Sick from rabies shot? Or puppy food? (long)

[mtoy]

Millie is 10 yrs old and had her 3yr rabies booster last Thursday. She was fine for the rest of the day but looked slow and sore in the rear right (where she got the shot) the next day. I had her take it easy, no walks that day. She ate/drank normally. That evening she could hardly get up on her own. Saturday morning she was the same, we went to Cleveland to pick up our new puppy while my son stayed home with Millie. He said she was panting a lot and he gave her water every few hours. I called the vet who ssaid she was just in pain and give her aspirin or go to emergency vet for rimadyl. Since I was in Cleveland she ended up getting aspirin. Sunday she started walking a bit, still ate/drank normally, I gave her one more aspirin dose (so she had 2 doses total).

Monday morning she couldn't walk, although she did scoot over to the puppy's unfinished dish of food and ate some. I took her to the vet (along with little Link for his new pup exam, I had 2 dogs who either couldn't or wouldn't walk on leash). But just before we left she vomited - a lot. Vet said she was just uncomfortable, gave us rimadyl. She vomited more later (lots of undigested food, even from Sunday), then had a bit of the runs on the rug but normal poops outside. She begged for dinner so I gave her a small amount. She was looking fine when I got up this morning but there was more vomit, more undigested food with what looked like what she ate Sunday (still). I don't know if she vomited before or after my DH fed her this morning, he didn't see her bed where the mess was. So far today she has been fine but I didn't give her any food. She's walking but still very stiff getting up.

What I'm wondering is, could the pain of the rabies shot have made her so sick? Or, maybe, since she ate the rich puppy food it could have done it? But, just how much does a dog have to vomit before she empties her stomach? I'm thinking her digestion must have slowed down when she was in so much pain - could that do it? The vet really wasn't very helpful at all, I'm thinking about changing clinics after this mess.

[sutulu]

Wow... how frightening for you. That is something I think a Vet should answer.

Tuck had 3 immunizations at his 2nd year checkup and had a reaction. Scared the heck out of me but no where as involved as Millie.

If you have lost confidence in your vet, find another good one.

I sure hope poor Millie is feeling better soon.

Susan

[Dillydoodle]

I am not sure, i know i had a cat that was very sensitive to the rabies shot ( when given at the same time as the other annual shots) but she didnt eat for 24 hours, there was no throwing up, and she was back to eating normally by the next day, but walked with a noticeable limp, and acted very sore for about three or four days. But the fact that this has gone on a few days with vomiting and the runs, i would be a little concerned. I think i would look for a vet that doesnt seem to blow it off like it is nothing really. What are your dogs eating? nothing on that recall list i hope.. I would really get MIllie to another vet for a second opinion if she is not holding her food down... especially as a senior dog...

Please update us to let us know how she is doing.

Emilie

[darci]

Oh my... Poor Millie I agree with above advice.
I would get her to another vet.

They can get icky after vaccines but this sounds like more than just a sensitivity to the vaccine.

I second Em's question, what food has she been eating?

[cece]

What a horrendous experience! I'm tending toward the food a bit, but I've also discovered there's a whole new movement in the animal veterinary world questioning the frequency of and in fact benefit of vaccinations. If your animal has any kind of illness, scratch, etc, then they definitely should not receive any shots at all, at that time. I have talked to my vet, who is a conventional vet, and she agrees I need only get the 3 year rabies, and really only because it's the law. And I did lose one of my cats a few days after she got her shots - she was absolutely healthy prior to the shots. (This was back a few years)

Anyway I sure hope your baby's doing better. I know that are alot of people praying for you and being with you in spirit.

[taflar]

Millie is 10 yrs old and had her 3yr rabies booster last Thursday.

Well, if she were mine I'd find a way to forgo more shots for her. At her age she doesn't need them and yes, I know rabies is mandatory.

Vaccinations can trigger things in dogs, including auto immune things. If she can't walk they might have hit a nerve with the shot. Keep a close eye on her and if you don't think you're getting any help from your vet get a second opinion.

Yes, dogs do at times have reactions to shots. It doesn't happen often but it does happen sometimes.

Peggy

[Dillydoodle]

I agree, Peggy, the vet clinic wanted me to give rabies vaccine to my elderly diabetic kitty - she was 15 at the time, i laughed at them, there was NO way i would do that, law or not, it was taking a huge risk and i wasn't willing . In the end my actual vet told me that he agreed with my decision and would have done the same thing i did, if she were his cat!

Emilie

[mtoy]

Her food is Canidae Platinum Senior (something like that, the senior formula of Canidae. She loves it and hasn't had trouble with it. Yesterday's evening meal and today's breakfast have been a light meal of rice, plain yogurt and scrambled eggs, and have stayed down. Her poops look fine too. Today I'll add pumpkin for some fiber so she doesn't get "stopped up".

She can walk once I help her get up, but stumbles easily and is still very ouchy at the injection site. She's pretty crabby, too, understandibly, and I feel so guilty bringing a new puppy home just when she's having trouble. I hope she doesn't think it's his fault.

The vet checked her out very well before the shot, and Millie didn't make a sound when she got it. The clinic itself is extremely pro-vaccine for all dogs, regardless of age, according to the old once a year for everything but rabies. I've been skipping every other year for Millie though, but rabies is something that's hard to get around. The one vet in the office we saw Monday seems like kind of a ditz. For example, she was telling me about crates and insisted that the size I got Link was too large and I needed to put a box in it to make it smaller. She said he needs to just have room to turn around. Well, I told her 3 times he just has room to turn around and she still went on with her speech about the stupid box. Ha, that box would be in shreds in no time with this chewer.

Anyway, there is a wholistic (sp?) vet I think I'll switch to. He's 30 mintues away instead of 10, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. I'm sick of trying to buck the swstem anyway.

[corgimom]

So where you live they do the annual Rabies shot? By us it is every 3 years.

I happen to be seeing my vet tomorrow with my cat and Cody, and I will try to throw in the question about reactions from a rabies shot(such as you experienced) and see what he says. I will get back to you tomorrow on it.
I am happy to hear that at least she is keeping her food down now.

[Fluffypants]

Maybe the vomiting part was from the aspirin? That can upset a tummy, I would think. So could be a combo of reaction + tummy upset from aspirin? I agree that going to another vet is a good idea. Hope Millie feels better soon!

[corgimom]

Here is a good link I found regarding Aspirin and dogs. I know I gave it to Cody last summer for one day and he seemed fine after taking it, but it does say it can cause tummy upset

http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/aspirin.htm

[mtoy]

It's possible that the vomiting could have been from the aspirin, today (and yesterday) I gave her no meds at all. So far (knock on wood) her tummy is good today. She got up on her own today, after I came home from shopping - yay!

The rabies shot she had was the 3 year one. The other vaccines are given every year (at least at this vet office).

[taflar]

I agree, Peggy, the vet clinic wanted me to give rabies vaccine to my elderly diabetic kitty - she was 15 at the time, i laughed at them, there was NO way i would do that, law or not, it was taking a huge risk and i wasn't willing . In the end my actual vet told me that he agreed with my decision and would have done the same thing i did, if she were his cat!

Emilie

I totally agree and have done that with some of my older animals.

Sometimes you can get a vet to write a waiver for the rabies, some counties will accept them and some won't.

Peggy

[taflar]

The vet checked her out very well before the shot, and Millie didn't make a sound when she got it. The clinic itself is extremely pro-vaccine for all dogs, regardless of age, according to the old once a year for everything but rabies. I've been skipping every other year for Millie though, but rabies is something that's hard to get around. The one vet in the office we saw Monday seems like kind of a ditz. For example, she was telling me about crates and insisted that the size I got Link was too large and I needed to put a box in it to make it smaller. She said he needs to just have room to turn around. Well, I told her 3 times he just has room to turn around and she still went on with her speech about the stupid box. Ha, that box would be in shreds in no time with this chewer.

Anyway, there is a wholistic (sp?) vet I think I'll switch to. He's 30 mintues away instead of 10, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. I'm sick of trying to buck the swstem anyway.

Rabies is typically given in the muscle. The other vaccines are given subcutaneous or under the skin. So might have hit a nerve.

I think the holistic vet is a good idea.

Peggy

[taflar]

The rabies shot she had was the 3 year one. The other vaccines are given every year (at least at this vet office).

Usually it's the same vaccine, the only difference is in the duration between shots.

Peggy

[dcole]

Poor Millie! One of my cats reacts badly to vaccinations in general - she will run a mild fever for 24 hrs. and act very lethargic. Glad to hear that Mille is feeling better today! :)

-Debi

[MaxiMomus]

When our Shih Tzu, now deceased, got up in age, he lived to be 16, I stopped getting him vaccinated. He was only in our house or our yard, and never unsupervised so I felt that the vaccination reaction risk out weighed the risk of him contracting something. I still took him to the vet for other issues and problems and the vet never mentioned or tried to push vaccination on me. I still feel to this day that I did the right thing for him.

I would also find another vet even if it is for a second option.

[corgimom]

It's possible that the vomiting could have been from the aspirin, today (and yesterday) I gave her no meds at all. So far (knock on wood) her tummy is good today. She got up on her own today, after I came home from shopping - yay!

The rabies shot she had was the 3 year one. The other vaccines are given every year (at least at this vet office).

Mtoy,

I was at my vet today with my two pets and managed to tell him of your scenario. My vet said there can be reaction to vaccines, however, he, "himself", has not had a dog/patient of his that had what you are describing with Millie. He said, they may limp for a bit or let you know if you touch the spot that it is sore, but to hardly be able to get up or with her scooting across the floor, he finds abnormal. He wondered if your vet had done a blood test on her or took her temperature by now if this is still going on?

He said that yes the aspirin could have caused the digestive upset; vomiting/diarrhea

I hope Millie is okay by now, but he said at her age if she is still having these symptoms with her walking then a blood test should be done along with a temp check. Please let us know how she is doing.:)

[mtoy]

Thanks for all your concern - Millie snapped out of it yesterday, thank goodness! She played with Link for the first time, played ball, and ate some of her regular food. I am SO relieved!

When I had her to the vet on Monday they took her temp, which was normal. They didn't do blood work because she had it done very recently, but would have done it if her condition continued.

And I don't want her to receive any more vaccines in her life - she's had enough.

[corgimom]

Thanks for all your concern - Millie snapped out of it yesterday, thank goodness! She played with Link for the first time, played ball, and ate some of her regular food. I am SO relieved!

When I had her to the vet on Monday they took her temp, which was normal. They didn't do blood work because she had it done very recently, but would have done it if her condition continued.

And I don't want her to receive any more vaccines in her life - she's had enough.

I am so glad to hear that she is okay.:D Thanks for updating us. It is worrisome when those things happen.

[Dillydoodle]

so glad that it all was ok in the end! phew! I agree, no more rabies for her! Really happy that she is now playing with link and feeling so much better!
Em

[Fluffypants]

That's great news!!!! :D

[bunnybutts]

Thank goodness she's OK now

[colbycorgi]

i know this is a very old post but it was helpful to me as colby seems to be having a reaction to his 3 year rabies shot from tuesday...hes lethargic, mopey, limpy..just plain old blah.....i took his temp and it was 102.9...whats normal for a 30lb corgi??? anyone know...they vet said i could try to stop in tonight or get in tomorrow if hes not doing any better...im hoping he'll come around by tomorrow....this has been a rough month for us in our house with all this sickness....ENOUGH i say!!

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Check the injection area for a lump, or an inflamed patch. I'm sure that he will be fine, but a quick check by the vet would not hurt if only to ease your mind. And make a point to remember this next time and ask if you can just get it yearly. I do that with my cats now, they're getting older and I was told by the vet that there is less likely to be a reaction when given as a yearly dose. Keep us posted.

[love2corgis]

That's one advantage of living on an island- no rabies here so no rabies jabs needed unless we go over to the European mainland with the dogs

[taflar]

i know this is a very old post but it was helpful to me as colby seems to be having a reaction to his 3 year rabies shot from tuesday...hes lethargic, mopey, limpy..just plain old blah.....i took his temp and it was 102.9...whats normal for a 30lb corgi??? anyone know...they vet said i could try to stop in tonight or get in tomorrow if hes not doing any better...im hoping he'll come around by tomorrow....this has been a rough month for us in our house with all this sickness....ENOUGH i say!!

100-101 is the normal temp for a dog. I'd take him in sooner rather than later, as vaccine reactions have been known to lead to auto immune problems.

And IMO, ask about getting a waiver for him from now on. If he's reacting to this one chances are he will do it again.

Peggy

[taflar]

Check the injection area for a lump, or an inflamed patch. I'm sure that he will be fine, but a quick check by the vet would not hurt if only to ease your mind. And make a point to remember this next time and ask if you can just get it yearly. I do that with my cats now, they're getting older and I was told by the vet that there is less likely to be a reaction when given as a yearly dose. Keep us posted.

It's the same vaccination, wheather it's given yearly or every three years. And giving it yearly just exposes him to whatever he's reacting too more often.

When a dog has a reaction to a vaccination it's similar to an allergic reaction to something. If you'r allergic to something enough to make you sick you avoid that something. Not take it more often.

And yes, I know allergy shots are exposing you to what you're allergic to, but that is a MUCH diluted dose and they build up so you build up a tolerance to it. Giving the exact same does of a vaccine more often does not do that. It just overloads the immune system.

They do not do "allergy" type shots for vaccines in animals.

Peggy

[Dillydoodle]

Peggy, (or anyone who knows) how do you go about getting a waiver for the rabies vaccine? Gus has dermatomyocitis (an auto immune disorder) and I was told at a dog show this weekend by a sheltie person that i should a waiver for him so he can be legal but not have to get the rabies shot...

Emilie

[mtoy]

Emilie, ask your vet. Millie no longer has to get the rabies vaccine, of course she'll be 13 next time it comes up. Sheesh. There is a movement to get the requirement bumped up to 5 years, hope that works out. That is one harsh shot.

I would take Colby in even if it's just to document that he was ill after getting the shot. If a waiver is needed later it will be on his record and hard to argue with. I hope he's better soon.

[CorgiMum]

This article states that the Rabies Vaccination Waiver is obtained from your primary Vet.

http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/page4.html

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Peggy, I know that a rabies shot is a rabies shot, but the way it was explained to me by my vet was that the one year is less of it than the three year, and makes sense, right? One has to last one year, one three years. And I have been told by another vet(they don't always get their shots at the same place since we are not always at the same place when they are due) that this is the proper way to do it, especially with an older cat who has had a reaction. Less chance of a reaction, that's what I've been told, but of course it's the same shot. Just sharing what I've been told by vets, not giving out blind info here, too serious.

[taflar]

Peggy, I know that a rabies shot is a rabies shot, but the way it was explained to me by my vet was that the one year is less of it than the three year, and makes sense, right?

It would make sense if it were true, but that's not what they do. They come in 1 cc vial and the whole thing is the dose given. The vaccine and the dose are the same it's just the time frame that can vary.

Unless your vet is not giving a full dose and in that case he's not following procedure.

I know you're sharing what you've been told, but you might want to ask again. I've worked for a vet and I've given rabies shots.

Peggy

[taflar]

Peggy, (or anyone who knows) how do you go about getting a waiver for the rabies vaccine? Gus has dermatomyocitis (an auto immune disorder) and I was told at a dog show this weekend by a sheltie person that i should a waiver for him so he can be legal but not have to get the rabies shot...

I see it's been answered.

Remember that vaccines are forumlated for "healthy" animals. An animal with an auto immune disorder is not exaclty "healthy". Lacy has auto immune hemolytic anemia and she gets NO vaccines at all now.

Peggy

[taflar]

Vaccine Information:
http://www.homeovet.net/content/lifestyle/section2.html
http://www.caberfeidh.com/Revax.htm
http://www.cavaliersonline.com/health/vaccinenew.htm

The following links are only to show the dose. I am NOT suggesting anyone buy and vaccinate their own dog. Rabies vaccinations are not vaild if not given by a vet in most states.

1ml = 1cc
http://www.petsuppliesdelivered.com/single_product_display.cfm?id=10119&
DOGS & CATS: Administer 1ml subcutaneously at 3 months of age or older. Repeat dose 1 year later and every 3 years thereafter.

http://www.petsuppliesdelivered.com/single_product_display.cfm?id=20070319152401&
Dogs & cats - 1 ml IM or subcut in animals 3 months of age or older, repeat in 1 year & every 3 years thereafter.

http://tinyurl.com/34r2pu
Dogs and cats - Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously a 1 ml dose at 3 months of age or older. Repeat dose 1 year later, then every 3 years.

You get the idea. Every vial I've ever seen the dose is 1ml/1cc per dog or cat.

Peggy

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Peggy, you made me curious, so I called my vet. They vaccinate ALL cats once a year, no three year deal anymore(my cats did not get special treatment :SMILE:). Our vet here is quite progressive and they switched to a rabies vaccine that is geared for the sensitive cat, one that has reactions, and this vaccine "greatly reduces the risk of any reaction". I had to call them anyway, both Miss G and Mojo are due for their rabies vaccination(I am SO glad that they are on a sim schedule now, as are the cats.)

[taflar]

Peggy, you made me curious, so I called my vet. They vaccinate ALL cats once a year, no three year deal anymore(my cats did not get special treatment :SMILE:). Our vet here is quite progressive and they switched to a rabies vaccine that is geared for the sensitive cat, one that has reactions, and this vaccine "greatly reduces the risk of any reaction". I had to call them anyway, both Miss G and Mojo are due for their rabies vaccination(I am SO glad that they are on a sim schedule now, as are the cats.)

Is annual vaccination required by law in NV for cats? As IMO, that's not "progressive". But they might not have a choice if it's the law.

Vets who are up on the latest are putting more time between vaccinations. The latest studies are showing that all vaccines are lasting longer than first thought.

Peggy

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Cats were adopted from a CA humane society, so registered here. And I do consider the CA vet very progressive, they switched to this vaccine for the cat's health, it's a better vaccine, that's progressive in my book :SMILE:. They could still be giving the same vaccine, but aren't, and yes, they have to have it, they send out notices prior(and you can't license them without letter from the vet proving they were vaccinated, I also can't cross CA/NV state line without this proof, and they can't be boarded(not that mine ever are) or treated by a vet without being current.). I understand your definition of being progressive, and this is the same vet that just months ago got Miss G and Mojo on a new schedule for vaccinations, totally deleting one(vet doesn't agree with it)and spacing out another by adding two years, so no complaints about my vet here, and again, he's quite progressive.

[taflar]

Cats were adopted from a CA humane society, so registered here. And I do consider the CA vet very progressive, they switched to this vaccine for the cat's health, it's a better vaccine, that's progressive in my book :SMILE:. They could still be giving the same vaccine, but aren't, and yes, they have to have it, they send out notices prior(and you can't license them without letter from the vet proving they were vaccinated, I also can't cross CA/NV state line without this proof, and they can't be boarded(not that mine ever are) or treated by a vet without being current.). I understand your definition of being progressive, and this is the same vet that just months ago got Miss G and Mojo on a new schedule for vaccinations, totally deleting one(vet doesn't agree with it)and spacing out another by adding two years, so no complaints about my vet here, and again, he's quite progressive.

I understand your reasoning. And yes, I agree that changing to a better vaccine is a good thing. That's responsible IMO. But if it's not required by law to give it every year than IMO, I'd be having it only every three years.

I've cut back on the vaccinations my dogs get and don't give them annually any more. None of them.
I've learned over the years that they all last longer than the year they were once thought to last. Some may be 7-15 years. (And 15 years is a lifetime to a dog.) One vet I use that practices holistic medicine told me to stop vaccinating any of my animals over the age of 8, excpet for rabies which is required by law.

Peggy

[MVons]

I agree whole heartedly on not vaccinating a senior dog. Pepper had vaccinations at age 10 and did okay. But the age 13 she was sore. We did it because she would be ready if we had to board her in an emergency. Now we have other options. Unfortunately I had not overheard a conversation of our Vet to a woman with an older large dog. He said there hasn't been a case of rabies in 45 years in our county. The risk of not vaccinating for rabies is if your dog bites someone, that person has to go to emergency room as no doctor will touch the person.

Chester has only had his puppy shot series. This post confirms that I will bring him back to the Vet at age 1 for his first rabies as it will last the 3 years. If he got a rabies shot now, the county would ask for another at age 1 (2 months later!). Thank you for this post confirming my original desire. But I was worried because the county now knows about Chester as we got a $50 voucher from them to use to neuter him. Chester is wearing Pepper's old license.

When Chester is a senior and I stop vaccinating for rabies I will fill out the county form marking deceased. But I hope to retire outside this state.

Delta, the border check at Calif never checked us for vaccinations. Who is checking you?

I hope Millie continues her recovery.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Speaking of vaccinations, I thought that getting mine vaccinated before a car trip on Friday would be smart, since they would then be sleeping. Bad move, Mojo could not get comfortable and tossed and turned THE ENTIRE TRIP, with some squealing thrown in, just in case we were missing the point that she was mad. The only thing that kept me from losing it was that I new she was feeling bad. See, it turns out she also needed her Parvo/Distmeper, so she was shot in both front shoulders!!!!!!!!!! Hubby should have known better, she could have waited a week for those!!!!!!!!

And Merrie, I'm referring to the state line crossing CA/NV, in the desert, they have the right to check for any produce and for any animal, and any documentation for such animal. The good thing is that #1 it's not always manned and you can sail right through or, #2 they can be busy and stop only so many vehicles and just wave you through. I've been stopped before and yes, had to pull out there paperwork. I keep copies of all their current vaccinations/rabies in the car when I travel, no exceptions. They have the right to confiscate an animal if you can't prove this. This is not just a CA/NV thing, when I would drive cross-country with the cats years back, I knew that states have the right to ask for proof of good health if you are stopped. (But just like with any car stop, and depending on how bored the officer is, or how close his superior is, the odds are that you will not be asked.)

[taflar]

The risk of not vaccinating for rabies is if your dog bites someone, that person has to go to emergency room as no doctor will touch the person.

That's not true, there are dr's at the ER too and they will have to treat the person.

The risk is that YOUR dog can be impounded for 10 days to see if it has rabies.

IMO, there is a much higher chance of infection from a dog bite than getting rabies.

Chester has only had his puppy shot series. This post confirms that I will bring him back to the Vet at age 1 for his first rabies as it will last the 3 years.

If he has never had a rabies shot, he will need another in one year and then every three years after that.

It's one rabies shot anytime after 3 mos. (in most places), another one year later and then the three year program.

When Chester is a senior and I stop vaccinating for rabies I will fill out the county form marking deceased. But I hope to retire outside this state.

All states have mandatory rabies vaccinations. And none give any leeway for old dogs. They are doing a rabies study now and hopefully they will be able to use that to show that the rabies vaccine lasts longer than 3 years and/or that older dogs no longer need it. We'll see...

Peggy

[MVons]

So I'll have Chester get his rabies when I take him back after the 10-14 days to have his stitches out. I misread the one year as one year old not one year later. And he can get his license too.

[colbycorgi]

so if i understood right, colby had his first last year, then one more this year and he'll get a 3 year next year....and cammie just had her first, then she has one next and then a three year the year after that?? it will be nice once they get to that point as colby is obviuosly sensitive....but he is fine now...a few days of blah and benedryl and now he back to his old self...:)....cammie was fine with it and all her other shots too....no reactions....

[glencorgi]

The first rabies vaccination a dog gets is valid for one year. Doesn't matter how old or young a dog is, if it has never had a previous rabies shot or there is no way to prove it has ever had a rabies shot; it is for one year. After one year, the second shot is required; that shot is considered valid/current for three years - IF that is what is defined in your local laws. There are some states and localities that require annual rabies vaccinations by law. So if one resides in one of those locations, annual vaccinations are a must to stay legal. Same vaccine, same potency levels; same forumla - just has to be given however is mandated by law.

As for treatment, no going to an emergency isn't necessary in order to be treated if one may have been bitten by a suspected rabid animal. Years ago my youngest nephew got in the path of a dog charging another dog and got bitten. (NOT any of our dogs, he was at a friend's house.) We were unable to find the owner and/or determine if the dog had been vaccinated so as a precaution, the rabies series of shots were begun on him. He saw his regular doctor and was referred to the hospital for treatment because that is where the anti-virus vaccines were kept. We did not have any restrictions or limitations on touching/hugging him either. Thankfully, the owner was able to be found on the loose dog and there was proof of rabies vaccination so Adam didn't have to go through the whole series.

Debbie

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Debbie, I've heard that those shots are EXTREMELY painful!!!

Mojo just recieved her first three year rabies vaccine, and Miss G received a three year also. The cats get a one year because they get a different vaccine, one that is less likely to cause a reaction(vet switched to it BECAUSE of reactions), and it can't be given as a three year, it has to be every year. I HATE getting them vaccinated, and yes, for the most part, it's to be legal. Speaking of vaccinations, is everyone sticking with the once a year for Bordatella, or going every six months??? My vet has mentioned that it really doesn't last a year. Sometimes I wonder why my two even get it anyway, the vet is even iffy and is leaving it up to me. They are never boarded, but can at times stay in dog friendly hotels. Just wondering.

[Jespah]

I do Bordatella every six months - but like any respiratory vaccine - there's no guarantee the strain you may come up against is covered. Better safe than sorry.

[taflar]

So I'll have Chester get his rabies when I take him back after the 10-14 days to have his stitches out. I misread the one year as one year old not one year later. And he can get his license too.

Right. :)

Peggy

[taflar]

so if i understood right, colby had his first last year, then one more this year and he'll get a 3 year next year....and cammie just had her first, then she has one next and then a three year the year after that?? it will be nice once they get to that point as colby is obviuosly sensitive....but he is fine now...a few days of blah and benedryl and now he back to his old self...:)....cammie was fine with it and all her other shots too....no reactions....

Yes, IF your state allows for three years between rabies vaccinations.

Peggy

[taflar]

Speaking of vaccinations, is everyone sticking with the once a year for Bordatella, or going every six months??? My vet has mentioned that it really doesn't last a year. Sometimes I wonder why my two even get it anyway, the vet is even iffy and is leaving it up to me. They are never boarded, but can at times stay in dog friendly hotels. Just wondering.

I don't give it at all and never have.

I understand that it doesn't even last 6 mos.

Peggy

[taflar]

I do Bordatella every six months - but like any respiratory vaccine - there's no guarantee the strain you may come up against is covered. Better safe than sorry.

Actually, bordatella protects against kennel cough. (Or Tracheobronchitis aka kennel cough.)

When your dog gets the regular combo vaccine there are vaccines in there that also protect against kennel cough. They protect against about 10% of the bacteria or viruses that cause it.

Bordatella protects against another 10%. So even with all vaccines your dog is still suspetable to 80% of the bacterias/viruses that cause kennel cough.

Kennel cough is self limiting and treatable. It is not a life threating disease.

I've only given bordatella to one dog in all my years of owing dogs and we needed to board that particular dog (a Golden). None of my corgis have every gotten the bordatella vaccine, even the show dogs.

Peggy

[dcole]

Debbie, I've heard that those shots are EXTREMELY painful!!!


They're not too bad. I was in a similar situation about a year ago (got bit by a dog and couldn't prove it had it's rabies shots) so I had to go through the series, too. They don't give the shots in the tummy anymore :SHOCKED:, so the vaccine's just a regular series of shots. Now, all of the gamma globulin shots you have to get the first day, that's a little different story, but, the treatment's better than the disease!

Also, never thought about having to carry proof of vaccinations with me when I cross state lines (CA to AZ and back at Xmas) with Trevor. Hmmm... +HMMM+

[colbycorgi]

I got bit a few years ago in a freak accident with my cat at the time, he was being hung upside down by the cord to the mini-blind and I was only trying to help but by that point he was so far in distress that he saw me as a further threat and attacked me, but anyhow, i got him loose and went to the ER as he had broken the skin pretty badly and I was bleeding quite a bit...seeing that I knew he had had the rabies and was current on all his other vaccines, they just gave me a tetnus shot to be on the safe side and treated it as a puncture wound....probably should have had some other work done as i still have scar tissue in my finger and its kinda mangeled but whatever....i dig battle scars!!!

we also carry laminated copies of rabies in the boat and camper for the dogs...cuz you just never know.....

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I may stop the Bordatella shots, and Peggy, you and my vet are of the same mind. He really doesn't make it sound like a big deal, especially if the dog is not being boarded. (I'm right in thinking that this is required if you do board, right?) Both my two are current, but when due in just a couple of months, I may skip it, still undecided, and I am a "better safe than sorry" type of person. Also, I do remember the vet mentioning that the shots may only last for a few months(as in three), but they will only give every six months. So even if you give it, you may not be covered if exposed, and like you said, it was also mentioned that if they do happen to be exposed, that it's very treatable, so I guess you weigh the risks of the vaccination against that, unless you board and have no choice.

Oh, and dcole, I am very glad to hear that the shots are no longer given in the stomach, I didn't know that, so I guess it wouldn't be as bad as it used to be.

And cat scratches/bites can be horrible, have you ever heard of cat-scratch fever?

[mtoy]

Just in case anyone is interested, there is a Rabies Challenge Fund set up for the study of extending the interval between rabies shots being done at the University of Wisconsin. If it can be done, it will enhance the lives of all dogs getting these shots. The site is at:
http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/about%20the%20RCF.html