Vaccine reaction
by Claudia
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Hi everyone. I had a horrible experience today. My little Selena (8 weeks and 4 days) received her 2nd set of vaccines today. The first one was given to her by her breeder. My vet informed me that since she is only 2 lbs. 3oz. it would be safer to break up the vaccines and give her Distemper/Parvo today and her Corona shot on Saturday. So that's what we did. On the way back home she seemed fine but about a total of an hour after the shots I noticed her scratching her ears. I looked and saw nothing. Then she started pawing at her left eye. I thought maybe an ant bit her out in the yard. It all happened so fast. Before I knew her left eye swelled up right in front of my eyes. She just kept rubbing and pawing at it. I thought of the vaccine right away. I ran for the phone and called my vet. They told me to bring her in ASAP. By the time I slipped in to my sandals her right eye swelled up too. I raced to the vet and in the car her whole face turned puffy. She looked like a bowling ball with little slits for eyes. I felt so bad for her. At the vets they rushed and gave her 2 shots. One was Benedryl and the other was Dexamethosane. I had to leave her there for 2 hours to be sure she'll be OK. What a scare. My little baby is so healthy otherwise. Have any you had a similar experience with shots? The vet told me that Maltese are prone to allergic reactions due to their white hair and pink skin. It makes them more sensitive. Has anyone heard that before? Thanks for any answers.
DISCUSSION:
Poor little Selena and you, too. What a scare! Sugar is allergic to the Lepto and has to get a antihistamine shot as well then she does okay. Otherwise, she gets a terrible rash and scratches like crazy. Good luck. I know you will adore your baby! :)
Jeanne and Sugar
Oh, Claudia, how scary for you. I'm glad to hear that your baby is doing better. I have read about parvo reactions in the past and you might want to check the archives. Take care of your puppy. Licks and wags from Beau and Maisy
Tricia, Beau and Maisy
Hello! What a scare! I learned about the Lepto reaction right here on malteseonly. I printed the information out and gave it to my Vet when it was time for Ellii's next set of shots. SHE HADN'T HEARD OF SUCH A THING! They (whoever 'they' are) don't just send this information out to all the vets in the USA. She made a few calls and ordered the shots without the Lepto in them. I have heard that some people give the Lepto shot to their dogs because of the contact that they have with other dogs. Ellii has little to no contact so I decided to not give it to her to be on the safe side. Another thing that my Vet told me after she checked out the information was that sometimes these little dogs don't have a reaction until the second shot, so if they didn't have a reaction the first time around, it really surprised (and scared) the owners. Also, this isn't unique to maltese. Many of the small breeds can't handle it. Anyway, glad to hear that your baby is going to be alright! Thank goodness you were her! Poor baby! You are at the right place for getting information. This site has saved me many a sleepless night!
Jeannie
The worst reaction we ever had was just red itchy eyes an hour after getting home from the vet. During the time I gave my puppies their shots I never had a reaction. My vet taught me to give the tinies, like yours, only 1/2 of the 1cc dose. I believe it's the tiny size, not the breed that predisposes a pup for reactions to the full dose recommended by the manufacturers. And at your puppies age Lepto is not recommended. I do give it before I let puppies outside on grass but never that young. I live in Florida where Lepto is a year round problem being endemic in rats and mice that come into the yard to eat fruit from the trees. Also carried by feral cats and racoons. It is in the urine.
I am very glad you were able to get your baby back to the vet so fast. He will have to make special care so that the follow up shots do not repeat the condition. Be sure not to just skip the shots even though the experience was scary. We do them every 3 weeks with the new vaccines so just 8 weeks would not be an age when mine would be getting a second shot. What is your vets. schedule? At what age did your pup get its first shot?
Mary Lou
Poor Selena. I was told never to leave the vet after a shot for a least an hour, because of just such things. Read a magazine, play with the pooch, but don't leave. Now you know for next time. I'm glad she's okay!
Isabel
Hi Claudia, yes, to answer your question. Pretty scary, huh? My little 3 1/2 lb has same thing happen. She does not get lepto at all, so that is not the cause. Vet breaks up her shots too, but still, she reacts with the puffiness and itching every time. Give her Baby Benedryl 1 hour before getting the shots. Ask Vet about that and how much to give. I hope this helps you.
Linda P
Selena did not get Lepto because the vet knows about possible reactions to that shot. I live in Florida too. Her first shots were given to her at almost 5 weeks old. I spoke to the vet again this morning and he recommended to drop her early in the morning next time she gets a shot and leave her there for observation. Nice try, I know he means well but I really don't want to leave her again. She is only 8 weeks old and this is a crucial age for fear and socialization a.s.o. I told him I'll just be hanging out with her in the waiting room for a couple of hours which was OK with him too. So Saturday we'll go for the Corona shot. I will ask him about Baby Benedryl before I bring her in and also about just giving her 1/2 the amount. Hopefully she'll be fine.
Claudia
Claudia
Yes any dog can have a reaction to the shots. I don't give Lepto for that very reason. Though they can still happen with the other shots also. When they are that small I try to half the dosage and always keep baby benedryl around. Whenever your dog gets a shot you should always try to watch it for the first couple of hours to make sure all is ok.
Kathy S.
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