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.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Anita (Howell, Mi) on 09/22/2009
We have a Golden Retriever puppy, 11 weeks old. The breeder told us that when he received his 1st puppy shot, he had a "possible" reaction one day later. The pup was lethargic and wouldn't get up or walk. He was taken to the vet who was not sure what was wrong but put the pup on steroid medication. When we got him, he was a happy, healthy puppy with no problems that we could see. We told our vet and gave her the records from the breeder's vet. When it was time for our pup's 2nd shot ( DAPP-CV), we "pre-medicated him with Benadryl. He was fine until the 2nd day after the vaccination when he vomited, became lethargic and just very sick. The vet kept him and gave him IV hydration and medication for 2 days. We took him home today. He is alert and eating, but is unable to use his back legs and yelps when he is picked up. He is incontinent of urine and stool. So far we have spent $575 which wouldn't bother me at all if he was well now....he isn't. I can only pray he recovers. I will NOT let this beautiful pup have any more vaccines... EVER!!
Distemper (Cats)
Posted by Jenn (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) on 09/11/2009
This past April we took our two cats into our new vet to get their distemper shots done. This new vet required us to get those shots for our pets to be seen by them. For the whole time I've had my cats, one for 14 years and one for 7 years they have only ever recieved their distemper shot, not the rabies vacination. So we took our cats in for their shots and there was a BIG mis-communication between us and our vet. When the vet came into give the shots they gave our cats both the rabies and distemper shot. I honestly didn't think to ask why they had two needles. I know this was a big mistake on my part and it was our fault for not saying anything or asking why two needles. So after the shots when we paid we realized that we paid for rabies shots. I was very suprised and said to my husband that well it can't hurt them but next time we won't get those for them since we never had before. Well a week after the vacinations were given our younger cat who is 7 years old came down with a Urinary Tract Infection/UTI. He had never had a UTI ever in his whole life until a week after the vacination. My husband and I immediately both thought that it was related to the rabies shot since he had never had one before and now all of the sudden a UTI! So we took him in to be treated and I asked the vet could it be related to the rabies shot. Well naturally the vet said no, that it would have nothing to do with it. But then why would they say anything different? They make money off of it! Both of our cats are indoor cats, and have been their whole lives so this is why we don't get their rabies shots. I will not be so irresponsiable again when it comes to vacinations for my pets. I personally feel it was because of the rabies shot but who knows. I know my pets and I take very good care of them so I personally feel that the UTI was caused by the rabies vacination.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Connie (Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada) on 09/07/2009
I just found this site through a friend and am blown away by the number of reactions pets have had to vaccines. I too went through something. I currently have two cats who got their combo shots every year as recommended by the vet. One year after the shot one of my two cats (a black mix breed) retreated under a desk and stayed there for over a day not eating, drinking or using the litter box. Every time I even came within a few feet of the desk to talk to her she would growl, hiss and lunge out if I got too close. This was very uncharacteristic behaviour. It was the weekend so there was no vet to take her to immediately and resolved to take her on the Monday morning but by the Sunday evening she was sleeping under the desk. She accepted food and water I brought to her there and seemed exhausted. By Monday morning she was up and about and fairly normally though a little quieter and less playful than usual. She was like that for a couple of days before she started playing again. A few months later a friend in Nova Scotia got her black mix breed cat vaccinated and the cat deteriorated in a matter of days and died. Of course she believed it was the vaccines but her vet naturally said no. Since then I only do rabies vaccines every 3 years (much to my vet's chagrin) and have had no problems. I had no idea just how many people have gone through this and seeing all these stories has just validated my decision. Thank you to all who have submitted homeopathic suggestions such as Thuja and charcoal...something I plan to stock my medicine cabinet with me.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Susan Sackett Oneil (Stoneham, Massachusetts) on 09/06/2009
My pug Richie reacts badly to some shots... My dog had his first three shots at age 1. So weak the next morning I brought him back but it was wearing off. This last Thursday I brought him to the vets as required by state law for his yearly rabies shot injected into his left front quarter. Next day he walked very slowly.that night couldn't walk down the steps without being carried, now so sore he walks gingerly and is miserable.
I am very upset about this, last week at this time he was a lively happy dog.
Its no coincidence that this maybe very unnecessary.He's with me almost 24/7 and does not come into contact with dangerous or germy conditions.Humans are over medicated as well.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Sharpeipup (Dallas, Ga) on 09/03/2009
My 10wk old puppy got the parvo shot at 10am this morning. He threw up 4 times and would not drink any water. Whenever he would heave he would fall or almost fall over. I tried to hold him up. When he fell he couldn't pick himself back up. When I picked him back up on his feet he tried to jump around and play????????????
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Anne (Winter Park, Florida) on 08/31/2009
I took my 6yr. old Lhasa Poo (18 lbs.) for her annual examine and shots on Aug 10, 2009.. She received her 3 yr. rabies and DHLPPC. Her fecal and heart worm were normal. Within a week she started to itch and then vomit the same day. I was giving her Benadryl the first day thinking it was an allergy. Her tummy was very red and her genital area was thee times swollen. The next day still vomiting so I took her to the vet. Mattie received a famotidine injection, benadryl injection, cerenia injection for vomiting and a fluid therapy SQ. She was dehydrated. The next day she was worse. Still very dehydrated and now 4 days without water or food. Back again to the vet. She now had to endure 2 days of IV's. Won't bore you with the list of meds they gave her. But now Mattie has bleeding ulcers!!! They sent me home with 9 days of meds for her. Sucralfate and Metronidazole. I can still hear her little tummy making noises sometimes. Scares me to death because I was told this was the acidity eating away at her causing the ulcers.
I'd like to know if these meds will cure her or is she damaged for life?? How can we let this happen to our pets? I read these shots stay in their systems for 10 years so even if they didn't have a reaction last year, like mine, now we're doubling it all over again! I would like to be a part of any petition to stop these unnecessary shots.
Some people may have already lost their little ones to this because they didn't seek help quick enough or the cost was too high. It has already cost me $535.00. If your dog won't drink and their gums are pale get help immediately.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Amanda (Troy, Ny) on 10/25/2009
Poor pup! That doesn't sound like fun, and I'm sorry she had to go through this. Good news is that the medication the vet gave you should help quite a bit. The metronidazole (aka Flagyl) is an antifungal that is often used to help treat digestive infections/inflammation. I don't remember what class of medication Sucralfate is, but I do know that it helps ulcers heal by forming a protective coating over them. It is a good medication. As the ulcers heal they will first stop bleeding, and then should go away all together. Eventually your pup should not need anymore medication. I hope she feels better, and I would talk to your bet about future vaccination (or lack of vaccination) plans for this dog.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Chaplain Nancy (Norridgewock, Miane Somerset County) on 12/27/2011
After reading all this I know my cat has cancer because he got the rabies shot three weeks ago and on the right hind leg he has a lump. I already know because his brother died this year after thousands of dollars in operations and Medications and the cat last year my Fluffy suffered from Squamous cell carcinoma it was all from the shots cause after he got the shot he was very sick and it all began but I was suspicious and tried to trust the lousy vets that rip people off with the drug companies etc. She knew darn well I loved my animals and now my last one from that group is not going to die in pain. I have been to one of the best sites you can go to for help to keep them active and comfortable before they die and you can buy time with the cancer kit they have The site is called Pet Wellbeing Store I ordered Cancer support Kit It was $49.95 and lasts 6 months and a lot of people's cats and dogs live for quite a lot of years taking this stuff I will recieve it in 3-7 days postal service. I am happy I will have my baby for perhaps a few more years instead of watching him die in pain this stuff lets them go on untill the disease takes over but they are in no pain. If you use it with Radiation therapy the animal has a great chance to get better all together.
My boy is 14 and I will be glad for a few more years of his love. I hope and wish all of you well with your pets and if you find a way to sue please get in touch with me I will sign your petition for this in a heart beat Three losses is way too much. I can't wait for her to call Thursday as I am scheduling am appointment with her to let her know what thiefs I feel they are on innocent pets that are very loved by their owners. They know we will pay for their wellbeing and get away with taking from the helpless pet owners.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Ginger (Bend, Oregon, Usa) on 08/18/2009
My 7 year old chihuahua had her 2nd rabies booster and other shots two months ago. Within two days of the shots, she had a raised warm area about 2" in diameter at the injection area in the middle of her back. She was also lethargic and overly sensitive to touch anywhere on her back. That continued for a week and then began to enlarge to a general swelling to the base of her tail 5" past the injection site. I thought it may be an infection and treated her with antibacterial salve, garlic oil and/or oregano oil for the next month and a half. The swelling went down after 5 weeks, but my dog started loosing hair at the site and a small scab appeared after 7 weeks. I thought we may be dealing with mange, but there is no evidence of mites in hair and skin scrapings. 8 weeks later, she has a hairless patch about 2" in diameter and slightly scabby skin that is peeling with loose hair. At this point, I don't know if antihistamines will work. I don't know what to try. Does anyone have a suggestion for what to do now? Ginger
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Lucia (Fort Myers, Fl) on 08/07/2009
Serious reaction from rabbies shots
Pfizer-Schering-Plough S610804b rabbies shot chihuahua 5 pounds. Reaction dogs face very swellen @ muszzle, ftting, extreme movements on muscles. This was the second time the doctor knew he was allergic to 3 years vac. Gave me no report. I just found out information about these symptoms could be fatal. March 11 2008. Returned to Vet and he did not tell me anything he did. Dog until today has muscular movents in neck and missing leg (he never had problems in his missing leg).
Had the same problem, more or less 2004 end up on Emergency Room they gave 0.25ml nadexP04/0.4mlPred ACETME/0.1 CIMTIDINE. That is what is writting on the Emergency report, I was not told about that was a serious reaction that could let to death. Was told it was a normal allergic reaction. This vet did not gave me a report, my husband took her to court but was never brought the serious damage to the dog.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Tanna Ramos (Galesburg, Illinois) on 08/07/2009
My vet clinic on losey st. gave my cat smokey a rabies and distemper shot last month and he's not getting better . He can't stand very well ,not eating or drinking ..I have no idea what dose . I will call them on Monday.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Ashly Mcgardlin (95632, Ca) on 08/05/2009
i dont know if its a for sure side effect or somone hurt my dog but she has a droopy eye and it is very red. She is acting the same, but her eye is just extrememly red. She just had her Parvo vaccines and i dont know if its a reaction. Is it possible if that is the reason of her eye?
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Ann (Wheat Ridge, Co) on 08/02/2009
cat ill after vaccination... my beautiful 6 mo. old female kitty went to the vet for booster shots. she was somewhat sick after her first round of shots 1 1/2 months ago. this time she received a rabies 3 yr. booster and another shot, which was feline leukemia and "FVRCP" second vaccination. 2 shots total. within an hour of getting home she was spitting up a lot. nothing in her stomach, so it was just spit up. then came diarrhea! you could tell she was really sick. that was yesterday, today she's a little better. i am considering not getting any more shots ever for my kitty - i don't know why it makes her so sick, and i don't want to go though it again...
Distemper (Dogs)
Posted by Farialreb (Millsboro, De, Usa) on 10/27/2009
In response to "Maystar from Newport News, VA" -- If Oscar is indeed suffering from a slipped disc, you may consider locating a chiropractor in your locale who will manipulate Oscar's spine to correct the injury. At the very least, the chiropractor would be able to tell you if that is in fact Oscar's problem. If it is the problem, you may be able to save Oscar from surgery. We are fortunate enough to have an excellent chiropactor in our area (main clientele are humans) who will look at most any animal with a spine to see if he can assist them. I have taken two of our dogs (who play too rough) to him and he successfully treated them. One dog I had already taken to my vet and he had prescribed muscle relaxers and an anti-inflammatory -- this alleviated the symptoms, but did not cure the problem. The visits to the chiropractor cured the problem.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Patricia (Bethlehem, PE) on 07/16/2009
my dogs and booster vaccinations
I always trusted my vet. two months ago, I brought my year old service dog in because she was behaving oddly, more aggressive and edgy. I thought vets were supposed to help animals. I thought vets cared more about the animal than the money. I was wrong. my dog died because of them. Then they wanted to put my other six month old smoothe collie to sleep because she was my service dog's half sister. I grabbed my dog and brought her to another vet. One who had a heart. I trusted and let them vaccinate and medicate my autumn, thinking it would help her be healthier. I checked state regulations. Only the rabies shot booster is required. I sit here without my service dog autumn.
I have a new service dog- a german shepherd.
I will stand at his defense and not trust just any vet anymore.
he will only receive the rabies booster after this, his first year.
Please protect your animals and give them a chance.
I should have learned. ten years ago, my toy poodle went into cardiac arrest from year end boosters.
why didn't I listen? Autumn, I am listening now. too late for Autumn, but not too late for all the others that will come.
this is from my heart. I am a cancer patient with many side affets from the treatment. I need and want my service dog.
Please protect your animals and become infomed and dont go to your vet's ofice blind.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Jean (Mckinney, Tx) on 07/16/2009
vaccination and IMHA: I have a Shih-zhu and she nearly died after getting excessive amounts of vaccinations from my previous vet. After getting a blood transfusion and multiple immunosuppresant drugs, she's on the road for recovery. I have been informed by my new vet that half of her vaccinations were unnecessary and posed her to the life threatening Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Gia (Albuquerque, NM) on 07/14/2009
My two-year old, 8 pound pomeranian-chihuahua cross was given the standard DT4PPV (or whatever it is called) and rabies vaccines yesterday and she is now totally lethargic. She was fine until this evening. She hasn't eaten for at least 8 hours, has not been outside, and has spent most of the last 8 hours under the bed, which is a rarity. She also has excessive eye discharge and her breathing seems a bit labored and her heart rate is higher than normal. We are watching her closely and will take her to an emergency vet if anything changes. She did have about 2 ounces of water a while ago and perked up for a few minutes. I hope this helps. Mandatory vaccines are ridiculous. I will never have her vaccinated again. I would rather keep her away from other animals than put her through this again.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Miniature Dachsund (Panama City, FL) on 07/11/2009
I got 2 miniature dachsunds 3 weeks ago. I took them in for their first shots, Distemper Parvo DAPP, Giardia Vaccine, & Canine Bordetella Vaccine. They were both given Benadryl for side affects. The male weighed 1.9 pounds and the female was 2.2 at 8 weeks. The female is the hyper one and always wanted to play while the male ate about 1/2 as much and doesn't really play at all. I took them in today for their second round. The male had pale gums and was still 1.9 pounds so the said to wait for shots, he was given nutri-cal & hivite drops and put on prescription dog food to gain weight. The female weighed 2.6 pounds and very healty and active. She was given Distemper Parvo DAPP, Giardia Vaccine & Leptospirosis 4-way vaccine. I brought them home and after an hour and a half the female who was given the second round of shots started to vomit so i took her outside where she vomited up some food and started to go to the bathroom(she was playing and was totally normal until this point) then suddenly she basically collapsed on the ground and was very weak, i picked her up and she attempted to walk around and go the the bathroom again but collapsed and laid on the ground, i ran inside and got some benadryl and gave her 1 mL. She was basically dead weight, shallow breathing in a matter of 30 seconds. I got in the car and called the vet to let them know i was coming. I got to the vet 10 min. later. They were working on her for about 30 minutes or so and one of them came out and said she was going into Anaphylactic Shock and that they were performing cpr on her. Then the vet came out and brought me into the room and i already knew what she was going to say. I just wanted to see her and after about 15 minutes in the room i wrapped her up in a towel and brought her home. I'm sitting on the couch with her and my other puppy who's been sleeping since we got home. Right now i'm unsure what do to with her and don't know if i want to take the male in for his shots in a couple weeks because i'm afraid something might happen to him. The vet said it's very rare for even a high risk small dog like this to die from vaccinations. She said it's kind of like a lightning strike for humans. Anyways i'd like to know what you think i should do.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Fyreseer (Madison, AL) on 07/26/2009
Lightning strike. How ridiculous! Just looking here, you can see how many people's pets are adversely affected. The site recommends activated charcoal and Thujo for adverse reactions. I hope that your pup is okay. I would not get the vax for the second dog, if I were you. Especially since they are related! Vaccine sensitivity seems to be somewhat genetic in nature.
Combination Vaccines
Posted by Tania (Scranton, Pa) on 10/08/2009
You guys are being ridiculous. While it's a true tragedy that a puppy passed away, it really is quite rare. Matter of fact, humans can also get an anaphylactic reaction to a drug or a vaccine - does that mean that we should let our kids die from polio instead? and CHARCOAL???? Are you kidding me? What do you think would be the action for such a drug? Well, where does it go? The STOMACH, that's right. So, since the vaccine is not given orally (but is instead injected IM or SC) charcoal will do absolutely NOTHING. It's only action is to slow the absorption of an ingested substance, so that it may be excreted faster and hopefully have less of an effect on the animal/human. Come on, people, get your medical facts straight before you tell other people to put their pets at such a risk. Perhaps there is a doggie or a cat dying right now because somebody listened to you and didn't vaccinate their pet against things like rabies or FCV. My cat almost died from FCV - don't think for a moment that I didn't wish that he had a vaccine instead! To this day he has side effects from the DISEASE, not the vaccine. People resist modern medicine so much - never mind that we live twice as long, and cure 100 times more diseases for both humans and animals. Yes, there will be isolated cases of tragedy. But for every one of those, there are thousands of lives saved that would have been otherwise lost. Can't you see that? If your pet is highly allergic, then let your vet know. I don't think they are out to kill them. Kind of a bad business, you know.
