 at 11:02 am
Thanks so much for up the info and this website. I reported the adverse vaccine reaction to my vet, the internist vet school that’s treating Blue, Merck (who offered to pay part of the bills), Pfizer (who offered to report the reaction – gee, thanks!), the USDA, and the FDA. I also signed the Indiana petition requesting a medical exemption from rabies for sick dogs, and donated to the Rabies Challenge Fund.
Blue’s prognosis on the ITP went from critical, to poor, to now fair because he seems to be responding to the drug therapy. He is suffering some nasty side effects from the drug therapy but we are hopeful that he will make it. We are worried but a little less so now that he made it to day 40 post-diagnosis. Keep your fingers crossed! Thanks again for all of your hard work.
March 21st, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Keka, thanks for all your activism and supporting the Rabies Challenge Fund. I’m delighted Merck is pitching in. But Pfizer, boo!
We wish you and Blue all the luck in the world and are thrilled to hear he’s getting better. If you need any help or referrals, please write again. — Jan
March 23rd, 2012 at 7:49 am
Hi Jan,
A quick note I forgot to mention about Pzifer, which you may already know. Pzifer’s vaccine “immunity guarantee” offers up to $5000 for vet bills if your pet actually contracts the disease you’re trying to prevent (what about payment for life-threatening side effects?). What’s more interesting is the “immunity guarantee” in Pfizer’s leaflet specifically lists up to 4 years immunity for some conditions (despite the annual or 3-year nature of some vaccines) and one year coverage for some vaccines routinely given every six months (bordetella). Link below. Thanks again, Keka
https://animalhealth.pfizer.com/sites/pahweb/US/EN/PublishingImages/SAB0311008%202011%20Updated%20Detailer%2034-18-11.pdf
March 26th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Hi jan,
Im so upset at myself. A weekago my dog had anesthisia for dentistry and I asked for his annual shots to be given while he was under. My toy Poodle is age 10. 5 days after, my dogs hind legs dont work well, sissor walking, wobble, they turn in and out-he doesnt have good control, strugggles to walk out to potty and get in potty position. I used all my money to get the procdures done, I live on Social Security, Im freaking out. I couldnt talk to the Vet today(Monday) because he was in surgery all day. I will try again tomorrow. I live on the NW side of Austin Texas outside of its city limits.
March 30th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Pam, don’t be upset at yourself. Be upset at your vet. No 10 year old dog should be getting annual shots. It’s shameful. Puppy shots are for puppies, not senior dogs. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/
Your dog has serious problems. Your vet is unlikely to be able to help. He probably won’t even admit it has anything to do with the vaccines. You need a vet trained in homeopathy. Check out the referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets
Here’s the website of a well-known vet in Austin. http://www.alt4animals.com/vaccinations.htm
If you need a vet to consult with you over the phone, write me again.
Be sure to report the reaction to your vet and try to get his help to contact the vaccine manufacturer. It’s the least he can do.
March 30th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Keka, thanks for the link. I hadn’t seen it. I wonder why they can’t at least change labels to reflect their guarantees?
April 1st, 2012 at 7:42 am
My wife and I have a 3yr. old dog, a mixed Terrier in which we have adopted about a year and a half ago and was given all the required vaccines needed then. Well, now we thought spring is here and the weather for the ticks is coming around. So, we were foolish enough to go to a mobile vet and give him the vaccine, but not just the one for the ticks but a combo one including the rabies vaccine.
So, later that evening we noticed Nate (our little joyful Terrier) hurting and not being wanted to get touched or be near us, lost his appetite and yelped if if we tried to pick him up.We got really scared and sad but just tried to give him plenty of water and healthy snacks since he didn’t want his regular food. Now, a week and a half later, he seems to be back to his old self, eating, running and playing around with us, except that where he got the shots we have just noticed that there seems to be a lump.
So we are just wondering if that lump is normal and if that is something that will go away?
April 2nd, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Zack, a lump is not normal, but it’s not necessarily a dangerous reaction. Watch it carefully. Measure it. Photograph it. If it’s not gone within a month or two, see a vet about it. In fact, if you can afford to, see a vet now.
Your dog may seem back to normal but may not be. He got way too many vaccines at once, and surely many he didn’t need. If your dog came from a shelter, he was surely way over-vaccinated then. Then again.
Please don’t go to a mobile vet. They push vaccines to make money, not to help your dog. You should report your dog’s vaccination reaction, but which vaccine was the problem? And who do you report it to?
Please, read this about over-vaccination. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/ Nothing will cost you vet bills and shorten your dog’s life sooner than too many shots. I’m glad you’re doing research now. And check out the food he’s eating. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets
May 3rd, 2012 at 12:30 am
hi Jan,
I have a 3month old male lhasa apso.He got vaccinated for rabies a week back under the skin on his back.But now i feel a lump on his back when i touch him, i am really scared and don’t know what to do.The lump is not hard and it moves below the skin when touched.It does’nt pain for him when i touch the lump.
May 3rd, 2012 at 6:31 am
Lucky, lumps after vaccination are more of a problem for cats who develop cancers more often than dogs, so this advice from the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. should help you to relax:
It is quite common for a small, firm, painless swelling to form under the skin at the site where a vaccine was injected. The lump is almost always of no consequence and disappears after several weeks. Rarely, however, the swelling may progress to a sarcoma. To be on the safe side, your veterinarian will suggest that you periodically check the vaccination area for several months after vaccination. If you detect a lump, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Small samples of the lump will be sent to a laboratory for diagnosis if any of the following are true:
The lump persists for more than three months after vaccination.
It is larger than two centimeters in diameter (about the size of an olive)
It is increasing in size one month after vaccination.
If you have access to a vet who practices homeopathy, you might consult them. Also, be sure to report the lump to your vet.
May 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Hi Jan! Quick update on Blue… He is still suffering side effects of drugs needed to treat vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia, but he is only on 0.4mg per kg of prednisone so his prognosis has been moved up to good!
Just on the off chance you hadn’t heard, the county and and/or state where Dr. Jean Dodds’ Hemopet is located is challenging her tax-free status 20 years after it was granted. Hopefully she will be able to fight it, but we can send good vibes in the meantime.
Thanks so much for this website! ~Keka
May 23rd, 2012 at 8:46 am
Keka, that’s great news. Thanks for letting me know.
I hadn’t heard that about Hemopet. Do you remember where you heard it? Jean does great work there.
May 23rd, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Hi Jan. I learned about the Hemopet news on community.dog.forums (outstanding community of people who post on all things dog, including immune-mediated diseases). Then I talked to Dry. Dodds and confirmed. If Hemopet loses the fight, 8 years of back taxes will be due, and likely bankrupt the non-profit business. I really hope that doesn’t happen. The research and vet lab are so important.
May 30th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Hi, My 9 1/2 yr old JCR got out of the yard and was taken to the local shelter, I had recently moved to a new city 100 miles from where I was and my vet. Scratch was “due” for her rabies shot, she had a 3 yr shot in 4/09. Since they didn’t have her records they gave her, INTRA3, STRONGID, G DA2PP when she came in and since it was 5/12 her rabies was expired so I needed to get her rabies shot. They had a vet there and since I didn’t have a new vet yet I went ahead and let them give it to her.
No one has never told me that she or any dog could have an adverse reaction to a rabies shot or any other shots and I grew up with dogs and been around them for about 40 yrs. Scratch had the rabies shot Tues. morn by the afternoon she started gagging, acting like she was going to vomit (dry heaves), eating grass, weeds and tree leaves, drinking a lot of water and breathing hard like she does when she gets excited or having an allergy attack. I gave her benedryl, her vet had told me to give her some when she had her allergy attacks several yrs ago. She was up most of the night with all these symtoms which are continuing today, some are worse and now she is very tired and looks miserable. All she wants to do is lay down or go outside and eat grass, weeds and tree leaves. She walks very slow and does not run at all, this is a jack russell!!! She wakes up gagging or wretching and bearly holds her head up, I know the benedryl will make her tired, but she was like this before the I gave it to her. I wanted to try and help her and give her some relief.
After reading this I am extremely worried and am thinking I may have to take her to the emergency vet. I got her from a local shelter 8 1/2 yrs ago as a b-day present from my late husband and she is part of the family. Even my grandchildren are worried about her. We are given this info to make informed decisions for vaccines for us and our children, to us our pets our family members too and we need to be given this info to make informed decisions for them too!!!
May 31st, 2012 at 8:26 am
Michelle, if it were my dog, I’d rush to the emergency vet. Your dog not only had the rabies shot, she had a bunch of other shots adult dogs don’t need. After you go, please right again. And make sure everything gets recorded in her file and GET A COPY OF THE FILE.
June 2nd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
HOLY HANNA…..two yrs ago took my Chorkie (chihuahua/yorkie) in for his very first rabies shot. Before I got home (I live less than 5 miles from the vet) he was flopping around in the car and breathing funny….went back out to the vet and they gave him something to counteract the vaccine. 7 hours later the swelling in his face started to go down and within 12 hours he was ale to walk again and seemed fine the following day. A few weeks ago I returned to a new vet thinking that maybe it was a careless mistake at the first veterinary clinic but it’s the law to keep your dog current on their vaccinations. I voiced my concern and they were so good to listen and then they said to premedicate with benedryl and he should be just fine. I premedicted him with the benedryl and went back….asked if I could stay for 10 or 15 minutes just to make sure he would be o.k…..SO VERY GLAD I DID!!! Within just a short time my dog was not breathing well…vomiting, pooping, and flipping out. I screamed, they ran out and picked him up and took him back into the clinical area. I stayed out in the waiting room to clean up the mess he had just made. It took me less than 2 minutes to clean things p and go to find my dog and walked in to find him on the table with oxygen, they were giving him a shot to counteract the vaccine…he was unresponsive, VERY LABORED BREATHING…almost scary…no, it WAS SCARY!! For an hour and a half I sat holding my lifeless dog with an oxygen max over his nose. His gums were pure white, shaking uncontrollably, eyes fully dilated and glassy. They put in an I.V. Which I took him ome with that I.V. In his leg….He was a mess…went 6 days without eating, we couldn’t find him, he was either in a closet, under a sofa or bed, or behind the toilet hiding. Prior to this if I was sitting on the sofa, he was in my lap, if I was in bed, he was beside me….not any more!!! THEN came the seizures….foaming at the mouth, stiff necked, jaw locked and legs locked then after a few minutes SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. The vet clinic has contacted Phizer, I have called Pfizer…the refuse to talk to me. The vet says he has NEVER seen a reaction this bad and has asked Phizer to help with the anti seizure medication for the rest of my dogs life….I would also like for Pfizer to reimburse me for the huge vet bill I paid to keep my dog alive after the rabies vaccination…they won’t respond. I want my old dog back….the one that was my constant companion, not the one I can’t find!!!! I’ve heard that Lyssin is something I could give him…can’t seem to find it…we are in a rural area and can’t find it on the Internet either! Anyone have some suggestions of how to get my baby back???
June 4th, 2012 at 10:55 am
Rita, Lyssin, as I understand it, can be given before and during vaccination, but reactions vary and so do remedies. I strongly suggest you consult a holistic vet. Your dog has had a serious reaction and needs help to avoid further damage. Check http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets for a list of holistic vets and vets trained in homeopathy. If you can find someone who does acupuncture, that may help with the seizures. If you can’t find a vet in your area, I can recommend one who will consult by phone. Find my contact info at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/contact.
If it were my dog, I’d write a letter to Pfizer with all the details. Send it by registered mail. Include all the details, including your vet’s contact information, medical facts, product information, your contact information, what happened when you contacted them, etc. Send it to the head of their veterinary vaccines division and elsewhere within the company. Be factual and businesslike. Copy the USDA and AVMA. Make sure your vet has contacted the USDA about this. If you can, ask an attorney to help. And ask your vet to help.
If you have a local news outlet, tell them about this. Make noise. You know what they say about squeaky wheels.
But first, get some good health information for your dog. Let me know what happens.
June 4th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
I have a question, Can you detox dogs of heavy metals like humans? Thanks
June 7th, 2012 at 7:05 am
SueW: yes. Both of my dogs have received homeopathy for that purpose.
July 31st, 2012 at 2:10 am
We have had our puppy Deimus for about three weeks now, and have had two series of shots (8 and 10 wk) since his first shots (with us) we have brought him in multiple times, (changing to a new reliable vet) and after his first shots his backlymph nodes are swollen and has had diarrhea, he was put on rice and chicken for about two weeks, he is not on normal dog food after slowly introducing it, and today he had his ten week shots, the area in his shoulder where he got not of them is now swollen, I’ve noticed his lymph nodes by his neck below his ears are now swollen, his diarrhea is back (normal colored now though) and he’s gagging or hacking every once in a while. Oh, and around when he was out on the chicken and rice he was also given flagyl and a test to see why his back lymph nodes were swollen, we were told the results were “reactionary” a few hours ago I called the emergency vet and he said the swelling is normal, and the lymph nodes have nothing to do with the shots. I gave him a Benadryl and it seemed to help a little with the pain, but now he’s sore again. I’m starting to struggle with this a lot now, I feel like no one is helping they’re just saying it’ll pass. Is there anything I can do?
July 31st, 2012 at 8:32 am
Katiann, you wrote: we were told the results were “reactionary.” Reactionary to what?
Sometimes a vaccine can cause a reaction similar to the disease it’s supposed to protect against. Which vaccines did he he get each time?
Also, where do you live? Maybe I know someone who can help.
July 31st, 2012 at 8:45 am
I live just west of Chicago. And he got bordetella, DHLP (3rd) and StrongID? And when I was told it was reactionary, she said it could be an infection somewhere In his body, or cancer. But he only had these symptoms since his 8wk shots. His swelling is down and no soreness anymore. He hasn’t pooped yet, but I gave him just another 1/2 a Benadryl just to make sure all is well.
July 31st, 2012 at 8:52 am
This is all just so frustrating, bc in the three weeks I’ve had him I’ve spent about 500 trying to figure all this out, just being led around by my vet (he’s been seen by two, after the first one worked me for more money I switched to a clinic I used to work for, but it’s a new vet since I’ve been there.)
August 1st, 2012 at 10:20 am
I took my dog to be vaccinated on July 21. She had an immediate reaction to her rabies vaccine in the guise of a great bog medium apple sized lump on her butt. It doesn’t seem to bother her, but it also isn’t getting any smaller. We took her to her regular vet to get it checked out and he insisted it couldn’t be from the vaccine and tried to get us to let him remove it and get it biopsied. He shaved it and drew blood which gave no indicator for cancer but still insisted we needed to let him remove it. I refused, because there is no reason to think it is anything other than what I said. I have had animals for 30 years and most of them have lived to be very old. I am not stupid. Anyway, now the poor thing looks like she has grown a testicle on her rump where the vet shaved it. I was wondering if anyone had ever heard of a reaction like that before and had any advice about how to help it go down.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:28 am
Amber, get a new vet. This is a common reaction to a rabies vaccine. See http://www.dogs4dogs.com/truth4dogs and http://www.rabieschallengefund.org Your vet is either poorly informed or doesn’t want to admit that the vaccine he gave caused a problem.
The lump will either go away on it’s own in a week or month or so, or could be a sign of a bigger problem, although this is rare. The world’s top expert says to get it biopsied if it’s still there in a month or two, or gets larger. If your dog’s health declines, or behavior changes, see a KNOWLEDGEABLE vet. If that’s the case, write again and I’ll give you some options on what to do.
In the meantime, please report the reaction: http://truth4pets.org/reporting-reactions/
Also read this article on questions to ask before vaccinating. http://truth4pets.org/question-before-vaccination/ And tell your friends!
August 15th, 2012 at 5:54 am
In 2004 my then 4 year old 10lb Rat Terrier Harry had his annual shots. within days i returned home to find his face swollen like as if he had the mumps. Two months followed of swelling in different parts of his body. Legs, tail and face. Thyroid crashed and numerous other things occurred. $4000 later with the unofficial diagnosis of Auto immune disease, i took him off all the prednisone, refused thyroid meds and other drugs that were simply doing nothing for him. To battle the inflammation I began a high dose of fish oil, took him off commercial food, began home cooking and had the thyroid re-tested to find it had returned to normal levels. About 6 months after the episode i had him titer tested for parvo/distemper. Only to find the titer was sky high for parvo at over 16,000 ! Looking back there were site reactions to Rabies and the eye infection that lasted 2 months after a rabbis shot. the alleged diagnosis was allergies. Well he never had allergies. NO vet wants to admit it was all due to over-vaccination. My vet however was responsive to my requests for titers and changed his opinions after seeing the results of the titers. Years following I continued to titer test. the parvo came down to 4,000 for several years. the rabis titer was at the top of protective immunity as well. Harry has not had any vaccinations since and likely never will unless i see an abnormally low titer then i will have to consider what do to. After stopping all vaccinations and placing him on a healthy home cooked diet he is near 10 years of age with thankfully no health issues. No one will ever be able to tell me this was not an over-vaccination issue. Since years passed with no reoccurrence of any of the prior symptoms it was clear that was the issue. So word of advice all, spend the money on titers and refuse vaccinations if they are high. Support the Rabies challenge fund. Help educate your own vet with the results in hand. If they are non-responsive go to another vet! I continue to monitor new studies regarding the immunity levels in these vaccinations and one thing is clear they lack conclusive evidence of the immunity longevity and its much longer than ever realized. the more its made aware the better chance we have in protecting our furry loved ones. titer testing is money well spent!
August 16th, 2012 at 9:01 am
Kim, thanks for sharing your story. I’m happy you had a happy ending.
You might want to check out our new not-for-profit website all on vaccination. http://www.truth4pets.org
I have also posted a petition on Change.org. Each signature will send an email to officials in the veterinary community asking them, among other things, to start stop enabling over-vaccination and to give us access to reaction reports. Please sign it and share it far and wide. http://www.change.org/petitions/veterinarians-fully-inform-us-before-vaccinating-our-dogs-and-cats
August 16th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Jan,
Thank you . I have already signed the petition and circulated it to as many contacts as possible. I also support and follow the Rabies challenge fund ! This is a change we have to make for our pets health. Thank you for initiating , educating and supporting this much needed cause!
All the best!
September 1st, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Hi Jan,
I wanted to let you know that Blue is almost two months off of meds after a five month ordeal with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia – a horrible condition he acquired after his ‘routine/annual’ vaccines. I want to thank you again for this amazing website and the information for reporting to the govt and drug makers. I just signed your petition too. I never sent a letter to Pfizer, only reported it by phone – so I will do that right after I finalize with Merck. I value this site and your work so much. Still keeping paws crossed for Blue’s health, but he’s getting back to his old 115# self. Best, Keka
September 1st, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Keka, thanks so much for getting back to me with the great news! I’m so happy for you both.
Thanks so much for signing the petition. I hope you asked your friends to as well. I’d also love for you to write your story. http://truth4pets.org/tell-your-story/ Or maybe put a mini story with a photo on our Pet Vaccine Reactions Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pet-Vaccine-Reactions/460252784008232 And please “Like” us. We’re trying to spread the word about what can happen.
I don’t hear good news very often. This is great!
September 5th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
My small dog had shots a week ago. Has lost her zest. She is 10 yrs old and behaved like a puppy, full of spunk and energy until she got her shots. She has been panting, limping, appears to be depressed. She will seem better in the morning but loses her energy quickly. Is ther any way to reverse the side effects?
September 6th, 2012 at 9:36 am
Linda, you need a vet trained in homeopathy to help your dog recover. Even after she seems okay, some damage may had been done. Many will do phone consults, but one you can see in person is best. If you need a phone consult from a vet write me again. They are surprisingly inexpensive. Also see the links here: http://truth4pets.org/vets/
Why would your dog get “shots” at 10 years of age? What shots did she get? You need a new vet who won’t just jab without thinking. Please read this: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/ There’s a whole website of information from experts — videos, reports, articles — at http://www.truth4pets.org/
If you can’t afford a holistic vet, here’s some more advice from a vet friend’s article. Be sure to read this carefully as some of the advice (like vitamin D) is advised for people, not pets. http://truth4pets.org/2012/05/preventing-vaccine-reactions/#more-43 This is not a substitute for vet care.
Please report the reaction in detail, in writing, to your current vet. It’s important to get the information into your dog’s file. Then get a copy of the file. You may want to ask for a rabies exemption next time around. Also report the reaction to the drug company. http://truth4pets.org/reporting-reactions/
Let me know how it’s going.
October 14th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
We took our 3 pomeranians to get their shots this afternoon at a well known pet store that provides a vaccination clinic on weekends. Our one pomeranian (Fozzie) was acting unusually quiet, and sleepy, within a short period of time after he received his vaccinations. He received rabies and 5 or 6 in one (DHPP +/-4L) and a heartworm test. The veterinarian told us to come back in two weeks for the bordetella. By the time we got home I started noticing that his eyes appeared to look a little swollen, and he was rubbing his face like crazy on the floor. Within a good 15 to 20 minutes his face was getting so swollen his eyes looked like slits. Off to the emergency vet we went, where they gave him a shot of steroids, and told us he must be having an allergic reaction to the shots.They told us to give him 12.5 mg of benadryl every 8 hours for the next 24-48 hrs. After reading all the different reactions that can still possibly happen, I doubt I will be getting any sleep tonight. I will be watching him constantly. Thank you for providing so much information about the reactions to what I now know are totally unnecessary vaccinations.
October 24th, 2012 at 9:30 am
Hi Jan, my Yorkie hasn’t been to the vet in about 2 yrs because I’m petrified about them pushing me on vaccines. I lost my last Yorkie at age 5 at the vet’s office due to anesthesia issues. So this time around I’m very protective and more educated. I now have to take him in to have a few cysts looked at to make sure they’re not a dangerous growth and I know they’re going to push all the vaccines. My state mandates the rabies, so I have no choice and I’ll do a detox prep & following. My question is…can they push the 5 in 1 combo on me? We’ve kept up all his vaccines till I got educated and stopped 2 yrs ago. His lifestyle dictates to me he doesn’t need any of them. He’s never boarded anywhere, we don’t go to doggy parks, he’s home even when we travel we get a sitter. I’m looking for confirmation that I have every right to say “NO” to the combo. Thanks so much Jan.
October 24th, 2012 at 9:43 am
Lisa, the only legally mandated vaccine is rabies. The rest are optional and more often than not unnecessary for adult dogs who’ve had their puppy shots. Please read these Questions to Ask Before Vaccinating Your Pet: http://truth4pets.org/question-before-vaccination/ You can learn more about titer testing (to test immunity) as well. My advice (though I’m not a vet) is that if your vet wants your little adult dog to get 5 or 6 unnecessary vaccines at once, run, do not walk, to find another vet.
This should help you decide: Read this article about the special dangers of vaccinating small dogs http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/
If that doesn’t give you the confidence to say no, watch my new 3-minute video on vaccine reactions. http://www.truth4pets.org/vaccine-reactions Here’s a link to just the video if you want to post it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nZ5m5uzzac to help warn your friends.
I’m so happy that you stopped to learn more before you went to your vet’s office. You’re a good Yorkie mom.
October 24th, 2012 at 10:44 am
Thank you so very, very much Jan. I truly appreciate all your advice and what you are doing here to help inform and protect. Sadly, I had to learn the hard way the first time around and paid the ultimate price. A lesson I’ll never forget. Thanks to your feedback I now have the ultimate in confidence to say “no” now. I certainly will post your video as well. I’ve also sent a letter to my local senator’s office regarding adding our state (GA) to the exception list for rabies, so far only 16 states have agreed to validate the waiver. Let’s win this fight! Warmly, Lisa
October 24th, 2012 at 10:59 am
Lisa, I’m happy to help. And thanks for spreading the word. BTW, one vaccine activist says, when prompted by her doctor to vaccinate her children, “not today, thanks.” It’s a little less confrontational than just no!. Still, I’d reconsider any vet who even pushed shots on adult dogs. Bad vet! Bad!
November 8th, 2012 at 6:24 am
[...] again is more likely than not and the reaction could be worse. Reporting Reactions | Truth4Pets Your Dog's Vaccine Reaction: | Truth4Dogs States Allowing Medical Exemptions for Rabies Vaccination | Truth4Dogs __________________ [...]
February 28th, 2013 at 8:34 am
On Monday – Oct 25, 2013 (and this was 2-3 weeks after getting a Rabies Vac. – Sancho – our 5 year old Chihuahua mix was laying on top of back of the sofa. My daughter pushed the cushion, he growled and jumped to the seat of the sofa and then off (as he always does) and when he reached the floor, he yelped a high pitch yelp.
That evening he didn’t want to really hang out with us (my husband and I) in the living room. He stayed and slept in his kennel and seemed kind of sleepy. I figured he was just getting used to the autumn air.
The next morning (Tue) my husband put his collar and leash on him at about 6:15am and he went out and did his morning business etc. All seemed well. He ate his food, begged for treats at the breakfast table etc.
After taking my daughter to school (8:15 am) I went to put his collar on him again and he yelped and bore his teeth at me as if to say, “No you don’t”. Yet he looked as if he wanted to go on his walk. I tried again and again. He would not let me. I am afraid I terrorized him because I put my husband’s gardening gloves on and thought – if he bites me, it won’t hurt. He seemed to bite at the gloves and feel remorseful about doing so. He repeatedly tried to bite me while trying to get a muzzel or his collar and leash on. I did not give him a walk that morning. When my husband came home that night, he put Sancho’s collar on with absolutely no problem. Sancho seemed to be “in and out” of his normal personality all day. He never lost his appetite. But he DID look wary when I wanted to give him a treat with my hand.
Wednesday: My husband put his collar and leash on in the early morning and left it on, so I could give him a good walk. As he walked, he seemed like he wanted to pull and walk very hard and fast. Normally, he stops a million times, sniffing trees and marking everything. This time, all he wanted to do was walk and walk and not stop. He actually jumped into my lap after that and let me take his leash off. That afternoon, he seemed to be returning to normal. I was so relieved. That night, he tried to do all of his regular funny things. – sit with us on the couch etc, but yet, he seemed not to be himself – sometimes with a face that had a far away look.
Thursday : a repeat of yesterday. Yet he seems lethargic and sleepy. Sometimes his face would look like a different dog altogether.
Friday: He was completely strange again. He would NOT let me even take the leash off. That day and night, he seemed more lethargic than ever.
Saturday (today) in the early morning, he tried to bite my husband when he tried to put the collar on. He is NOT himself and seems to be sad.
The whole while this has been happening, he has never lost his appetite or desire for treats. On Tuesday he did have some loose stool. He seems to want to do all of the funny things he normally does with us, but there is something stopping him – he doesn’t feel good. We used to give him lots of carrots for a treat, but not now, because we suspected that he had a gas problem.
(the above was written for our vet)
Jump now to February 28th 2013: Since January, with the help of mozzarella cheese sticks, I’ve been able to get Sancho’s collar (connected to his leash) over his head (it is a new semi-choke chain, but cannot choke him, because it it 3/4 nylon strap – like a regular collar) Anyway, we’ve been taking our daily walks and I’ve been able to get his collar on and off him while he is being given the cheese. All has been well, and then, today, he became “strange” again. — with the odd behavior stated above. He seems to be ultra paranoid and walking low to the ground in a panic state with his ears back. I was NOT able to get his collar off because he kept snapping his head to the side to try to bite me. He seemed totally panicked and wild. I left him alone and he is now laying in his kennel sleeping.
All of this to say,… I’m realizing that shortly before ALL of this strange behavior happened, Sancho had been given his Rabies Vac. This time, instead of getting it at the vet, Sancho got it from a Luv My Pet group at Petco. Could it have been a bad batch? What happens when your dog gets an adverse reaction like this? Does it just go away after time? Or is this going to be his new personality? It is dangerous to have him like this. We have an 11 year old daughter in the house.
Please help if you can! Sincerely, Joyce
February 28th, 2013 at 8:38 am
OH,… PS to the above (and sorry this is so lengthy) My vet totally checked him all out and there seemed to be nothing physically wrong with him. She did a blood work up and all was normal. However he has NOT had any xrays or MRIs taken.
Thank you
March 1st, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Joyce, your vet should have recognized this as vaccine-induced illness. Read this: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/rabies%20vaccinosis.htm
Please do two things. 1. Report the reaction to the vaccine maker: http://truth4pets.org/reporting-reactions/
2. Contact a vet trained in homeopathy who will likely understand how to help get the dog you love back. Here’s a list: http://truth4pets.org/vets/ In particular, you might try Dr. Loops or Dr. Chambreau. They can treat your dog by phone. Or check the referral list to find someone near you.
I doubt if this will go away on it’s own. I also doubt that x-rays or an MRI will help. You need a vet who understands the problem.
April 20th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Hi, my dog had both his bordatella and lepto vaccines on Wednesday April 17. That evening, he seemed a bit disoriented and wouldn’t sit when given this command (which he always does). Thursday morning after eating, he vomited. All of Thursday, he was moping around. I called the vet and he said, “it doesn’t sound like it is from the vaccines”, “just keep an eye on him”. Friday he still lacked energy, but, seemed a little better. He was able to have small meals and hold them doen. All of Saturday, he seemed to be back to normal, but he just vomited 3 piles. Could this be vaccine related and should I take him in for a check up? Please help!
April 20th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Jan, lepto and bordatella are two of the vaccines most likely to cause reactions. They are also likely vaccines your dog didn’t need. Your vet either isn’t informed or isn’t truthful. Long run, find another vet. Now, you must report the reaction to your vet and the USDA. http://truth4pets.org/reporting-reactions/ Please read http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2011/12/17/why-vets-dont-recognize-vaccine-reactions/ and http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/ and http://truth4pets.org/question-before-vaccination/
This could be serious or could pass. It’s hard to know just yet. Keep an eye on your dog and go to emergency if he gets worse. Good luck.
April 20th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Jan, remember, you know your dog better than anyone else. If you’re worried, go to the vet’s office.
April 21st, 2013 at 5:45 pm
Thanks fo your help! He seems back to normal today, but I am still keeping a close eye on him! I did tell my vet, he didn’t believe the vaccines were to blame. I will be searching for a new vet, and will also be reporting this to the USDA.