Vaccines & Vaccine Reactions

With vaccination commonly recommended annually, most pet owners
are accustomed to taking their pets to the vet for “yearly
shots.” It seems such a commonplace part of routine pet care
that many people do not think about what is actually occurring
within their pet’s body. In fact, immunization represents
stimulation of the immune system, an inherently inflammatory
process.

It is typical for some joint or muscle soreness to occur after
vaccination, for lethargy to be observed, or for a mild fever to
be present for a day or two. These reactions are not serious and
generally go unnoticed. Pets may eat, drink, and exercise
normally after vaccination if they want to; it is the more
serious allergic reactions that need to be distinguished from
the above expected phenomena.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Allergic reactions are highly individual inflammatory responses
against specific proteins entering the body. These proteins can
be pollens, dusts, foods, medications, or even vaccines.

The time frame after vaccination can be immediate (the “Type I”
reaction) or anytime in the next 48 hours (the “Type IV” or
“Delayed Hypersensitivity” reaction.)

An allergic reaction might include hives, facial swelling, or
even nausea. More serious reactions can include shock or sudden
death (“anaphylaxis”).

WHAT TO DO DURING A REACTION

If your pet is having a reaction more severe than just some
general malaise or soreness, you should let your veterinarian
know right away. Vomiting may be a sign of an on-coming serious
reaction, or could represent something as mild as car sickness.
If vomiting is observed, let your veterinarian know right away.

Anti-inflammatory injections can be used to halt the
inflammatory cascade before it gets dangerously out of hand. Be
sure you know who to call in case of problems after your pet is
vaccinated. If it is after-hours, it is prudent to consult your
local emergency clinic.

WHAT TO DO IN THE FUTURE FOR THE PET WHO HAS HAD REACTIONS

There are many steps that can be taken to prevent allergic
vaccine reactions:

AVOID LEPTOSPIROSIS VACCINE

The leptospirosis portion of the DHLPP (distemper) vaccine for
dogs has a reputation for being the most likely portion to cause
vaccine reactions. You can request that this portion be left out
of your dog’s vaccine.

AVOID GIVING SEVERAL VACCINATIONS AT ONE TIME

We recommend giving only one vaccine at a time. This minimizes
the challenge to your pet’s immune system and, in the event of a
vaccine reaction, allows the veterinarian to determine which
vaccine may be problematic for your pet. If your pet needs both
a rabies vaccine and a DHLPP vaccine, we suggest that you
separate these vaccines by at least two weeks. DO NOT HAVE YOUR
PET VACCINATED AT A VACCINE CLINIC

Our vaccine clinic is designed to provide streamlined service
for healthy pets in need of their regular immunizations. Pets
who have a history of vaccination reaction should only be
vaccinated under the supervision of a veterinarian. A pet with a
vaccine reaction history should receive some special attention
in the form of observation in the hospital and/or pre-treatment
with anti-inflammatory medication. If you are aware a vaccine
reaction in your pet’s past, please schedule an appointment with
your veterinarian to booster your pet’s vaccines. BE SURE YOUR
VETERINARIAN IS AWARE OF YOUR PET’S HISTORY OF VACCINE REACTION

We have seen many people at vaccination clinics wait until after
the animal has been vaccinated before informing our staff that
the pet has a history of reactions. It may sound obvious, but it
is important to bring any adverse history to the attention of
your veterinarian before your pet is vaccinated. BE PREPARED TO
PAY FOR EXTRA PRE-MEDICATIONS AND/OR OBSERVATION IN THE HOSPITAL

Medications can be used to “head off” allergic reactions before
they happen and with the use of these medications it is possible
that a reacting pet can be vaccinated normally. To be safe, it
is frequently recommended that the pet be observed for the day
after vaccination, despite the medication. Consult your
veterinarian regarding his/her recommendation.

A FINAL NOTE

Vaccination reactions severe enough to produce shock are
EXTREMELY rare and are a function of an individual pet’s immune
response. Vaccination is an important part of responsible pet
ownership and should not be omitted without specific veterinary
guidance.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.