Reaction to vaccine!

[NikkiSpice2]

Hey all, I recently took my dog Stella to the vet for 2 vaccines that she was due for (she is one year and 3 months old)...they gave her two at once (rabies and distemper). I took her home and that night she started acting funny. She was breathing heavy, running around freaking out, puffy eyelids, and shaking her head. I freaked out and took her to the overnight vet office and they said she had a reaction to one of the vaccines but of course don't know which since she had two. After researching I am guessing the rabies vaccine since that seems more common. I am a little upset at my vet for giving 2 at once when it seems they should have been separated by weeks. Also, she had a slight fever the day she got the vaccines but still gave her the shots. I feel bad I didn't educate myself prior to the appointment so I knew what was right but I trusted them. Stella was given a cortisone shot and benadryl shot to counter the reaction. she is currently taking benadryl. After investigating this I am very concerned for the next time she needs to get a vaccine (esp Rabies) and in PA there is no exemption available for rabies vaccines. Some websites also state that the vet should report any reactions but I dont think my vet did that. Is this something I should push for? Has anyone's dog went through this? Any advise appreciated!!! I am extremely worried about my dog since she still doesnt seem herself...her vaccines were given on Wed and today is friday. My vet said to wait 3 days but that seems like a long time...
Thanks for help!

[EarthAngel]

First I want to say I hope Stella will be feeling better soon. I haven't any idea on how long bad reactions to vaccines lasts. Hopefully someone who has experience with that will post about that.

As far as when I get vaccines for Bentley. I have them separated by at least one week. So, regular vaccine is given. Then later his rabies. With the rabies he is given a shot of benadryl and then the rabies vaccine.

Let us know how she is doing, ok?

[NikkiSpice2]

EarthAngel, thank you so much for your response. I will ask the next time if she could get a benadryl shot prior to the rabies shot. There must be something to prevent such a reaction from occurring. They did not seem to think it was a big deal but it was so uncomfortable for her. Stella is still shaking her head and lethargic. If she is not better in the morning I will call the vet again. Thanks again!
BTW: I love the name Bentley!

[107barney]

Please be very careful with any additional vaccines going forward. You might want to read Brandi's story: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/mem...y75s-pain.html

Vaccine reactions get worse and worse so it is important that you talk to your vet about the option of a titer. No one gave Brandi's owner that option. As for rabies - I think there is advocacy work going on in your state to promote a medical exemption. You can contact the Rabies Challenge fund for info. Duration of Immunity Study for Rabies Vaccine - Rabies Challenge Fund

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by NikkiSpice2

Hey all, I recently took my dog Stella to the vet for 2 vaccines that she was due for (she is one year and 3 months old)...they gave her two at once (rabies and distemper). I took her home and that night she started acting funny. She was breathing heavy, running around freaking out, puffy eyelids, and shaking her head. I freaked out and took her to the overnight vet office and they said she had a reaction to one of the vaccines but of course don't know which since she had two. After researching I am guessing the rabies vaccine since that seems more common. I am a little upset at my vet for giving 2 at once when it seems they should have been separated by weeks. Also, she had a slight fever the day she got the vaccines but still gave her the shots. I feel bad I didn't educate myself prior to the appointment so I knew what was right but I trusted them. Stella was given a cortisone shot and benadryl shot to counter the reaction. she is currently taking benadryl. After investigating this I am very concerned for the next time she needs to get a vaccine (esp Rabies) and in PA there is no exemption available for rabies vaccines. Some websites also state that the vet should report any reactions but I dont think my vet did that. Is this something I should push for? Has anyone's dog went through this? Any advise appreciated!!! I am extremely worried about my dog since she still doesnt seem herself...her vaccines were given on Wed and today is friday. My vet said to wait 3 days but that seems like a long time...
Thanks for help!

Yes I would push your vet to do this. If every vet reported a reaction, we would have so much more information than we have now. I really thought that most vets didn't give rabies shot with any other shot, and maybe someone else here has more information on that. I'd be worried about future shots too, I wonder if they can make exceptions for rabies? Hope your little one recovers soon, what are her symptoms now?

[Mardelin]

I'd take your pup to another vet and explain the situation. With the cortisone and benadryl shot, your pup should have been better within hours.

With this reaction your pup should never chance another vaccine. Most vets will write a letter to that affect. And if they don't, guess what, I'd fly under the radar....I wouldn't chance my dogs life.

[NikkiSpice2]

Thanks for all the responses. I think at this point I will be making an apt with another vet. I actually go to this vet b/c they have emergency after hours but I just do not trust them anymore and I think they just glazed over this. Plus, they never told me there could be such a reaction to this vaccine. I originally went in for only one vaccine but since she was due they administered both. Knowing what I know now, I should not have allowed this. Stella is super lethargic still and not eating/drinking as much as usual. She may be tired from the benedryl...they have me giving her 1/2 a pill every 8 hours so she is super sleepy. What worries me the most is she keeps shaking her head every few minutes when she is awake. Or she will rub her face/ears on the floor. I had them check her ears and they were red inside but they said it was from the reaction to the vaccine. I did see a difference after they gave her benadryl/cortisone...before that her head shaking was so violent they were afraid she would burst blood vessels in her ears which would require surgery to drain. Thankfully it is not so violent now and I dont think that will happen.
I am also going to look into a vet that deals with titers. I do not want Stella to go through this again...after reading about Brandi...I cant even imagine something like that. sooo awful
Thank you all again!!!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by NikkiSpice2

Thanks for all the responses. I think at this point I will be making an apt with another vet. I actually go to this vet b/c they have emergency after hours but I just do not trust them anymore and I think they just glazed over this. Plus, they never told me there could be such a reaction to this vaccine. I originally went in for only one vaccine but since she was due they administered both. Knowing what I know now, I should not have allowed this. Stella is super lethargic still and not eating/drinking as much as usual. She may be tired from the benedryl...they have me giving her 1/2 a pill every 8 hours so she is super sleepy. What worries me the most is she keeps shaking her head every few minutes when she is awake. Or she will rub her face/ears on the floor. I had them check her ears and they were red inside but they said it was from the reaction to the vaccine. I did see a difference after they gave her benadryl/cortisone...before that her head shaking was so violent they were afraid she would burst blood vessels in her ears which would require surgery to drain. Thankfully it is not so violent now and I dont think that will happen.
I am also going to look into a vet that deals with titers. I do not want Stella to go through this again...after reading about Brandi...I cant even imagine something like that. sooo awful
Thank you all again!!!

She may be experiencing mild siezures.......If I were you I'd get her to the vet ASAP.

[kjc]

Here's a link to Dr Dodds' protocol..... FYI She states that Rabies vac should be given 3-4 weeks apart from DHPP... also links on vaccine reactions.


Dr-Dodds-ChangingVaccProtocol


Hope your baby is okay!

[TankNPico]

I am so sorry you had to go through this. It is incredible to me that so many vets still look at these tiny dogs with their tiny organs and introduce dangerous vaccine protocols! However, my vet has an MVD Maltese and is very conscious of the risks in multiple vacines at one time so he administers them 2 weeks apart. Nonetheless, 8 years ago my Maltese had a bad reaction to the rabies and fortunately I had hung around the vets office for a time afterward so when he collapsed in my arms and the technician asked me if that was normal for him, I said no, he is usually on high alert in the vet waiting room. So she grabbed him from me and he was given antihistimine, steroids and put on oxygen. His gums were grey and he was totally inert.

He recovered after a looooooong 45 minutes and has been fine ever since. This is what I pray for for your furbaby.

Why don't breeders tell you about these possibilities? Why aren't more vets aware of this and space those vaccines out for the little ones? I don't get it.

Please let us know how Stella is doing.

[Rhetts_mama]

Originally Posted by NikkiSpice2

Hey all, I recently took my dog Stella to the vet for 2 vaccines that she was due for (she is one year and 3 months old)...they gave her two at once (rabies and distemper). I took her home and that night she started acting funny. She was breathing heavy, running around freaking out, puffy eyelids, and shaking her head. I freaked out and took her to the overnight vet office and they said she had a reaction to one of the vaccines but of course don't know which since she had two. After researching I am guessing the rabies vaccine since that seems more common. I am a little upset at my vet for giving 2 at once when it seems they should have been separated by weeks. Also, she had a slight fever the day she got the vaccines but still gave her the shots. I feel bad I didn't educate myself prior to the appointment so I knew what was right but I trusted them. Stella was given a cortisone shot and benadryl shot to counter the reaction. she is currently taking benadryl. After investigating this I am very concerned for the next time she needs to get a vaccine (esp Rabies) and in PA there is no exemption available for rabies vaccines. Some websites also state that the vet should report any reactions but I dont think my vet did that. Is this something I should push for? Has anyone's dog went through this? Any advise appreciated!!! I am extremely worried about my dog since she still doesnt seem herself...her vaccines were given on Wed and today is friday. My vet said to wait 3 days but that seems like a long time...
Thanks for help!

At this point, it would be impossible to figure out whether it was a reaction to the distemper booster or the rabies. Vaccine reactions can occur following the first of 101st dose of any vaccine. Dogs can also be allergic to the ingredients and preservatives in the vaccines.

If she's having seizures now, the next reaction could be even more life threatening. Benadryl won't be enough in that case to help it or prevent it.

Mardelin is right when she says that you need to find a vet that recognizes the seriousness of this and agrees to give no more vaccines, period.

[gemy]

Hi so very sorry to hear of that bad reaction. I noticed that you are pretty close to the Univ of Penn, that has a very very good vet school and clinic.

You might want to check them out for another vet option.

I hope she can be seen really soon by them.

[couturerose]

Originally Posted by NikkiSpice2

Thanks for all the responses. I think at this point I will be making an apt with another vet. I actually go to this vet b/c they have emergency after hours but I just do not trust them anymore and I think they just glazed over this. Plus, they never told me there could be such a reaction to this vaccine. I originally went in for only one vaccine but since she was due they administered both. Knowing what I know now, I should not have allowed this. Stella is super lethargic still and not eating/drinking as much as usual. She may be tired from the benedryl...they have me giving her 1/2 a pill every 8 hours so she is super sleepy. What worries me the most is she keeps shaking her head every few minutes when she is awake. Or she will rub her face/ears on the floor. I had them check her ears and they were red inside but they said it was from the reaction to the vaccine. I did see a difference after they gave her benadryl/cortisone...before that her head shaking was so violent they were afraid she would burst blood vessels in her ears which would require surgery to drain. Thankfully it is not so violent now and I dont think that will happen.
I am also going to look into a vet that deals with titers. I do not want Stella to go through this again...after reading about Brandi...I cant even imagine something like that. sooo awful
Thank you all again!!!

Im so sorry to hear that your going through this. This really hits home I took my baby Couture to the vet on wed for her puppy shots and was unaware of the effects of giving puppy shots and rabies shot on the same day. My baby was very sleepy and limp and would cry when I would touch the site she got the injection. I then took her to the emergency and they gave her Cortisone shot and I declined the benadryl since she was already sleepy I didnt want to make it any worst. When we got home I gave her Nutrical and water followed by a spoon of soft blue buffalo food. Within a few hours she was more responsive and went potty then she started to eat somemore on her own. On thursday I gave her the cortisone orally and she has been playing all morning now its Friday and as of now she is back to her old self. Even with reading all the reviews about vaccines its hard to follow the do's and don't about this kind of stuff You just have know your baby and take control over the vet mine received an ear full since I originally told them that I didnt want her to get the rabies shot now and I was talked into it. We all stand to learn trust your gut. Keep us posted we will pray for your baby.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Yes I would push your vet to do this. If every vet reported a reaction, we would have so much more information than we have now. I really thought that most vets didn't give rabies shot with any other shot, and maybe someone else here has more information on that. I'd be worried about future shots too, I wonder if they can make exceptions for rabies? Hope your little one recovers soon, what are her symptoms now?

I think most give them together. Big dogs can handle it. The only vets that give them separate are the ones that know specifically about Yorkies and the effects of vaccines on small breed dogs.

This is why, as a Yorkie owner, one must educate themselves and be a proactive advocate for one's Yorkie's health.

Many times techs prep the exam room prior to your entry. They look at your chart, see this dog needs X, Y and Z. They pull them from the fridge, mix them up and put them in the room for the vet to give to the dog.

When I enter the exam room, I scan it for anything, especially vaccines. If I see vials with needles, I stop the vet before the exam and say 'What's that?'
The vet says 'Oh Just the vaccines.'
I say' Okay, we'll start there. What are they? Specifically? Let me see them. (and I read the labels) If I see something I don't understand, I ask about it then and there.
'What's this? Lepto? My dog doesn't get Lepto. Or Lymes. Or corona. No flu shot, no Giardia vac, no dental vac, no new vacs'
Vet says 'Well, we've seen 3 cases already this year.'
I say, 'And how many dogs have you seen without it this year? 10,000? 20,000? I am not risking my dog's life for those odds.'

ME: 'I want DHPP today.' And they better show me a vial that says DHPP and nothing else on it. Not
Vet: 'Oh we've run out of that, we're giving DHPPLCv instead.'
Me: 'No, you're not. I'll come back when you get the DHPP in.'

Me, again: 'What's in that 2nd vial? Rabies vac?'
Vet: 'Yes'
Me: 'NO. Not today. I'll be back in one month for the Rabies. Please remove it from this room. Thankyou.'
Vet: 'But it's already prepared.'
Me: 'I don't care. Give it to somebody else.'
Then the Vet starts the exam.

Not to be anal or anything, but many vets will try to sell vaccines. They make money on them. You must learn to say No. You need to protect your pup against this kind of unnecessary vetting.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by kjc

I think most give them together. Big dogs can handle it. The only vets that give them separate are the ones that know specifically about Yorkies and the effects of vaccines on small breed dogs.

This is why, as a Yorkie owner, one must educate themselves and be a proactive advocate for one's Yorkie's health.

Many times techs prep the exam room prior to your entry. They look at your chart, see this dog needs X, Y and Z. They pull them from the fridge, mix them up and put them in the room for the vet to give to the dog.

When I enter the exam room, I scan it for anything, especially vaccines. If I see vials with needles, I stop the vet before the exam and say 'What's that?'
The vet says 'Oh Just the vaccines.'
I say' Okay, we'll start there. What are they? Specifically? Let me see them. (and I read the labels) If I see something I don't understand, I ask about it then and there.
'What's this? Lepto? My dog doesn't get Lepto. Or Lymes. Or corona. No flu shot, no Giardia vac, no dental vac, no new vacs'
Vet says 'Well, we've seen 3 cases already this year.'
I say, 'And how many dogs have you seen without it this year? 10,000? 20,000? I am not risking my dog's life for those odds.'

ME: 'I want DHPP today.' And they better show me a vial that says DHPP and nothing else on it. Not
Vet: 'Oh we've run out of that, we're giving DHPPLCv instead.'
Me: 'No, you're not. I'll come back when you get the DHPP in.'

Me, again: 'What's in that 2nd vial? Rabies vac?'
Vet: 'Yes'
Me: 'NO. Not today. I'll be back in one month for the Rabies. Please remove it from this room. Thankyou.'
Vet: 'But it's already prepared.'
Me: 'I don't care. Give it to somebody else.'
Then the Vet starts the exam.

Not to be anal or anything, but many vets will try to sell vaccines. They make money on them. You must learn to say No. You need to protect your pup against this kind of unnecessary vetting.

Thanks for the information!