Dog shots

Question
I have a Boston Terrier and I took him to the vet last tuesday to get his shots. Its been a week tomorrow and I was playing with him and patting him on his back rough just playing with him and he yelped 2x. I felt on his back neck where he got the shots an there is a knot about the size of a half dollar. Im gona talk to the vet tomorrow but I was just curious if you might know anything. He's 4 yrs old Ive had him since he was just a few weeks old and I dont want anything to happen to him... Thanks Joni

Answer
Joni,

It's possible he's had a reaction to the vaccines.  This can be from the vaccine itself or the way it was given (not completely under the skin).  Usually vaccines are safe but sometimes different manufacturer's have problems with certain dogs.  Usually veterinarians will switch vaccines due to cost, so it's possible this particular vaccine was not one used on your pet before.

Worst case scenario is that the lump will have to be surgically removed and the tissue sent to the lab for analysis.  I have personal experience with that issue, my oldest pug had a reaction to a rabies vaccine that was given in the skin instead of under the skin. A huge mass developed and had to be removed...twice!  Hopefully if it is caused by the vaccine the vet will cover the charges for treatment, but who knows for sure.

In any event, he's going to be alright!!

Laura