> I would appreciate any feed back or information to see if any one else
> is having this type of problem and what are you doing about it. I am
> considering not giving him this again. I really feel like his
> exposure is minimal since he is with me at all times, but I also don't
> want to make a mistake in thinking this way.
That does sound like a vaccine reaction, and you're right to be leery
because those reactions can get much more severe -- and just because he
hasn't had a severe reaction in the past does NOT mean he won't the next
time.
Talk to your vet about having titers done instead of vaccination. It's a
blood test which will have to be sent out. Titers measure the antibodies in
the blood for ALL vaccines. If your dog's immunities are already where they
should be, then he doesn't need the vaccine. Titers are just as acceptable
for licensing purposes (as far as I know in every state) and for things like
airline travel. It costs more than vaccination, but probably less than
vaccinations PLUS an additional vet visit PLUS steroids (which can wreak
havoc on your poor dog, by the way). Not to mention an emergency visit
should your dog have a really bad reaction. My chihuahua Luna had had no
reaction whatsoever to her first couple rounds of vaccines; on the last one,
however, her face swelled up hugely, she broke out in hives, and showed
respiratory distress, which meant an emergency run to our vet (who was
thankfully still open) and treatment, plus a near heart attack for me. Do
NOT take vaccine reactions, however slight, lightly. My vet now does titers
on both our chis and highly recommends it for any small dog.
Check your state's law, or your vet may know. Many states require
vaccinating only every three years, which means you need only have the
titers done every three years for licensing purposes. The vaccines your dog
has already had may very well keep him safe for the rest of his life.
Opinions vary, but get the tests.
Anne
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