The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Distemper (Cats)
Posted by Nancy (Lincolnshire, Il) on 12/10/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Per your request for info re animal vaccination reactions:
My DSH [domestic short-hair feline, a b/w tuxedo female, age approx. 15 yrs. , had her first negative reaction to a vaccination. A distemper booster turned the white skin on the back of her neck black. Nothing further happened, and that condition dissipated; however, that small section is now bald. Her vet, who is very good, was alarmed by this result and checked with the manufacturer - which claimed no other such reactions. The vet entered into my cat's files: NEVER EVER AGAIN GIVE THIS CAT A DISTEMPER SHOT. FYI. Thank you for this forum.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Mitchells' Mummy (Bedford, United Kingdom) on 11/16/2010
My 11 week old puppy, Mitchell, had the 2nd dose of his puppy injection last week, the next day he appeared "odd" and over the next couple of days he changed from being our family playful puppy, to a zombie like state, with eyes glazed, head held down and pacing a circuit around the edge of the room - bumping into objects, then standing still with no reactions to anything. It was horrific and extremely distressing, he seemed to perk up and the next morning seemed playful and chasing his toys etc. Then by lunchtime, he went back into this vegetative state, so we took him to the vets, telling them he didnt seem right since his injection. The vets said that they hadnt seen anything like it, by this time he was dribbling, and slumping down. He was admitted immediately and had blood tests, which came back normal - his Nuerological tests showed that he had neck ache and loss of vision in one eye. And a suspected bad headache.
I searched internet, and mentioned to the vet that it has been reported that these can be symptoms of Canine Distemper and considering he had been shot with a dose of the live vaccine, surely this was an extreme adverse reaction to his injection. The Vets agreed and started him on antibiotics and painkillers, after contacting the vacine company - Pfizer, they agreed to cover initial investigations and treatments. Later yesterday evening he was no better and the vets called thinking he may need to be transferred to a specialists vets, who require a £1000 - £2000 fee UPFRONT. And the vaccine company would NOT pay this......... So if he doesnt improve, the decision would be down to us, whether or not we pay the money, for treatment, that may not help him, or have him put to sleep. I am livid and distraught, as at NO time was I informed of the risks to these standard injections (I was told he may seem a little tired and may get a lump at the injection site)
With Kids injections (MMR) you are told of the risks, can make an informed decision and then you are given a leaflet stating side effects of the injections and what to do if you notice this. Surely this is something that vets should be doing, I feel guilty that I didnt get Mitchell to the vets sooner and he had to endure 3 days in and out of pain. I have no idea if he gets better, how it will effect his long term health, does he now have mental issues ? Has anyone else experienced problems like these ? Are vets warning of the possible side effects ????
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Linda (Queen Creek, Az) on 12/09/2010
Michelle, we recently experienced the same thing with our 15 week old pup. When he received his second set of shots he was feeling well and was not eating a lot. Then about 3 weeks later he was better; and had put on 4 pounds. Our vet gave his third set of shots and then took blood and xrays of his hips because he was limping. The blood came back that his rbcs were low and wbcs high; so they put him on an antibotic.
Another week went by and I took him back to the vet to have a recheck on his blood work and he was back to being not perky, just laying around, could barely walk and I was feeding him daily with a spoon; but at least he got food in him. He was drinking and moving his bowels; which were soft. Our vet then put him on predinsone to kick up his rbcs and increase his appetite; but instead had the reverse effect, he didn't want to eat. The Predinsone did help increase his rbcs from the previous blood work and his wbcs went back to normal but then all of sudden his platletts drop; that was why she put him on predinsone.
Another week went by and he was no better, we finally took him into the vet again because on Saturday 12/4/10 I took him out and he did his potty and then fell over. I picked him up and call the vet right away. When we got to the vet she said, OMG he has a fever of 104.6 we need to put him on ice to get his temp down then she said, I am sorry but he will not make it through Sunday, we said what? What is wrong and she said, I have no idea, our little man was in pain when you touched him all of a sudden. We were then told she recommended we put him down to avoid his suffering.
We are still overwhelmed with this whole situation and still no answers. We paid $1200.00 US money to make him better and he died. I believe it was from his last set of vaccines that put his immune system in a spinal downturn. No one wants to be responsible, we CANNOT bring him back; but we did everything that we were told to do by the vet and we need closure as to why. Good luck on your journey of trying to find out, I wrote the manufacturer Merck; but I really am not expecting to hear back. Our little boy should have NOT died! Best of luck
EC: So very sorry to hear of your loss. May you find healing on your journey.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Margaret (Beavercreek, Ohio) on 11/15/2010
Yearly vaccinations of pekingese resulted in back legs becoming paralyzed. She received DHLP/Parvo, Corona, Bordetella, and 2 year Rabies vaccinations. The vet gave them in the rear legs and now those legs are paralyzed. Some mobility coming back after one week, but still unable to move for more than a few feet and her movements are all over the place. She cannot control her back legs and becomes very frustrated and tired when trying. I only let her try when she is carried out to the grass to relieve herself. This is a dog that used to walk everyday with her big dog friends. It is very sad. Her vet is claiming that he did nothing wrong.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Ted (Hampstead, Md) on 10/21/2010
About 7 hours ago both our Lhasa Apso's received the second shot of Lyme's vaccine. About 4 hours later the smaller of the two (he weighs 10 lbs.) began acting like he didn't want to move, he was shaking, no appetite, and was acting very scared. We contacted an emergency vet and they said they could not determine if there was something else going on with the dog without examining him. Prior to the vaccine the dog was fine. In researching the vaccine we found the dogs could suffer all the symptoms of Lyme. Our other Lasa who weighs 20 lbs. is showing signs of being tired and no appetite. We are concerned that they will be suffering with these symptoms for a long time had we know this we would not have gotten the vaccine. Our vet did not tell us what to expect, he told us he felt the vaccine was perfectly safe.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Rebecca (Rockford, Illinois) on 10/18/2010
Two years ago in November, I took my cat in to get her boosters and rabies shot. I had almost lost her in May due to a vet giving her two shots of Metacam. She was hospitalized for two weeks and barely made it. My vet insisted she needed the shots because she goes outside for about an hour or two a day. Three to four hours after vaccinations, she started getting cranky with me and other cat. I had to hand feed her water and food for a day and a half. She came round, but I will never vaccinate her again for anything. My vet says I am risking her life, but with her history of kidney failure, I just can't chance her refusing to eat and drink.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Husky338 (Methuen, Ma) on 09/22/2010
My siberian husky received her Lyme Disease and Rabies shots as scheduled (she was a few months old). Four days later she slowly started becoming paralyzed. She was diagnosed with Coonhound Paralysis. At one point she couldn't move anything, and could barely lift her head. She did eventually walk again, but her legs are crooked in the front, and weak in the back. The two companies involved settled with us, which covered the cost of most of the vet's bills, and Physical Therapy, but Luna will never be normal. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!
Avoiding Vaccines
Posted by Ron (Canton, Mass) on 09/19/2010
Read up on vaccincations. They are 16% of vet profits. Overvaccination is something called vaccinosis. A DISEASE! Read all you can about what your pets really need. We humans don't get vaccinations every year. Titers should be checked to see if your pet really needs that yearly vaccinations.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Brett (Fresno, Ca) on 09/19/2010
I have a Doberman who is 6 weeks old I gave him his first shot myself. It seemed like 24 hours after the shot his poo got runny but was still eating and drinking water. But a couple hours after that he started puking just his food. Then he didn't want any water or food-was weak. He slept through the night had a couple runny poos. This morning he started drinking again and even took a couple of bites of food at 3:00 today it will have been 48 hrs since his shot. He stopped puking but still seems under the weather. Should I take him to the vet?
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Bb (Atlanta, Ga Usa) on 10/16/2010
NO. Take your dog to a homeopatheic vet to have him/her clear of the toxins. Then report the side effects to the FDA & anywhere else you can.
Seizures
Posted by Kay (Billings, Montana) on 09/02/2010
I had a litter of pups get their first vaccinations. Exactly three weeks later all of them had back to back seizures for 48 hours straight. Horrible seizures where they ran across the floor and would slam into the wall. It was terrifying. I looked it up and found that lepto will cause seizures 21 days after vaccination. Just like my pups. They had seizures for several years until we found out that fish oil would stop them. Within a few weeks of giving them fish oil daily the seizures became so mild that the pups would just shake. Eventually they stopped completely. My pups lived to 14 and 15 years old. They never got another vaccination after they were one!
EC: Thank you so much Kay. Your feedback has been cross-posted to the Pets/Seizures page.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Janet (Littleton, Co) on 08/21/2010
My 10 yr old cat went into renal failure within 2 days from receiving the FVRCP booster. The vet has been giving this booster on a yearly basis. She is currently undergoing IV treatment at the vet's office. Prognosis not good.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Fredah (Ham Lake, Mn) on 08/21/2010
I had a 8 year old sheltie. She had continuous ear infections that were treated with steroids and antibiotics which made her comfortable for a week or two but the swelling, redness and pus from her ears never went away. The vet finally talked us into her having a ear canal ablation (removal of the ear drum) on her right ear. She was doing better and on her two week post surgery check up the vet gave the yearly shots to her. Two days later she was admitted to the University of MN hospital, placed in an oxygen kennel, IV's, and died 4 days later. She should never have received shots when her immune system was healing... The shots killed her. I currently have two shelties, they eat a raw diet, and only received their first baby shots. They will not get shots unless a titer test is done and the results are that it is necessary. I have read a comparison that by giving animals their yearly shots it is like giving humans their shots that are given their first year of life every year. It's sad to think that by trying to provide the best care for our fur babies we are slowly killing.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Sue (Hillsboro, Missouri) on 12/17/2010
Vaccines are bad period, and all these symptoms in animals, from infected ears, to itchy skin, to cancer, whatever, are ALL caused by vaccines. Yes, there are a few genetic type of diseases that can occur, but for the most part, ALL from vaccines. The older the dog gets, if they are lucky enough to NOT get cancer or another ailment that kills them, the worst the chronic vaccinosis issue is. Only a "true" Classical Homeopath can undo this damage.
Last 3 dogs I had, one died from cancer and the other two we put down back to back, 9 hours apart, one from renal failure, the other from bloat. This is just simply crapola that the big Pharma is not only benefiting from killing people, but animals as well. I know someone who was a Vet Tech and in this field for 30 years and she said, it's ALL about the money and 50-70% of a Vets income is vaccines, the rest of course we know, is from treating the chronic disease the animals get. I cringe every time I hear someone say they took their animals to the Vet for their jabs, I cringe when I hear Mothers say they are taking their babies to get all those many jabs they get practically out of the womb.
I have two other dogs now, one Blue Heeler and the other a mix of heeler and possible Blue tick hound. Yes, they had jabs, because they were rescues, but they have not had any jabs, no heart worm pills, no flea or tick treatments in years now. We also feed them the raw diet, yes, raw, which is the species appropriate diet, we all have one, you know. : - ) Do they have vaccinosis symptoms? You bet, because all it takes to start the chronic disease is one jab but I will never give them any more. We don't board them, they are always at home and given the best of care. They don't get ticks or fleas and one is almost 8 and can jump 6 ft in the air to nab a frisbee, the other one, about 6, the heeler, is full of energy too. The female, over the last few years, has suddenly developed a fear of noises and such.
Vaccines damage the myelin(sp)sheath in the brain, which is what has caused this. My hope is that I am able to get them treatment from a Classical Homeopath one day, but if I don't, they are still happy dogs and very well taken care of. I am also one who had inflammatory breast cancer and beat it, without Chemo or drugs of any kind. You gotta look to God, he's the healer, and he healed me, then showed me how to keep the healing. God also gave us an immune system which can't function if we are forever pumping drugs into it, including vaccines. Of course, this is only my opinion and no one has to agree with me. : - )
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Pearl (Wyobraska, Wyoming, Usa) on 01/01/2011
Sue, could you please tell us how you beat inflammatory breast cancer?
Thank you.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Kk (Ocean City , Nj) on 08/18/2010
I have a 5 and a half month old Pit pup. She got spayed, her rabies shot, and her 3rd round of puppy shots all in the same day. When I picked her up they told me I could try and feed her at 7pm, and that she may throw up from the Anastasia. Well she didn't want to eat or drink anything that night and she was throwing up foamy substance. However, the next morning her face was extremely swollen she could barely open her eyes. She still refused to eat or drink anything. And now she was throwing up yellow bile everywhere. She had heavy breathing as well. She had trouble going to the bathroom, she would sit there and squat and nothing would come out. No bowel movements at all. I had to rush her to the hospital and they said it as most likely from the rabies vaccination. I was lucky to get her there so soon because they explained to me that it was a severe, life threatening case.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by James (Greer, South Carolina) on 08/14/2010
Vaccinations? do I let my cat go without it or with it. If they get rabies or distemper how long do they live. My cat was 1.5 years old and I took her to be vaccinated. My cat, the one good thing in my life I loved, died within 10 minutes from these vaccinations. Then I find out oh this happens sometime, thanks a lot for telling me that after the fact. These past few days have been the hardest of my life. So maybe one day rabies or distemper might have set in. But I know she would be here now if I hadn't have done it. She basically died for nothing and I'm having a really hard time with it. I'll never trust a vet again.
EC: So sorry for your loss, James.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Jordan's Mom (Lansing, Mi Usa) on 08/30/2010
I am so very sorry about your baby. It should never have happened. Rabies vaccine, unless you live in the hills around a lot of wild animals I would just plain not do. I do not know if there are any "nosode" vaccines for rabies but there more than likely are for other cat diseases. We had a dog when I was young that contracted distempter B4 he got vaccinated & he survived to a ripe old age. I also had a kitten once that I was quite sure I was treating for distemper, tho it was a bit touch and go due to the youngness of the kitten, but he survived also. I feel your pain, anger and frustration. Wish I could bring your baby back for you. Vaccines are a #1 money maker for most veterinarians, unfortunately. Even the true protocol has changed much over the last few years concerning how often to do vaccines and after an animal is a certain age, they don't need more but should be good for life. Also facts most vets do not share with us! Hope you feel better.
Seizures
Posted by Jbasulto (North Hills, Ca) on 07/27/2010
My chihuahua was given her puppy vaccinations at 6 weeks and then the next one weeks later. After the second one, she went into shock and then came down with epilepsy, allergies to everything and other problems. I actually got my vet to tell me (since he wasn't the one who administered the shot) that all of this was due to the vaccination. She lived for 8 years, with a ton of problems and then we finally lost her to a massive seizure that ultimately took her ability to use her legs and then pick up her head. Vaccinosis is very real and any shots should not be done without a titer to see if they even need the shot.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Becky (Cordele, Georgia) on 07/22/2010
My sister sent me this site, as I was telling her about my little Bichon that got his shots in Cordele, Ga from a Vet who gave him the rabies, distemper and parvo shot. We left the Vet's office and silly sam's breathing increased rapidly, then his eyes were dialated and he whined funny like he was really not feeling well. I rushed him back to the vet and he watched him for a short time and he seemed to be okay. I have never seem him react to any shots before this happened. I need to have them given separate or do something different next time.
Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Catherine (Seattle, Washington) on 07/16/2010
My vet told me that you cannot run a titer for rabies, but you can for most other vaccinations. Is this true? I wonder why you can't? I did have my golden retriever's levels also tested (except for rabies) and she too had high levels of resistance after 3 years of not having any shots. However, I did give her a 3 years rabies shot. I am thinking she won't need another one again.
