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Ask the Vet About Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs and Cats
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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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Showing 1 - 15 of 120
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01
DateJun 1, 2023
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeCat
TopicVaccination reaction to distemper and leukemia shot

Question:
What are the symptoms/side effects after a distemper leukemia shot?
Answer:
HEY! Some cats stop eating after getting this injection. Please ask your vet to examine the cat, which they should do complementary if you did the vaccine at that vet. Your cat may benefit from a steroid injection! This is what helps my cats after they get vaccine reactions. I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer PLEASE CHECK OUT MY VETERINARY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBvlURdNKSJ2oRbzUB1_JQw
02
DateMay 26, 2023
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicVaccine Reaction - Lymph Nodes

Question:
How long until a swelling of the lymph nodes should subside, if it is a reaction to vaccinations? And should you give Benadryl in this case as well?
Answer:
Hey! If your pet is having a vaccine reaction they need a steroid injection and Benadryl injection. Benadryl pill could work 1mg per lb, but steroid is the best! Please go to your local vet for this. I hope this helped Dr. Lindsay Butzer! Please check out my YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBvlURdNKSJ2oRbzUB1_JQw
03
DateMar 27, 2023
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicSeizures after vaccine

Question:
My dog Keelo started having seizures after he was vaccinated last year. They occur about once every 2-3 months. Is there something I can give him that is natural to help alleviate or lessen the seizures?
Answer:
HEY! There are many medications for seizures. You need to speak to your local veterinarian or possibly a neurologist however your local vet should be able to handle seizures just fine. They may start out weak with Gabapentin and Keppra then the strongest medication for seziure control is Phenobarbital. Please talk to your vet. I hope his helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer
04
DateFeb 19, 2023
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicExtreme lethargy 48 hrs after bordatella nasal vaccine

Question:
Hello, My 8 week old boxer puppy went for her first well check at our vet on Tuesday of this week. Despite already having vaccines just 5 days prior per the regular AKC schedule, our vet pushed to have her get the bordatella nasal vaccine. 48 hrs later she is extremely lethargic. She is however eating and drinking, pooping and peeing, but basically doing nothing but sleeping. None of the other pups from her litter received this vaccine during their first visit to their vets and everyone else is doing fine. What do we do?
Answer:
Hey! I would first suggest going into your veterinarian and letting them know that she did not do well after the bordatella intranasal vaccine and that she needs her shots spaced apart. If you can't go in tomorrow try giving your boxer puppy some Benadryl 1mg per pound and see if this helps with an allergic reaction. If she is eating and drinking that is a good sign and she may just need to ride out the lethargy but keep monitoring her. I hope this helps. Dr. Lindsay Butzer
05
DateJan 6, 2023
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicSwelling after vaccines.

Question:
My 6 year old Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix received his bordatella, rabies, and distemper vaccine about five hours ago. We also cleaned his ear when we got home. Now, his lip and eyelid are swollen. No trouble breathing and he's alert. Should we bring him in?
Answer:
Yes. Please go to the veterinarian for a steroid injection to fight the allergic reaction happening! The steroid injection is what he needs to get swelling down fast. I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer
06
DateNov 18, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicRabies vaccine causing seizures?

Question:
My 5 month old Dane received his rabies vaccine 11.17.22. 2.5 hours later, he was having a grand mal seizure. This is his second seizure, the first being 5 days after a dose of Sentinal flea/heartworm oral prevention. This first seizure was 10.28.22. Is it only a serious coincidence that he seized again after a foreign "thing" was introduced to his system or is it a probable reaction to the vaccine?
Answer:
It is probably coincidence, but really impossible to guess. Divide up all of his vaccines in the future - waiting at least 2 weeks in between and talk to your veterinarian about which ones are absolutely mandatory for him based on his lifestyle.
07
DateNov 18, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeHorse
TopicNovosti

Question:
Novost
Answer:
Your question did not come through. Feel free to submit another question if you still need help.
08
DateAug 29, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicBordetella reaction

Question:
My 10 mo old puppy is acting confused and leaning his head to one side. He's very dizzy and hasn't eaten since Saturday evening. Is this a normal reaction? Or is this an emergenxy?
Answer:
No - that is not a normal reaction. I would have your veterinarian recheck him.
09
DateAug 12, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicVaccines

Question:
At what age is it not necessary for my dogs to no longer receive the parvovirus and distemper vaccines if they have been vaccinated properly from birth?
Answer:
Good question - the research is ongoing. Most vaccine companies will say they continue to need it every ~3 years for life.
010
DateJun 27, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicUrine

Question:
My 9lb dog had not peed since getting her 4 shots yesterday which includes the 3 year vaccine?
Answer:
Have your veterinarian recheck her if it continues. Even if she is better by now, let them know, so they will separate the vaccines the next time she needs them and not give 4 at one time to such a small dog.
011
DateMay 31, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicBordetella and DHPP reactions- vomiting

Question:
My 12-week puppy got her first Bordetella oral vaccine and her 3rd DHPP today. She vomited her whole breakfast (from 5 hours prior) during the car ride home. I’m worried if one episode like this is enough to be considered an allergic reaction?
Answer:
If it doesn't continue, she isn't lethargic when you get home, she has no facial swelling, etc. I would be more suspicious of motion sickness in the car than a vaccine reaction.
012
DateMay 20, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicVaccine Reaction

Question:
Hello, my 9 year old lab received a couple of her yearly vaccinations 2 days ago. Today, I noticed that one lymph node in her neck is swollen. Is this relatively normal?
Answer:
No, this is not a common side effect. I would have your veterinarian recheck her and aspirate that lymph node if it is still enlarged.
013
DateMar 23, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicLump

Question:
Hello, I’ve noticed a quarter size lump under my dogs skin that is firm. He recently got his yearly booster (not rabies) vaccine on Saturday. Is this a normal reaction or should I be concerned?
Answer:
If it is exactly where the Rabies vaccine was administered, that can be normal. Call the veterinarian that administered the vaccine and confirm that the vacine was given where the lump now is. It should gradually go away over he next few days. If it does not, have them recheck it.
014
DateMar 14, 2022
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicSeizure

Question:
Last night my thirteen year old dog had her first seizure. Hours earlier she has received her 5-1. She’s never had a negative reaction to vaccines. She also then coughed/gagged a few times consecutively. Nothing since. Should i be alarmed
Answer:
A seizure, at her age, is cause for concern. I would see your veterinarian for some bloodwork (to start with). It's hard to relate a seizure directly to the vaccine - that is not a typical adverse reaction, but the stress of the day may have lowered her seizure threshold. Ideally, the underlying cause of the seizure needs to be explored.
015
DateDec 23, 2021
CategoryVaccine Reaction
Pet TypeDog
TopicFacial swelling reaction

Question:
My dog last had her vaccinations three years ago. Afterwards she experienced facial swelling and needed antihistamines. Her booster shots are now due is it safe to do so?
Answer:
It depends on many factors: which vaccine caused the allergic reaction, does she truly need that one (depends on her lifestyle, usually), how old she is, other medical problems she may have, what medications she takes, etc etc, so consult your veterinarian for the best advice.