Pet Vaccinations
- 1. Vaccinations
- 2. "Vaccinations Part II, Side Effects and Adverse Reactions"
- 3. "Vaccinations Part III, Vaccination Guidelines"
Home Vaccination Hazards
Dr. Kathryn Meyer, V.M.D.
People who vaccinate their cats and dogs at home need to be aware that, although not common, life-threatening allergic reactions can occur following administration of any type of vaccine. Vomiting, diarrhea, redness and swelling of the skin (often the face and ears), breathing difficulties, weakness and collapse can all be signs of an allergic reaction. Animals who experience reactions require immediate veterinary attention. When treated promptly, complete recovery is the norm, whereas delayed treatment or no treatment can have tragic results.
Animal vaccines can be purchased over the counter, often at feed stores or through mail-order catalogs. Over the past three years, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Veterinary Practitioners' Reporting Program has received 15 reports describing allergic reactions that occurred after an owner vaccinated a pet at home. Twelve reports involved dogs, four of whom did not survive the reaction. One dog died en route to the veterinary hospital, two arrived at a veterinary facility alive but subsequently died despite therapy, and one dog died at home, having received no treatment after showing signs of weakness for several hours. The three cats reported to have allergic vaccine reactions recovered after receiving veterinary care.
Appropriate vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive health care in companion animals. Owners who choose to vaccinate their own pets at home should be aware of the risks involved, be able to recognize signs of an allergic vaccine reaction and ensure that emergency treatment can be obtained very quickly if required.
Dr. Meyer is coordinator of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Veterinary Practitioners Reporting Program in Rockville, MD. This article is reprinted with permission of the United States Pharmacopeia.
© 2000 ASPCA
ASPCA Animal Watch - Fall 2000
Courtesy of
ASPCA
424 East 92nd St.
New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700
www.aspca.org
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