Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May  No, a non-core vaccine should not be given again if it caused a serious reaction the first time (and usually that applies to less severe reactions also).
We live....not far from where this is happening. The vaccine almost killed my girl the first time, so obviously she will not get it. But she is at risk everytime we go outside, so we pretty much don't want to walk her or anything now. sigh. I think (jmo) if it is not given (and there are many good reasons not to give it to small dogs), then maybe spending time where the bacteria is likely to be found is a bad idea (which is sad for the dog).  |
Bella's reaction was more mild...lethargy, fever, and severely painful injection site.
Can we go over again where the bacteria is likely to be found (unless there is an outbreak, like in the Detroit area)??
We go out to potty: our yard is super small, not fenced, VERY near a major road, and less than 20 or so feet away is brush (grass/weeds, bushes, trees...what you'd expect to see in the country. I live on the outer edge of Milwaukee, but they preserved some "countryside" in the midst of the city. Just beyond the brush I was talking about is a trail that is for walking/jogging/biking. The trail is paved, and maybe 10 ft or so on either side is kept mowed...but you literally feel like you're in the country!)
Very occasionally, we go out to play: In some spots on the trail I was talking about, they keep it mowed back much further...far enough that I feel very comfortable letting Bella off leash in these areas to run/play, and she has a pretty decent recall anyway, so I keep her away from the edges with vocal commands. But again, wildlife is around, and I'm sure they hang out in these areas too. For example, I see deer all the time just off the trail in the brush, and I've seen deer in some of the clearings they keep mowed too.
We NEVER go in low areas that stay wet for any length of time after a rain, and we NEVER play near water of any kind either! And we NEVER go into the brush....EVER!!
I feel like I make a really good attempt stay in safe places (or not???), but I also want her to be a dog! To always keep her indoors or never let her run in a mowed field would just kill me!!
IF the places we go would be considered high risk (which, if anyone thinks they are, please let me know!!!), I can only think of 2 alternatives. 1) My vet suggested pre-medicating with a low dose steroid and antihistamine before the vaccine. I really would prefer not to have to give the vaccine at all, and I'm not sure pre-medicating would make me feel any better about it. 2) If Lepto is contracted by licking infected urine, couldn't we lessen our exposure by not playing on wet grass and by washing feet and faces when we get home from playing??