VACCINATION READER FEEDBACK

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/20/2008: Valerie Strain from Bethany, Oklahoma writes: "my name is valerie and I took my 4 16 month old mini schnauzers in for their annual rabies and other boosters less than one month later all 4 got seriously ill one with a horrible rash 3 were hospitalized and one died the 4th one came down severely anemic and has bacteria in his colon. I have 5 other older schnauzers and all are fine the only link is the vaccine in the 4 younger dogs. We are awaiting autopsy on Snickers who died. We are broken-hearted. Her rash was terrible, on tummy, was raised red bumps from top to bottom and they were blistering. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. We love them all dearly and miss Snickers terribly. Vets refuse to say it was the vaccine but wouldn't all 9 have been sick if it wasn't?"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/20/2008: Kristin from Raleigh, NC writes: "My Rat Terrier- 4 years old- got his yearly check up and vaccinations yesterday. Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella and 3 year Rabies. Today, he couldn't even stand up to use the bathroom. He only ate a tiny bit of food and has been sleeping all day. Gave him one Bayer baby Apsrin, as recommended by the vet, and it apparently hasn't helped. Poor thing is suffering and I can't do anything else for 3 days."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/16/2008: Roy writes: "Reactions to pet vaccinations

My cat had an alleric reaction to his pet vaccination. I ended up having to take him to the pet hospital and he is doing well.

I read the posts in the pet vaccination section and it appears to me that some of the pets are having allergic reactions to their vacinations (unusual behavior and injection soreness, ongoing sickness, are some clues)...the pet has to be taken back to the vet for a possible injection of ephinephrine to counteract the allergic reaction. Vet told me to give the pet childrens benadryl till you can get it in for some epinephrine."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/14/2008: Sharon from Mill Creek, Washington writes: "We have a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Our breeder said not to give her the bordadella(?)Vaccine. The vet disaggreed and she got the first dose. It made her very sick. Vomitting, Fever, pain at the injection sight; sorta like flu in humans. We were upset and angry, so she never got the rest of the vaccine. She continued to have GI problems to the point of having pancreatits. I was cooking for her too so we just couldn't figure out what was going on. They tested her for food allergies. The results showed allery to everything on the list excepts, dairy, wheat and catfish. Desperately allergic to lamb, chicken and rice! I found an excellent holistic vet and he has turned her around with his Indian herbs (Trifal), enzymes and Probiotics. It was finally determined that the vacine blew her immune system as none of her littermates have any problems whatsoever. She still has upper GI issues but she's healthy and robust and a love bug."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/09/2008: Ashley from Endicott, New York writes: "My cat got his first distemper vaccine yesterday at the ripe old age of 3. He's been acting like he can't even hear me like he's mad at me, because I call his name and he is unresponsive, very lethargic, sick to his stomach, walking very slowly, having a hard time jumping up in places where he has never had any problem before, and all he wants to do is sleep. He is a very vocal cat and he hasn't made a sound since we came home from the vets office. He is also very cautious with where the injection was given, he seems sore in that place. If you have any idea if this is from the distemper or rabies shot or from something else please let me know because my cat is one of my best friends to me, because he is always there, and never judges you haha =] thank you.

-Ashley"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/09/2008: Katherine from Grovetown, Ga writes: "My mother took her 14 yr old indoor cat in good health to the vet for yearly vaccines & rabies, that night he was lethargic, head was contracted & stiff, r rear leg extended with claws spread while lying on his side, pupils enlarged & irregular, shallow breaths, only able to walk short distances,we are all still in shock from his death."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/07/2008: Barbara from Los Angeles, CA writes: "I have a Coton de Tulear and he had a horrible reaction to a rabies shot. The vet gave him his shot in his back near his neck area. I hear that is odd. He was very lethargic, would not eat, would whimper if we touched him at all, he could not move his neck to the left or right, he was very ill. We took him to the hospital and we discovered that he had a high temp and was dehydrated. After staying over night and blood tests,x-rays, and five days of antibiotics, he is hopefully going to be okay. He still won't eat and is just sleeping a lot right now. I don't know what to do in another 3 years when he is suppose to get his next shot. But we are not going to go through this again!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/06/2008: Susan from Toronto, Canada writes: "Our 3-year-old dog was vaccinated a week ago (rabies, distemper booster, leptospirosis, parvo, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenz). She was fine for about 6 days then we noticed that she was shaking her head as if her left ear was bothering her. She also began throwing up. I took her back to the vet who did examined her ears (no visable problem) and took blood for a series of tests. We're waiting for results. She is still vomitting and also has diahrrea. Things aren't looking good. "

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/02/2008: Joyce from Williamstown, New Jersey writes: "reaction to rabies vaccine: I have a 13 year old pit bull. She was vaccinated about four weeks ago for rabies. About a day and a half later she began exhibiting strange reactions. She was extremely restless. she paced all night. She became nervous around large groups of people and she was having tremors. I relate this all to the vaccine as she was fine before this. I feel terrible that I inflicted this on her."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  09/01/2008: Lisa from mesa, AZ writes: "Our 1 and half yr old beagle got his 2nd rabies vaccine 2 months ago, and had a severe reaction which caused a large mass at the injection site and almost killed him. Now he is suffering from severe Anemia, with no identifiable cause. He has been on several meds for 4 weeks, with no improvement..And I fear or sweet little pup is going to die as aresult of the vaccine....Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated..
We are in AZ...."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/31/2008: Elaine from Jacksonville, Florida writes: "I faithfully took my minature schnauzer in for yearly shots. I wanted the best for him so I had all the vaccinations they offered. When he was 10 years old and I took him in for the shots I noticed he was in pain right after and did not bounce back from the shots. In four months the Vet said he had Lymphnoma which is accelerated by vaccinations.

After 2 or 3 years of age, I would not get the shots for my dogs, there is proof that vaccinations are not needed every year. Only rabies is required by law. I took my other schnauzer into the vet last week and he still wants to shower my dog with shots. I think it is a money game. I did not get them. I am going to find a homeopathic vet. Losing a pet to cancer or anything that is so pointless fills you with guilt that is slow to go away. A year has passed and I still want him back."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/30/2008: Pam from Smithfield, RI writes: "I just brought my yorshire terrier sho is ten years old in for her shots. Now a lump has formed at the injection sight on the back of her neck.I was told to watch it for it to go down, if it does not it will result in a return visit for a biopsy! If she has cancer becasue of a shot--was it worth it?? NO!! Not to me!! She is an indoor dog-why do I have to put my beloved pets life at risk for something so almost impossible for her to get."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/28/2008: Christina from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio writes: "Hello, I am writing this comment in hopes that it may help or inform other dog owners of the serious and potentially deadly risks of some vaccines. In Aug.2006 I took my then 2 year old mini schnauzer to my vet to get her vaccines. The vet gave her the rabies vaccine, along with bordetella and distemper vaccines. My dog had her first rabies vaccine when she was 1, which was good for one year. Now I was taking her in for her second rabies vaccine, which would be good for 3 years. I would also like to note I had another dog (Irish Setter) who was given the same vaccines at this visit and was perfectly fine afterward. After my mini schnauzer was given the vaccines, within minutes, she experienced a serious reaction, and went into shock. She collapsed on the floor on the way out of the door at the vet, her eyes were stairing off into space. She pooped as she was laying there and her face was very swollen. I grabbed her and ran back into the vet, they took her to the back where it took almost 3 hours to regain her vital signs. I had no idea something so serious could happen just from vaccinations. It cost me an additional $200 on top of the original visit to save my dogs life, but of course money didn't matter at that moment. They inserted a catheter, gave her fluids, and several injections. For a while they weren't even sure she was going to make it and wouldn't let me see her. She did recover, but now I'm afraid of vaccinating her again. The vet said we can give her antihistamine before we vaccinate but it is not guaranteed an even worse reaction may occur. I have since then done some research on canine vaccinations, and my best info for dog owners is to just be there when your dog is getting these vaccines, and know the warning signs and symptoms. Because really there was no way of me or my vet knowing such a reaction would take place."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/26/2008: Kelly from Atlanta, GA writes: "I had my ten-year old terrier mixed breed vaccinated against rabies and within 24 hours she suffered hind-end paralysis, unable to stand or support her own weight. Because she is older and had a chronic disease (liver failure), we chose not to have her vaccinated against parvo/distemper but did go ahead with the rabies. I almost had her put down as I believed it to be end-stage liver failure. Thank goodness the home euthanasia vet was unavailable as 36 hours later she showed some signs of improvement but still had hind-end weakness. After much research and talking to specialist from the University of Georgia Vet Hospital, the recommendation is not to do vaccinations on dogs that are chronically ill or older. There are cases were the paralysis persists and the animal has to be put to sleep. Don't go through what I did. If you have an older pet or one that is chronically ill or immunocompromised, forego the vaccinations."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/25/2008: Lisa from Wichita falls, US writes: "I have pets and I do not do the rabies shot. One of my cats got sick for a week and did not eat or drink anything. He is great now. I have a small dog and I have not given him a rabies shot since he was a puppy. He is now almost 10 years old and doing great! My cats are inside cats so I do not give any of them the rabies shot or my dog. I think that all the shots that are given to pets over and over is doing nothing more than ending their lives too soon. Thank you!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/18/2008: Linda from Oklahoma City, OK writes: "Took our Golden Retriever for rabies 8/3/08 and she was fine. Took her for lyme, Bordetella, and DPC vaccinations 8/15/08 and by the time she got home she wasn't using one of her back legs and has just been lying around and hasn't eaten much. Talked to vet today 8/18/08 and they said to give her buffered aspirin and if she isn't feeling better tomorrow to bring her in. I have never had one of my dogs have a reaction from their shots and until I started researching yesterday I never knew they could have side effects like this."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/16/2008: Crostu from Beverly Hills, California writes: "FYI
I can't offer a whole lot of knowledge or specifics here, but I can tell you what I observed. I took my 9 week old kitten in for a fcrvp (fvcrp)?? anyway the one that they give all kittens. No leukemia shot or any other shots or treatments were done that day. The kitten got real still and quiet, more so than I thought normal. Then the kitten just layed on his side. So I went to pick him up to comfort him. He meowed in much pain. I put him back down. I touched very lightly all over his body. He hurt from head to toe, as I could tell by his high pitched screams and painful look on his eye. There were no other symptoms. it lasted for about 36 hours. Of course I called the vet. They said that this is a somewhat rare side effect, but he should be fine. He was fine after that. I had taken about 15 cats to the vet for shots at that time, and had never had that reaction. Just thought I would tell you my experience."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/16/2008: Cristina from Bucharest, Romania writes: "I have an eight year old French Bulldog. Last year I took him to the vet for his annual rabies shot and DHPP booster. Over the years I noticed he didn't feel too well the first few days after his shots, but it always passed. Last year, the day of the shot he was completely lethargic, and that night he had his first seizure. I told the vet, and since it started out with my dog crying, and it lasted for one minute at most, the vet said he must have had a nightmare. He kept having a seizure every night for the following month. I knew they were seizures when he couldn't control his bladder during these brief moments. Since he only had a minute long seizure a night, we didn't put him on any medication. After a month the seizures started coming further apart, every 2, 3 nights, and not every single night. After a year they were down to one every 2 months or so. Since his last shot his hind legs have also grown weaker. He used to be able to jump all over and run. He can't even climb stairs any more. And this doesn't seem to be getting any better. I only hope that by not giving him any more shots it won't get any worse. Vets in Romania still insist on giving shots every year. Some even advise pet owners to come in earlier, so the shot's effect does not expire and leave the dog unprotected. Since no laws are being issued to protect pets, I only hope that more dog owners start doing research on their own and start acting in the best interest of their furry friends."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/14/2008: Joyce from Staten Island, NY writes: "My cat, bootsie, had his rabies and booster shot a week ago, on monday, and he is very sick, the vet is giving him fluids, antibiotics, and vitimins, and force feeding him, I have him back almost every day...I asked them to take a blood test on him, and they are charging me $145.00. They are getting anoyed at me because I keep bringing him back...He is eating with my encouragement,,,,am so stressed out.
joyce"

I want to report that my 6-year old feline, Boo, has developed a fibrosarcoma at the shoulder where she was injected with rabies vaccine (Fort Dodge) in March of this year. I know there is no remedy or cure. I just pray that the manufacturers make improvements in the preparation of this vaccine and that vets educate themselves and their pet owners on the risks/preventive measures associated with its administeration. So much is at stake for our beloved pets subject to this required vaccination."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/12/2008: Tammy from Livermore, CA writes: "I just took my 10 year old Chihuahua to the vet for a check-up last week. I was also talked into the Bordetella nasal spray vaccine. I specifically asked if there were any possible adverse side effects and was told there were not. Since then my dog has been sneezing, reverse sneezing and I think he had a seizure of some type on Saturday where his whole body stiffened up and he could stand on his own for about 5 minutes. He kept trying to get his paws up to his face. I am very angry that I was not told about possible side effects when I asked."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/12/2008: Kirstin Blake from Cochrane, WI writes: "Vaccination Death Report: Yesterday I took my 3 cats to the vets for their "booster vaccinations. My 2 1/2 year old high energy fun loving boy Snorky went into anaphylactic shock in less than 20 minutes. Symptoms included panting, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, loss of bowel control and crying out in pain. Went back to the vet and he was given epinephrin to counteract the reaction and was kept under observation for a couple of hours. After bringing him home, severe vomiting continued and he started throwing up stomache lining and blood. Went back to the vets. He was given something else and we were sent home with siringes of epinepherine and dia....something. Also told to pick up childrens formula (liquid) benedryl. Took him home again and he kept vomiting while laying on his side. Seizures started as mild leg twitches. While driving back to the vets the seizures became violent full body jerks with pupils expanding and contracting. When we reached the vets she tried to give him valium but he stopped breathing. Put him on oxygen but his heart stopped. We were unable to revive him with CPR. Time lapse between vaccination and passing... eight painful hours. He fought it with everything he had.

I do not blame my vet who tried everything she could to save him and cried herself when we couldn't. It was the worst reaction she had seen in 27 years.

Unfortunately, I was unaware of the research regarding booster vaccinations until I came looking for answers as to why my boy died. While I support that young animals should receive their vaccinations, adult pets should not receive boosters. If I had been fully aware of the risks and the newest research, I never would have taken my cats in and Snorky wouldn't have suffered so needlessly.

Totally heartbroken... sorry for being so graphic.

Kirstin Blake
Cochrane, WI"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/10/2008: Nicole from Richards Bay, South Africa writes: "I have a 4 year old Daschund, which I adopted a year ago form the SPCA. He received his first rabies vaccine on the 25 July 2007 almost 4 weeks later he started with the symptoms of a slip disc in his neck (he could not move his neck from left to right and was limping badly on his front right leg, yet there appeared to be no pain in the leg just severe pain in the neck), he was referred form his normal vet to a specialist and more than 30 X-rays later they wanted to operate but could not find the exact location of the slip disc they then wanted to do a CAT scan which I could not afford to do. I decided to try a different vet which a friend had recommended to me. The last vet that I went to gave my dog a quarterzone injection which cleared the symptoms within a week (with allot of rest). I had had no problems with the slip disc or joint pain at all for the past year until 4 weeks ago he went for another rabies shot (Schering-Plough Rabisin) and in this past week the exact same symptoms have started again. I don't know for sure but i assume it is due to the rabies injection."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/07/2008: Kati Morlando from Raleigh, North Carolina writes: "My cat Jesse got a distemper shot and a rabies shot on Saturday the 2nd of august.H e is eating and drinking fine, he used to go outside practically all day, but now all he is does is lay around the house and sleep and he has been in the house for five days now."