Comments on: Rabies Vaccine Skin Reaction: Ischemic Dermatopathy

By: Barby Thornton

Barby Thornton — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:18:46 +0000

thank you, Jan, for all of this info & for sharing Judy’s & Peach’s story. I have a 3 year old mini Schnauzer “Lil” who may have this disease. She has lesions on the inside & about midway down on both ears, which come & go for no apparent reason. Have done different antibiotics (both topical & oral), natural stuff, biopsies, etc, with a possible diagnosis of some sort of “auto-immune related” vasculitis. I am thinking it is rabies vax induced vasculitis, after much research, & especially after seeing your info here. Will Judy share her regiment of meds, diet, etc with me? I would be so grateful!! I am just so devastated to think that this might not be curable . Anyway, any more info that I could obtain would be so appreciated – my little “Lil” is one of 4 Schnauzer daughters here, & they are my world!!

regards -

Barby Thornton, SC
864/630-0554
barbythornton@bellsouth.net

By: Jan

Jan — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:40:01 +0000

Christina, I’m sorry to take so long to respond. Your question about your dog’s I.D. and behavior problems came right before my Safe Pet Vaccination Seminar. I was swamped. I just found your posting at http://www.blog4dogs.com.

If I were you, I’d contact a vet certified in homeopathy. There are referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet. I know you think vaccines aren’t an issue, but both I.E. and behavior changes can be caused by a rabies vaccine. Homeopathy is the best remedy.

I hope things have improved since you wrote.

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:30:12 +0000

Hello. I am interested in finding out more about the community of people dealing with this problem with their dogs, and what treatment options are available. I have a 8 year old pointer mix with severe behavior problems who is on a variety of behavioral medications, and has been for about 2 years. 6 months ago, she developed a lesion below her right eye, looking like a boil or a burn. It does not respond to any topical treatment we have tried. Due to her mix of meds, we are extremely reluctant to try steroids. A February biopsy indicated probably ischemic dermatopathy, however, we are doubtful this is vaccine related, but rather suspect it is stress/immune mediated, possibly result of the drugs she is on. All other laboratory testing is normal; we do regular bloodwork including thyroid panel. We are concerned as the lesion appears to be spreading, and are troubled that the source of the problem cannot be determined. If there is any information at all anyone could point me toward (as beyond a few veterinary journal articles and so on, there is not much reliable information out there), specifically, if there may be any natural treatment options available. we would be very much thankful.

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:09:09 +0000

Hi Lisa. I’m so sorry for your dog’s problems. I sent your comments to Judy, Peaches’s “mom.” I’m sure she’ll get back to you. If she doesn’t in a few days, she may be out of town. Let me know and I’ll try to find the information another way.

Best wishes,
Jan

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:43:57 +0000

Thank you for telling your story.
Can you please tell me what meds Peaches takes?
My beloved border collie mix, Bear, has severe ischemic dermatopathy due to a vaccination she received in 2006. She was a gorgeous healthy girl at the time of her vaccination.
The disease has progressed and the seemed to go into remission a few times, only to come back again with a vengeance and she seems to be rapidly declining the last two months.
Her paw pads are badly ulcerated and bleed every time she goes outside. She has had significant necrotizing of the skin on her “elbows” and her sweet little face. She has lost fur in straight line down her neck and in patches on her chest and belly.
She has lost so much muscle mass around her face, one of her eyes “droops” open. Much of the hair along her snout and around her eyes is gone, and the skin is crusty and scarred.
She can no longer be walked on the side walk, or lay in the snow like she used to love. We have a 4-month old puppy that she play with, but an accidental scratch from the puppy on Bear’s face cut her delicate, fur-less skin.
I am completely heartbroken and don’t know what to do. I fear we will lose her soon if this continues to progress.
I have switched to a wonderful new vet, and would be so grateful for any information I can bring to him.
I am heartened by Peaches story and inspired by your persistence to find the correct treatment protocol to help her recover – thank you!

By: Jan

Jan — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:59:17 +0000

Pam, good luck with your cat’s test. If you want more information on vaccinating cats, see http://www.littlebigcat.com and http://www.catshots.com. There’s alot of information about vaccination at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/vaccination It’s directly towards vaccinating dogs but most of it also applies to cats.

I wish you good luck!

By: Pam Crist

Pam Crist — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:57:33 +0000

Thank you for telling your story. I had my cat vacinated two months ago. 2 weeks ago she developed a large abscess in this area. We took her to the local vet and they washed out the area and put her on antibiotics and steroids. Today we took her back to the vet because the area has become very hard and is still oozing. The vet is sending a biospy out to see if they can find out what is causing this. I wish I would have known the dangers of vacinations ahead of time.

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:13:07 +0000

Hi Laura. I’m sorry for Louie’s problems. I can truly empathize.

If you’d like to communicate with Judy, Peaches’s human mom, contact me. I’ll put the two of you in touch. — Jan

By: Laura Sterner

Laura Sterner — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:37:18 +0000

Hello Jan,

Thank you for writing about your experience with this disease and for supporting the Rabies Challenge Fund. I, too, have a dog who has been severely affected by this disease and am glad to see that people are spreading the word about the dangers associated with this vaccine.

My dog, Louie, also has a serious intestinal disease called lymphangiectasia which came on at about the same time, and came very close to taking his life. I have no idea whether there is a relationship between this disease and the vaccination reaction, and feel that much more research is needed in this area.

Louie’s story can be seen on my blog at http://savelouie.blogspot.com . The blog was originally started to address an emergency dietary need when the manufacturer of his prescription diet stopped making the formula, and I am now working to help spread the word about intestinal lymphangiectasia and will be adding more information about rabies induced ischemic dermatopathy there, as well.

Again, thanks for telling your story, and I hope Peaches is feeling well these days!