Veterinary Vaccines

The story below is about veterinary vaccines. It is important to note that in veterinary medicine when there are adverse reactions to vaccinations the offending components can be removed from the vaccine. The story states, "There is enough variety in vaccines that the veterinarian has options."

Too bad this does not hold true for human pediatric vaccines.

-Becca

Allergic reactions can be side effects of some vaccines

By Duane Kimmey
Detroit News

Dear Dr. Kimmey: I recently got a golden retriever puppy. He had his first shots before he came home with me. Shortly after he received his second round, he started acting strangely and his face swelled up. I figured he was having some allergic reaction and rushed him to an animal hospital. What should I do about the next round of vaccinations?

-- Greg Atwood, Columbiaville

Dear Greg: You did the right thing by taking your puppy to the emergency hospital. Yes, he was having a vaccine reaction. Occasionally this happens.

Prior to any of his vaccinations, he should be premedicated. The standard is usually a steroid and diphenhydramine about 15-20 minutes prior to the vaccination. After the puppy is vaccinated, I like to have the client wait for about 30 to 45 minutes so I can evaluate for any immediate reactions. Take the puppy back in three to four weeks for the next set of vaccines and premedication. Keep him on the vaccination schedule your veterinarian recommends.

Sometimes when there are possible adverse reactions to vaccinations, certain components can be removed from the vaccine. There is enough variety in vaccines that the veterinarian has options. Geographical prevalence of a disease may dictate the vaccines administered; these are referred to as core vaccines.

Duane A. Kimmey, D.V.M., is owner of North Metro Veterinary Hospital LLC, 20021 Greenfield Road, Detroit. Questions can be sent to drkimmey@northmetrovet.com or PETS, Features Department, The Detroit News, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226.

Posted by Becca

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