The day started out fine, Baxter was due for a Rabies Vacc and a vet check-up so off we went.. Everything went fine with the checkup and the shot. Fast forward to about 9 hours later.. Baxter started pacing ALOT. Then it went from pacing back and forth to constant licking and biting at his paws/legs and then to his eyes and ears getting very red and puffy. Off to the emergency hospital we went at 2:30am. Well to make a long story short, he was kept overnight.. put on fluids along with a few shots and they did some blood work. Everything turned out ok and he was diagnosed with "hypersensitivity". About $400 and 12 hours later I was allowed to take my boy back home. All is well now and he is doing alot better but is still very very tired so is doing alot of sleeping from his long night away from home. He was able to come home with no meds besides some benadryl that I picked up from the pharmacy just incase he started to get "itchy" again.
Question being here is that he has to go back in 2 weeks for a distemper shot and I'm assuming that will take care of all of his shots. Am I missing anything else that he needs to have?
He was checked for Fiv/Felv (both negative) when I got him, was given a worm, distemper, and rabies shot also (he was a rescue from the humane soceity as you all may remember). His rabies was only good for 1 year so that is really the only reason I had him get another one in the first place. After the distemper, do I need to get him any other shots or vaccinations? I know this is something to bring up with the vet but I don't want to put in a call this late at night for just a question. I am just curious if I am missing anything. He is a strictly indoor cat with a very healthy lifestyle / diet. Sorry for the long post. I would appreciate any input on whatever else I need to get done to my boy.
BTW all of his blood work came back perfect so I am very happy. Thanks to Hickory Emergency Hospital to all of there patience and for taking care of my baby last night!
Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac......
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
Mike, did they tell you they suspected a severe reaction to the Rabies vaccine? Was any other vaccine, or other treatment given at the same time the vaccine was given (topical flea medication or dewormer, etc) ??? Did they evaluate the injection site where the vaccine was given for any sign of a lump? (the area might swell due to a reaction). Watch that area for at least 30 days for any signs of swelling or an appearance of a lump, and notify the vet at once if it occurs.
Was Baxter exposed to anything in the clinic, or at home, to anything that could have caused an allergic reaction? Do you have plants in the home?
What shots were given during the emergency visit? Was one of them benedryl? Did he have a fever, and did he ever vomit during the time he came home and the ER visit? Was he lethargic?
I ask because it is incumbent upon the vet to determine if this was a potential reaction to the Rabies vaccine. While the symptoms you describe are not typical symptoms of a reaction to a vaccine, anything can happen. The biting at the paws and legs could have been indicative of pain (Rabies injections are painful, and the hip/limb can be sore for a day or two). I am not sure what you mean exactly by his pacing, it could have been pain related. The puffy, red eyes could be nearly anything, and if they were producing tears or runny, eyes dilated, this could be a symptom of a reaction to a vaccine. Typical severe reactions to vaccines include lethargy, vomiting, fever, drooling, disorientation, withdrawal, hiding, weakness....all clear signs of a severe reaction. Most vaccinations will leave mild discomfort at the injection site, anorexia for several hours and cats typically want to sleep for several hours, but these symptoms are mild and generally do not require treatment (but every cat is different and owners should always monitor their cats closely after any vaccinations and call their vets if uncertain of symptoms). The severe symptoms noted DO require an immediate emergency vet visit for treatment.
Is there any chance he could have gotten into something at home after the vet exam, like a plant, ingested something, etc? You and the vet need to rule this out, in order to rule in the possibility of a vaccine reaction.
If it is determined a severe reaction to the Rabies vaccine, then the FVRCP vaccine should not be given until 4 weeks after the Rabies injection, AND, should be accompanied by an injection of benedryl (specifically dosed for cats, by your vet), if the vet suspects Baxter may be prone to reactions. I would also suggest leaving him at the clinic if possible for a few hours so they can monitor him for any reaction, or for you to get CLEAR instructions on what to watch for when taking him home. The reaction yesterday needs to be CLEARLY noted on Baxter's health records for ALL staff to note for future reference, so make sure you request that specifically of your vet.
The Rabies vaccine from here on can be given every three years, same with the FVRCP. If he's never been vaccinated for FELV, I would strongly suggest two boosters, each 4 weeks apart, and, with a prior dose of benedryl by your vet if reactions are suspected. If any other reaction occurs, you can discuss with your vet about NOT giving vaccinations, but this has to be a choice made based on Baxter's vaccination history, his risk factors, environment, etc.
Please, call your regular vet and make sure he can get copies of Baxter's emergency treatment from the ER vet, your regular vet needs to have this documented in Baxter's health records too. Request of him also to note "POTENTIAL VACCINE REACTIONS" in Baxter's records, again, for all staff to note.
It's possible this was a reaction to something else, but the timing is too coincidental with the Rabies vaccine.
Was Baxter exposed to anything in the clinic, or at home, to anything that could have caused an allergic reaction? Do you have plants in the home?
What shots were given during the emergency visit? Was one of them benedryl? Did he have a fever, and did he ever vomit during the time he came home and the ER visit? Was he lethargic?
I ask because it is incumbent upon the vet to determine if this was a potential reaction to the Rabies vaccine. While the symptoms you describe are not typical symptoms of a reaction to a vaccine, anything can happen. The biting at the paws and legs could have been indicative of pain (Rabies injections are painful, and the hip/limb can be sore for a day or two). I am not sure what you mean exactly by his pacing, it could have been pain related. The puffy, red eyes could be nearly anything, and if they were producing tears or runny, eyes dilated, this could be a symptom of a reaction to a vaccine. Typical severe reactions to vaccines include lethargy, vomiting, fever, drooling, disorientation, withdrawal, hiding, weakness....all clear signs of a severe reaction. Most vaccinations will leave mild discomfort at the injection site, anorexia for several hours and cats typically want to sleep for several hours, but these symptoms are mild and generally do not require treatment (but every cat is different and owners should always monitor their cats closely after any vaccinations and call their vets if uncertain of symptoms). The severe symptoms noted DO require an immediate emergency vet visit for treatment.
Is there any chance he could have gotten into something at home after the vet exam, like a plant, ingested something, etc? You and the vet need to rule this out, in order to rule in the possibility of a vaccine reaction.
If it is determined a severe reaction to the Rabies vaccine, then the FVRCP vaccine should not be given until 4 weeks after the Rabies injection, AND, should be accompanied by an injection of benedryl (specifically dosed for cats, by your vet), if the vet suspects Baxter may be prone to reactions. I would also suggest leaving him at the clinic if possible for a few hours so they can monitor him for any reaction, or for you to get CLEAR instructions on what to watch for when taking him home. The reaction yesterday needs to be CLEARLY noted on Baxter's health records for ALL staff to note for future reference, so make sure you request that specifically of your vet.
The Rabies vaccine from here on can be given every three years, same with the FVRCP. If he's never been vaccinated for FELV, I would strongly suggest two boosters, each 4 weeks apart, and, with a prior dose of benedryl by your vet if reactions are suspected. If any other reaction occurs, you can discuss with your vet about NOT giving vaccinations, but this has to be a choice made based on Baxter's vaccination history, his risk factors, environment, etc.
Please, call your regular vet and make sure he can get copies of Baxter's emergency treatment from the ER vet, your regular vet needs to have this documented in Baxter's health records too. Request of him also to note "POTENTIAL VACCINE REACTIONS" in Baxter's records, again, for all staff to note.
It's possible this was a reaction to something else, but the timing is too coincidental with the Rabies vaccine.
..........Traci
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
Heya Traci!
Yes I first made a phone call to the emergency hospital to let them know I was coming and they were asking questions. I told them all of the symptoms and they asked if he had thrown up yet.. Right as I went back to check on him he was on the floor gagging.. She said that from all of the symptoms I had explained, the doctor wanted to see him immediately as she was 99% sure he was having a horrible reaction to the Rabies shot. She said it might send him into anaxphlactic shock or something along those lines so we left a.s.a.p.
Earlier in the day all he went to the vet for was a regular checkup and everything was normal. He was sent home with his normal dose of revolution but he is not due for a few more days to get it so it was never administered. I have no plants in the house, nor has anything changed here.
The shots he was given at the hospital were: dexamethasone sp 4mg, diphenhydramine 50mg, and famotidine inj 10mg. He did have a slight fever went he was admitted and only threw up the one time while he was at home right before we left. He had started to get a bit lethargic right before we left but I think he was just getting sick of being itchy and was just ready to lay down and sleep. He was very might aware of what was going on but you could tell it was getting old and he was ready for it to be over with.
His leg were the injection was given was never sore to him and there is still no lump or anything at the site. There is no way he could have got into anything here at the house to poison him or anything since all of the cabinets that have anything in them like that are "baby locked" because of the nosey puppy. Like I said no plants or anything new in the house either.
Luckily the 24hr emergency vet is owned by the same people who own my regular vets office so before I even left with him on Saturday morning his records were sent to his regular doctor for review.
Right now he still seems a bit tired which is to be expected after an ordeal like that. He was up and around last night (I had him confined to my room all day so I could tell if he threw up or anything.. I didn't want the puppy to stress him out anymore either) so I let him out and he came and visited my gf and I for a while. He was up for a bit this morning and he is eating very little but IS eating and is drinking also. I'm guessing his guts are still a bit messed up from everything so I don't blame him for not eating a whole lot. I have been leaving him alone to do his own thing and I just check on him every half hour or so. Right now he is sleeping in his little kitty box were he feels safe (he usually naps there everyday about this time anyway) so I will give him another day to recoup and see how he feels tomorrow.
Yes I first made a phone call to the emergency hospital to let them know I was coming and they were asking questions. I told them all of the symptoms and they asked if he had thrown up yet.. Right as I went back to check on him he was on the floor gagging.. She said that from all of the symptoms I had explained, the doctor wanted to see him immediately as she was 99% sure he was having a horrible reaction to the Rabies shot. She said it might send him into anaxphlactic shock or something along those lines so we left a.s.a.p.
Earlier in the day all he went to the vet for was a regular checkup and everything was normal. He was sent home with his normal dose of revolution but he is not due for a few more days to get it so it was never administered. I have no plants in the house, nor has anything changed here.
The shots he was given at the hospital were: dexamethasone sp 4mg, diphenhydramine 50mg, and famotidine inj 10mg. He did have a slight fever went he was admitted and only threw up the one time while he was at home right before we left. He had started to get a bit lethargic right before we left but I think he was just getting sick of being itchy and was just ready to lay down and sleep. He was very might aware of what was going on but you could tell it was getting old and he was ready for it to be over with.
His leg were the injection was given was never sore to him and there is still no lump or anything at the site. There is no way he could have got into anything here at the house to poison him or anything since all of the cabinets that have anything in them like that are "baby locked" because of the nosey puppy. Like I said no plants or anything new in the house either.
Luckily the 24hr emergency vet is owned by the same people who own my regular vets office so before I even left with him on Saturday morning his records were sent to his regular doctor for review.
Right now he still seems a bit tired which is to be expected after an ordeal like that. He was up and around last night (I had him confined to my room all day so I could tell if he threw up or anything.. I didn't want the puppy to stress him out anymore either) so I let him out and he came and visited my gf and I for a while. He was up for a bit this morning and he is eating very little but IS eating and is drinking also. I'm guessing his guts are still a bit messed up from everything so I don't blame him for not eating a whole lot. I have been leaving him alone to do his own thing and I just check on him every half hour or so. Right now he is sleeping in his little kitty box were he feels safe (he usually naps there everyday about this time anyway) so I will give him another day to recoup and see how he feels tomorrow.
- Mike
The symptoms you describe in your last post are indicative of a vaccine reaction, there is not doubt about it. The nausea, gagging, tired appearance, lethargy and fever, all typical signs of a reaction. Don't mistake tiredness for just that, it appears as such, but it is really lethargy, which indicates illness.
I think I'd hold off on the revolution for awhile, at least for two weeks after he has recouperated from this.
Talk to both vets about future vaccinations, and ask about accompanying them with a shot of benedryl first (by your vet, don't give this yourself). While the benedryl won't totally prevent a reaction, it can sure minimize any symptoms. What I worry about is he's only had (to your knowledge), less than a year's worth of vaccine history, and you want him well protected. Also, if you ever plan on adopting another cat in the near future, you want Baxter totally protected. So, it would be worth getting his last annual done this year (for FVRCP), and maybe FELV boosters (if it hasn't ever been given -- both vaccinations should be spaced apart by a couple weeks)....then talk about the every-three-year approach.
While rare, severe reactions to vaccines do occur, so do make sure Baxter's health chart notes this specifically, and try to allow him to stay in the clinic for a few hours after any vaccine, for observation and monitoring.
I'm sorry Baxter and you had to go through this, you've taken such excellent care of him, poor baby, he didn't need this.
He'll be tired and sore for a couple days, just let him rest as much as possible. Despite his not showing it, I'm sure the hip/limb is somewhat painful, the muscle aches when vaccines are given. Be careful when handling him and try to avoid handling that area for a few days.
I think I'd hold off on the revolution for awhile, at least for two weeks after he has recouperated from this.
Talk to both vets about future vaccinations, and ask about accompanying them with a shot of benedryl first (by your vet, don't give this yourself). While the benedryl won't totally prevent a reaction, it can sure minimize any symptoms. What I worry about is he's only had (to your knowledge), less than a year's worth of vaccine history, and you want him well protected. Also, if you ever plan on adopting another cat in the near future, you want Baxter totally protected. So, it would be worth getting his last annual done this year (for FVRCP), and maybe FELV boosters (if it hasn't ever been given -- both vaccinations should be spaced apart by a couple weeks)....then talk about the every-three-year approach.
While rare, severe reactions to vaccines do occur, so do make sure Baxter's health chart notes this specifically, and try to allow him to stay in the clinic for a few hours after any vaccine, for observation and monitoring.
I'm sorry Baxter and you had to go through this, you've taken such excellent care of him, poor baby, he didn't need this.
He'll be tired and sore for a couple days, just let him rest as much as possible. Despite his not showing it, I'm sure the hip/limb is somewhat painful, the muscle aches when vaccines are given. Be careful when handling him and try to avoid handling that area for a few days.
..........Traci
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
awww Dmike I am sorry as well. He didn't this and you HAVE taken such good care of him...I mean really truly you have....
Traci, Question....So would Baxter's reaction be cause to note the chart as they do for me for my Latex allergy and Aspirin sensitivity? Is it so that they understand that he can go into anaphalaxis from "any" vaccine or just the Rabies?
Just figured since this was brought up I'd get educated as well on it.
again DMike sorry and HUGE hugs to you,Baxter and pup!!!!
Can't wait for the posts about all the trouble puppy will get into !!! ROFL
Traci, Question....So would Baxter's reaction be cause to note the chart as they do for me for my Latex allergy and Aspirin sensitivity? Is it so that they understand that he can go into anaphalaxis from "any" vaccine or just the Rabies?
Just figured since this was brought up I'd get educated as well on it.
again DMike sorry and HUGE hugs to you,Baxter and pup!!!!
Can't wait for the posts about all the trouble puppy will get into !!! ROFL
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
Mamabear, yes, absolutely. Whenever a cat has ANY reaction to ANY vaccine (even if it is mild), it MUST be clearly recorded in the cat's health records, and in PLAIN view to all staff (like on the front of a folder for the health record, in clear and legible writing). This then allows the vet and the client to make conscious decisions on whether or not a vaccine should be given, or accompanied by a pre-treatment and monitored, or withheld altogether.
Also, the vet should report the reaction to the manufacturer of the vaccine, promptly. Mike, make sure you request your vet do that ASAP.
Also, the vet should report the reaction to the manufacturer of the vaccine, promptly. Mike, make sure you request your vet do that ASAP.
..........Traci
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oconnorjoy
- Posts: 315
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2003 12:06 pm
- Location: Canada
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
My Pebbles (Pom) had a severe reaction to the bordatella vacination when she was a puppy. Her file was marked and when my vet gave it to her recently he kept her at his office all day to observe. She did well with it this time.
Mike...how about some pictures of your pup...I have a sheltie pup as well...I'll post mine if you post yours
Joy
Mike...how about some pictures of your pup...I have a sheltie pup as well...I'll post mine if you post yours
Joy
Thanks for all of the positive feedback and concerns on this whole ordeal. I am just happy that it is all finally over with. Baxter still seems a bit tired but definately is in much better spirits and is starting to act like himself again. I worked overnight last night and it was nice to see him sitting at the door waiting for me like normal when I arrived at 6:30am. He crawled up into bed with me and slept for most of the day and has been up and moving around and aggrivating the hell out of the puppy because he can jump over the baby gate and she cant! LOL
I have already spoken with Baxter's vet and his file has been labeled appropriately so this never happens again. He said give him a few weeks of rest before giving the revolution and then bring him back in for another checkup so we can discuss what we are going to do with the rest of the vaccines and what not. Of course he said to bring him in immediately if something goes wrong. It was nice because I got a random phone call from the doctor himself earlier to see how Baxter was doing and to give his best wishes. I must really give a big praise to Dr. Mullins from Hickory Vet Clinic here in MD. Anybody from the area who is looking for a good feline vet, he is your man!
I will post pics of my pup in the canine forum so I don't get everything all mixed up over here in kitty land!
Once again thank you for all of your support and good wishes!
Traci, could you explain a bit more about the other vaccinations Baxter may need? I'm not too sure exactly what each of them are and what they are supposed to be for. I know I will be speaking with my vet about this in a few weeks but I am curious about what I need to get my poor boy. Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!
A very sleepy, but feeling much better Baxter!
I have already spoken with Baxter's vet and his file has been labeled appropriately so this never happens again. He said give him a few weeks of rest before giving the revolution and then bring him back in for another checkup so we can discuss what we are going to do with the rest of the vaccines and what not. Of course he said to bring him in immediately if something goes wrong. It was nice because I got a random phone call from the doctor himself earlier to see how Baxter was doing and to give his best wishes. I must really give a big praise to Dr. Mullins from Hickory Vet Clinic here in MD. Anybody from the area who is looking for a good feline vet, he is your man!
I will post pics of my pup in the canine forum so I don't get everything all mixed up over here in kitty land!
Once again thank you for all of your support and good wishes!
Traci, could you explain a bit more about the other vaccinations Baxter may need? I'm not too sure exactly what each of them are and what they are supposed to be for. I know I will be speaking with my vet about this in a few weeks but I am curious about what I need to get my poor boy. Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!
A very sleepy, but feeling much better Baxter!
- Mike
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
I love his pic, he's such a gorgeous boy.
FVRCP = Feline Rhinotracheitis+Calicivirus+Panluekopenia (distemper), some vaccines may contain Chlamydia. These are upper respiratory viral and bacterial infections, herpesvirus, and distemper, with distemper being most fatal in kittens and susceptible/immuno-compromised adult cats, or unvaccinated cats. These virals are easily transmitted between cats (of any age, any health status), but proper vaccination and boosters afford good protection. Without vaccination, exacerbation of the upper respiratory infections can be debilitating or lethal, and distemper is a very deadly disease/epidemic in certain environments (multicat environments with poor vaccination histories, catteries, shelters, outdoor access, exposure to infected cats, roaming/fighting, bite wounds, etc). They are easily transmitted via close contact or exposure, sharing of food/water dishes, bite wounds, through people's clothing, etc. Distemper is also transmitted in utero (from queen to kittens).
FELV = Feline Leukemia. This is a viral disease that is not always a death sentence although it does require treatment to minimize secondary bacterial infections and a FELV+ cat may be more susceptible to numerous disease conditions because they are immuno-compromised. Can also be transmitted between cats, usually in kittens via in utero or during nursing (especially if the queen is unvaccinated and infected), or infected cats living in close quarters with uninfected cats, multicat environments, unvaccinated cats, exposure to an infected cat, sharing of food and water dishes, some evidence of grooming and bodily discharges, mating, suggests transmission. Risk factors are the same as with FVRCP, but some cats will shed the FELV virus, or may never become clinically ill despite carrying the virus. Due to it's immuncompromising nature, susceptibility to infections and other health conditions, I always strongly suggest testing and vaccination in all kittens and adult cats.
Do NOT ever vaccinate for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)...this is a controversial vaccine because it does not target specific strains, and the vaccine can cause an antigen test to be falsely positive. It is uncertain how long after a vaccination of FIV, a negative status might be achieved, some vets think a year, others feel 3 years or longer, there aren't enough studies to confirm. Only in high risk circumstances (catteries, some shelters, or households with an FIV+ cat) should vaccinating for FIV be under consideration.
Do NOT ever vaccinate for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). It is thought that this vaccine actually causes the virus to mutate into clinical infection. Only in high risk circumstances (as above) should this vaccine be considered.
FVRCP = Feline Rhinotracheitis+Calicivirus+Panluekopenia (distemper), some vaccines may contain Chlamydia. These are upper respiratory viral and bacterial infections, herpesvirus, and distemper, with distemper being most fatal in kittens and susceptible/immuno-compromised adult cats, or unvaccinated cats. These virals are easily transmitted between cats (of any age, any health status), but proper vaccination and boosters afford good protection. Without vaccination, exacerbation of the upper respiratory infections can be debilitating or lethal, and distemper is a very deadly disease/epidemic in certain environments (multicat environments with poor vaccination histories, catteries, shelters, outdoor access, exposure to infected cats, roaming/fighting, bite wounds, etc). They are easily transmitted via close contact or exposure, sharing of food/water dishes, bite wounds, through people's clothing, etc. Distemper is also transmitted in utero (from queen to kittens).
FELV = Feline Leukemia. This is a viral disease that is not always a death sentence although it does require treatment to minimize secondary bacterial infections and a FELV+ cat may be more susceptible to numerous disease conditions because they are immuno-compromised. Can also be transmitted between cats, usually in kittens via in utero or during nursing (especially if the queen is unvaccinated and infected), or infected cats living in close quarters with uninfected cats, multicat environments, unvaccinated cats, exposure to an infected cat, sharing of food and water dishes, some evidence of grooming and bodily discharges, mating, suggests transmission. Risk factors are the same as with FVRCP, but some cats will shed the FELV virus, or may never become clinically ill despite carrying the virus. Due to it's immuncompromising nature, susceptibility to infections and other health conditions, I always strongly suggest testing and vaccination in all kittens and adult cats.
Do NOT ever vaccinate for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)...this is a controversial vaccine because it does not target specific strains, and the vaccine can cause an antigen test to be falsely positive. It is uncertain how long after a vaccination of FIV, a negative status might be achieved, some vets think a year, others feel 3 years or longer, there aren't enough studies to confirm. Only in high risk circumstances (catteries, some shelters, or households with an FIV+ cat) should vaccinating for FIV be under consideration.
Do NOT ever vaccinate for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). It is thought that this vaccine actually causes the virus to mutate into clinical infection. Only in high risk circumstances (as above) should this vaccine be considered.
..........Traci
Re: Baxter and I had quite a scare last night.. Rabies Vac..
Thank you so much for clearing all that up for me Traci! I really appreciate all the time you have put into your posts for all that stupid questions that I ask LOL!
I just came home today and Baxter has sneezed 3 or 4 times. God I hope he isn't getting a cold or something now after all he has been through in the past week. He seems normal so I guess we will just see how he feels in a day or two. Time to crank the heat up so he has a warm spot everywhere he goes for a few days. I'm such a worry wart lately about this poor guy but I would really hate to see him get the flu after all this!
Thanks again Traci!
I just came home today and Baxter has sneezed 3 or 4 times. God I hope he isn't getting a cold or something now after all he has been through in the past week. He seems normal so I guess we will just see how he feels in a day or two. Time to crank the heat up so he has a warm spot everywhere he goes for a few days. I'm such a worry wart lately about this poor guy but I would really hate to see him get the flu after all this!
Thanks again Traci!
- Mike