Vaccinations and adverse reactions
If your dog is having a vaccine reaction right now, go to the bottom of this page for information on how to help them.
Vaccinations and adverse reactions
When your pet has an adverse reaction to a vaccine, the word “shot” takes on a whole new meaning. The alarming, and almost reliable, adverse reactions we are seeing in our crew; plus the continual reports from other Frenchie owners, motivated us to research the topic of vaccinations more in-depth. We’ve discovered this is a very volatile topic and very interesting discussions are being had.
Are vaccinations good? Are they necessary? Yes. They are an efficient means of controlling diseases and viruses in canine populations, and thereby, protecting the related human population for years. Are they good when given repeatedly is the issue. Many states require annual vaccinations, some every three years. Researchers and studies are challenging the status quo of vaccinating every year or every three years. Seems we aren’t the only breed or pet owner to be experiencing an increase in adverse vaccine reactions or what is clinically called an “adverse event.” (An interesting note on 1-year vs. 3-year rabies vaccines: they are the same solution, just different labeling to meet state requirements.)
What exactly does a vaccination do? It introduces a weakened or killed version of the virus into the body so it can produce antibodies against the virus, but without the danger of contracting the disease or virus. Remember the shots you got as a kid? Sometimes you felt icky and the shot site might be sore for a few days? That was your body creating defenses against Measles, Rubella, Polio, etc. It takes a few weeks for antibodies to reach full strength after a vaccination.
Maybe you’ve heard of an animal or person contracting a virus, even though they have been inoculated? It probably was due to exposure to the virus before their body had time to build its defenses. This is why it’s SO important to keep puppies in safe environments until they have had all puppy shots, and given time for their bodies to manufacture antibodies. Then, by all means, take those pups to the park and public places to socialize!
With each injection, you are re-stimulating the immune system. If the antibody level has dropped below protection levels, this is a needed boost. However, if the levels haven’t dropped, and a boost is not needed, this constant simulation can have detrimental effects. Issues such as: allergies, autoimmune disorders, and more. In some dogs, the reaction to repeated vaccination can be fatal. They can go into anaphylactic shock.
When a puppy receives their first round of shots, the dosage is low to fit a puppy and they may not have a reaction. This is also the first time the virus is introduced to their system. As a vaccine or virus gets introduced “sensitization” can happen. The body doesn’t react the first round or two, but as stronger doses are given later in life, the body reacts to this intrusion, as it was trained to do, by the first shots. After all, even though the virus in the vaccine is weak or killed, it’s still the virus the body must be defended from. But the threat is not really there, and the antibodies start attacking the healthy body, causing things to go haywire.
Many groups are becoming more aware of this and medical studies are being planned to investigate the need for annual or tri-annual vaccines. Below is a link to one organization planning a long-term study to prove canine rabies immunization may persist for up to five or seven years.
Rabies Challenge Fund
Another vaccine element which can cause a severe reaction are the adjuvants used to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine.
http://www.bcrescue.org/rabies2.html
To learn more about canine vaccinations, here are other sites with very good information:
To report an adverse reaction you can contact the vaccine manufacturer. They will get event facts from you and should submit a form (Form 1932a) to the FDA or you can download the form and mail to the FDA. There is a separate on-line form available to report adverse events to the USDA.
www.fda.gov/cvm/adereporting.htm
www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/cvb/html/adverseeventreport.html
Need immediate help?
Chances are you found this page because your dog is having a reaction or has had a reaction to a vaccine. If your dog is reacting to a shot by swelling or puffing up over their face or body, developing hives, vomiting repeatedly, or seizing, call your vet right away! They can administer a shot of epinephrine and/or an antihistamine to reduce swelling or hives. They can also prescribe medicine needed for any other reactions. If it’s after-hours or a weekend, take your pet to an emergency animal clinic. They can administer this same shot and diagnose the symptoms. Take along any paperwork from your primary vet about the shots. Especially if it names the manufacturer and type of vaccine given.
If shots are due, and your dog has an adverse reaction to prior vaccinations, you can plan ahead by giving him or her an antihistamine, such as Children’s Benadryl, before being immunized. (Check with you vet FIRST whether you should and for dosing amount!) Ask for an early-morning appointment or drop them off in the morning. This is so you, or your vet, can keep an eye on your pet during the day. Initial reactions can take up to 24 hours to appear, but in our experience, they happen within 1-6 hours. Later reactions can occur up to 45 days post-injection.
(Disclaimer: We are not vets.The above is only an essay on the current state of events in the world of vaccinations and our experiences. Discuss all concerns about vaccination with your vet and do your own research for the health decisions you make for your pet.)
