From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-06-22 16:41:06 UTC
Subject: Preventing anaphylactic (sp?) reactions
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20030622124106.1c2a5783.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
Hi, everyone,
I've posted this last year, but I think it's worth repeating for people
who have joined since.
My Nyssa (large healthy five year old spayed female) had an anaphylactic
(sp?) reatcion to her rabies shot three years ago. In addition to
vomiting and diarrhea she went into shock, turned red, and collapsed.
This all happened very quickly. The reaction was the second worst I've
seen, and her condition was touch and go for a little while. Despite
this, she's had rabies shots every year since then with no reaction.
Here is what our vet does: he giver her dexamethasone injections for
three consecutive days prior to the day of the rabies vaccine. About an
hour before he gives her an injection of both dexamethasone and
benadryl. Bottom line: it works. Nyssa is sleepy and a little out of
it afterwards, but there is no other adverse reaction.
I asked our vet what he intends to do for Podo, who had all the problems
Nyssa had plus severe swelling almost immediately after his rabies
vaccination last year. Podo will be nine when he's due again this fall.
My inclination is not to vaccinate. Our vet still hasn't decided what
he thinks is best. He wants to see how Podo's health is doing then.
Right now it's amazingly good.
All the best,
Caity and the notorious nine