Vaccination reactions in pets
AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterTwitterShare to PinterestPinterestPinterestShare to MoreAddThisMore5
Vaccination reactions in pets are much more common than most animal guardians think. Most pet owners and veterinarians are familiar with acute vaccination reactions that occur within minutes to hours of vaccination. These may include soreness and swelling at the site of the vaccination, as well as the occasional development of hives, acute vomiting and diarrhea. Neurological reactions, including seizures, also occasionally occur, as well as the development of potential blood disorders.
While most veterinarians are familiar with acute vaccination reactions, most fail to recognize some of the more chronic delayed immune reactions that have been documented to occur. These may include increased susceptibility to infections and skin/ear allergies, as well as the development of thyroid and/or adrenal disease in the future. In my experience as a holistic veterinarian, I have also seen occasional liver and kidney disease, as well as even diabetes occur as potential chronic immune reactions to vaccination. Behavioral changes, including increased aggression and/or anxiety have also been seen in my experience.
Most veterinarians are familiar with chronic vaccination reaction lumps in dogs and cats, as well as the rare development of malignant cancers known as fibrosarcomas in cats that can occur months or even years after vaccination. The best prevention against vaccination reactions include not over-vaccinating adult and/or senior pets, as well as avoiding giving multiple vaccinations at one time. Vaccinating at the time of surgical or other stresses should also be avoided, as well as avoiding vaccinating female pets in heat. I also try not to vaccinate the same day heartworm and/or other pesticide interventions are used.
In case a pet experiences an especially acute vaccination reaction, it is best to return to the veterinarian as soon as possible and/or go to the nearest emergency room. For more chronic vaccination reactions I mention above, I find it best to consult with a more holistic veterinarian such as myself. For a more detailed discussion on this topic, see my website www.doctordym.com