From:
swamp
Date: 2001-11-16 19:48:00 UTC
Subject: Re: reaction to booster
At 09:59 PM 11/16/2001 +0000, Heather wrote:
>I took both of my girls to the vet for the distempter boosters, i
>have read that it is common for them to react. but i was so hoping i
>would not exprience it.
This is a common misconception, deriving, I think, from people not
reporting uneventful vaccinations. Reactions to approved vaccines are rare.
> They were vomiting and diareha bad, and very
>very limp. the vet gave them the beneryl or whatever they use, and
>slowly came around.
>my question is why does this happen.
The answer gets pretty technical so maybe one of the vets will provide
greater detail. Basically the body reacts improperly to the stimulus of the
vaccine and overproduces histamines, which cause blood vessels to dilate
and air passages to constrict. Blood pressure drops and breathing becomes
difficult and pretty soon you have a ferret (or human) behaving the way you
describe above. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.
> did the vet do something or
>could of done something to prevent this?
Good question. With two ferrets reacting I'd get the batch number of the
vaccinate and diluent and check with the manufacturer. Some folks recommend
pre-medicating the ferret with benadryl before the inoculation. I'm not in
that camp, but ferrets with a history of reactions are definitely suitable
candidates.
> or do they react bc of thier
>immune system make up?,,,etc..
Yes. As per above, assuming the vaccine was administered according to
manufacturer's guidelines, anaphylaxis is an improper immune response.
>the vet did have difficulties give the shot to one of my girls, had
>to stick her about 4 times.
It's thought that stress may be a contributor in reactions.
> Is there a specific spot that the
>booster should be adminsitered?? this time it was located in the back
>below the scruf.
I believe either the scruff or hindquarters, subq or IM is ok. Vets?
> they had thier rabbies done is aug and had no
>reaction, this was at a different vet clinic. I questioning wether
>or not i should go back.
Reactions to rabies vaccines are reported less frequently than those to CD
vaccines. As to whether to go back, that's a decision you'll have to make
on your own. You didn't provide enough information for me to comfortably
recommend switching vets. If you could get the name of the vaccine from
your vet, and ask how it was prepared prior to administration, you might
get more insightful responses.
Not a vet,
Rob