Rabies Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs

General Feedback
Posted by Karen (Deland, Fl) on 02/14/2010

Here is an interesting article written by a veterinarian in Clearwater, FL....

"The Big Scam: Rabies Vaccination
written by John Fundens, D.V.M.

I would like to give you, the reader, the truth about the so called required vaccinations, particularly rabies. There are two basic forms of law. One is the legal Constitutional and Common law that this country was founded on, and the other is "colorable" law passed by Administrative agencies/bureaucrats who have been given so called authority to pass laws. Black's Law Dictionary 5th Edition defines colorable law as "That which is in appearance only, and not in reality, what purports to be, hence counterfeit, feigned, having the appearance of truth." Yes, I study the law, am a paralegal, and have an extensive law library.

So any and all mandatory rabies vaccination programs are colorable law, in that they have been passed and mandated upon the pet owning public by certain vested interest groups. Who are these groups? First and foremost are veterinarians, in general, and veterinarian medical organizations. Second are the local animal control personnel, bureaucrats and politicians. What are their reasons? GREED, POWER AND CONTROL. Both these large powerful interest groups stand to benefit greatly by having rabies mandated by colorable law.

Veterinarians receive a large percentage of both their gross income and profit from vaccines given in the office. On average vaccines cost 60 to 95 cents per dose and are charged to the client at $15 to $25 per injection and substantially more in the large cities. Therefore, if veterinarians lobby to have a colorable law passed to give rabies vaccine every year that enhances their financial picture.

The veterinary medical societies, by working with other groups and area politicians, are rewarded by increased prestige and professional standing in the community. After all we are protecting you from the dreaded disease rabies, whether it exists or not. Some areas of the country are more enlightened and fortunate to have the rabies vaccine mandated every three years. You can be assured the rise of rabies is never taken into account as to whether the vaccine should be required or not. More on this later. The local government personnel benefit by extending more control over our lives, enriching the public treasury with fees, tags and fines, and giving the appearance that local government is doing something about animal populations, disease and risks to the public. Since rabies vaccines have been mandated, what county or area has seen less dog and cat bites, better animal control, more public awareness and educating of pet owning responsibility, better birth control of unwanted animals, less euthanasia of animals and decreased growth of animal control facilities?

These special groups and lobbies will use any argument, realistic or not, to justify their position. They are excellent at using the media to spread the lies and distortions. Examples: We have increased numbers of dogs biting people, pitbulls attacking and killing children are on the increase, more dogs and cats are running loose terrorizing neighborhoods, killing wildlife and other domestic stock, etc...ad nausaem. The only thing rabies vaccination is for is the protection from rabies virus, all other justifiers for the vaccine fall under human control and exist because there are a certain number of humans, connected to animals, who are irresponsible. Rabies is spread by the bite of an infected animal. The number of dog/cat bite cases in the U.S. that expose humans to rabies is as rare as shark attacks. This low incident rate has nothing to do with mandatory vaccination as the number of cases was low before the mandatory requirement.

Let me give you an example of Pinellas County, FL where my Affinity Clinic is located. I secured information from Pinellas Animal Control through the Freedom of Information Act. The record of animal control starts in 1964. From 1964 to 1978 there were zero cases of dog rabies in the county. Magically in 1978 rabies vaccine was mandated to be given every year and all dogs tagged and licensed. WHY? Well it seems four veterinarians, with animal control bureaucrats, pushed the county board of supervisors to pass a law mandating rabies vaccination every year. There were three local vets and one professor from the State Veterinary College who were behind this. It was interesting reading their letters pushing this law and the minutes of the county meeting. There was talk of dogs biting people (no actual figures given), dogs running loose, animal overpopulation, rabies on the increase in the U.S. (the increase was in wildlife, not dogs), etc.,etc. Not once was the issue discussed that there was no rabies in the county in dogs. To this date there still has not been one case of dog rabies, including the population of dogs whose owners, GOD BLESS THEM, do not vaccinate for rabies. Let's go further.

From 1964 to 1989 there were no cases of rabies in cats in Pinellas County. Magically in 1989 a law was passed mandating rabies vaccination, tags and licenses for all cats. Same tired worn out excuses were used. Since the 1989 law there was one cat with rabies contracted from the bite of a bat. DO YOU READERS REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT I HAVE JUST STATED? This is standard throughout the Country. No allowance is made for dogs/cats who never leave the house or yard, could never be exposed to rabies under any circumstances, or who are so ill, old or at the end of their life cycle that the rabies vaccine would throw them over the edge. No, all dogs and cats are treated the same because we have the bogeyman, rabies, stalking the streets waiting to strike unprotected dogs and cats.

Is there rabies in this Country? You bet. Are there areas of this Country that have rabies in their wildlife population and do some dogs/cats become infected? You bet. But let's be realistic. Rabies has been on this earth long before man walked here and will be here long after we are gone. The only way to get rid of rabies is to remove mankind and the upper animals susceptible to the virus. Then maybe the virus will die off. It is a self limiting disease in the wild as it is fatal. So the virus has an extremely hard time spreading far and wide.

What is wrong with targeting those areas of the Country that have a problem with rabies using a realistic and specially formulated program that will protect the population at risk? Too logical and the special groups don't make any money. Why not educate the pet owner to the risks and dangers and let them decide whether the immune system damage from rabies vaccination is greater or lesser than contracting the disease. We do have a God given Constitutionally secured right to LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Public health officials always have the right to mandate emergency health care procedures in case the public, in general does not respond properly. But why should every day, month and year be as if an emergency or crisis exists? And why should we have more and more control of our lives taken from us?

The vaccines, particularly rabies, are a political and economic scam being forced upon pet owners because they do not know the truth. Rabies, nationwide, is nowhere near the problem the veterinarians, media, politicians and bureaucrats would like you to believe. If you wish more of the truth go to your local city or county government building and look up the codes and statutes concerning vaccines and rabies. Get figures from local animal control for rabies in dogs, cats and wildlife in your area. Then you can start to fight back, take control of your life, and protect your pet from the only dreaded disease that is important--special interest groups pushing their program leading to vaccine induced damaged immune systems. Only you can set yourself free.

Current Veterinary Therapy by Kirk, the textbook bible for veterinarians in general, has an article on canine and feline vaccines by two researchers. Near the end of the article is a paragraph called Annual Vaccinations. It states "The practice of annual vaccinations lacks scientific validity or verification. There is no immunological requirement for annual vaccinations. The practice of annual vaccinations should be considered of questionable efficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination or is required by law." Sure, if we can't manipulate you with annual vaccinations let's pass a law to get you into the office. Nice trick!

Well reader, it is your choice. I can only hope to stimulate you to look and go further. You don't have to take this suppression. Fight back. The only thing you have to lose is your freedom and you have already lost a great deal of it. I can fight with you but I can't do it alone."


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Marvin (Green Bay, Wi) on 02/06/2010

Rabies Shots/Dog Dies

Thank you for this oppotunity to ask you my question.

We had the vet give out dog(mixed breed of maybe Austrailian Shepard/Border Collie/German Shepard) a rabies booster shot. This was about the 3rd one she had. Not too long after she developed Addisons Disease. Could this have resulted from having the rabies booster shot?


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Erica (Boston, Ma) on 01/18/2010

Side effects from rabies vaccine

My 2 yr old shih tzu got his second rabies vaccine along with his distemper.We never had any problems last year when he got his 1st set of shots. This time within 1 week he was shaking all over and he had a lump at the injection site. It's been 3 months and he is still shaking. He has never been the same since that day. When I took him back to the vet she said he was fine. So, I am now going for a 2nd opinion. This is horrible. I was only trying to keep my dog safe.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Tina (New Braintree, Ma, Usa) on 12/20/2009

My 10 year old cat, who was perfectly healthy (not just another cat but my soul mate) receieved a rabies booster shot, within 4 months she was dead from severe liver damage. Any information you have regarding this would be appreciated. Do you think that the shot could cause this?

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Rina (Ashland, Ma) on 12/19/2009

I took my perfectly healthy Maltese for his required by law RABIES shot to the Vet. Before the shot he was surprised how healthy he was. I feed him dog kibbles, shredded carrots and three drops of fish oil daily. He drinks water and has one cup of food daily. He is 12 pounds. He took a couple of blood tests and while there I decided that he was due for his RABIES shot. The VET gave him his shot and I paid my $175.00 fee for his visit. When I went to the car, he had a reaction that put him into a shock - I ran back into the hospital and they had to give him intravenous, steroids, and benadryl, he was at death's door. He was in the hospital all that day. I picked him up and had another bill of $155.00 dollars. I spoke to the Vet about this and his statement was "I could have put him down, but I brought him back". I was shocked at that statement. He was perfectly well when I brought him in - now I have to pay an additional payment because he did me a favor by reviving him? What are the results of this reaction? He told me that the blood tests that were taken prior to the Rabies shot found that his kidney count was very high and that he would have to go on a special food called KD by prescription. Can't I make special food for him? He seems to be okay, but has been lethargic, his kidneys are functioning fine and he lets me know when he has to go out. Can you help me? I adore my dog and I want him to live out his years in good health - how can I do that?


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Suzanne (Jackson, Mi) on 12/18/2009

Our dog, Lily had her Rabies vaccination on Monday 12/14, by Tuesday night she was very lethargic, and all week she just lies there and cries and whines and has a hard time getting up. Once she is up, she seems ok, but definitely not her usual self. She is moving very slowly. She is only 5 and a golden retreiever, normal weight and never has had a reaction to a shot or medication before. Does anyone know if they get better???? What do you do? We are going to the vet today.

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Arthur (Park Rdige, Illinois) on 12/16/2009

Had my dog vaccinated with three year rabies vaccine. Since then about one month he has been throwing up all food. Also if not fed for a day or so as vet suggested, he throws up a clear or sometime foamy very slimy throwup. Also he has almost lost control of hind leg(s) and has a hard time walking. VCet said to give my dog pipcod AC to settle his stomach, this has not helped. My dog weighed 99 pounds two weeks ago and had lost 15 pounds, now he is 84 pounds. Vet seems to be bewildered.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Suzanne (Glendale, California) on 12/11/2009

I just wanted you to be aware of the death of my beautiful Malamute, Sasha. She was 10 years young and so full of life and energy. In the morning, I took her to the local pet shop vaccination clinic for her regular rabies booster shot. She was prancing, dancing, and ahooing to everyone in the store. By the afternoon she acted like she had the flu, and the next morning fell over in the back yard like a tree in the forest. She was foaming at the mouth with shallow breathing. I tried to resuscitate her. My husband said it was a heart attack. The vet took no responsibility. I learned through research on the internet that older dogs often have compromised immune systems and because of the type of rabies vaccination they use that's what killed her. I warn everyone with an older dog, do not give them the shots. Sasha was in perfect health before she was given the shot. I miss her so much.

EC: How very sad. We are so sorry for your loss.

Deirdre


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Connie (Warsaw, Oh) on 12/05/2009

My French Bulldog got a rabies shot 3 days ago. Within a few hours, he was paralyzed in his back legs. It has been 3 days, and he is not eating can't walk. My vet says he has never seen this happen as a result of a rabie shot. Is there anyone out there who has had this happen to their dog? Did your dog recover?


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Val (San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico) on 12/01/2009
★★★★☆

My 21 mo old 6 lb Female Papillon developed allergy symptoms, gastric problems, and some nervous, paranoid and insecure behavior soon after receiving a SQ rabies vaccine in her right shoulder. Symptoms were mild to begin with but worsened over the next several weeks. We initially treated with Children's Benadryl 12 mg orally TID. 5 weeks after being vaccinated, at the vaccine site she developed a large area of alopecia (2" wide by 3" long and appears to still be increasing in size) which is quite large for such a small dog. We started treating with Temeril-P 1 Tab BID and decreasing dose. She's near completion with her with the Temeril-P and has just started Pentoxifylline therapy o.25 ml BID (120 mg/ml). My Vet had it compounded into a liquid, due to the fact that it only comes in a non dividable time released coated caplet at the pharmacies. The gastric upset and itching has improved, though she is still foot licking and face rubbing. This is an extremely beautiful, well bred show dog, and beloved friend. I'm concerned about long term effects, and of the alopecia increasing in area and possibly affecting her beautiful ears and face. Anything more I can do to help insure she recovers completely?

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Aisha (Houston, Tx) on 11/30/2009

My himalayan cat was given a Pfizer rabies vaccine when he was two years old. The injection site was at the base of the neck, however, I later learned that it's safer to vaccinate on an animal's hips or near the hind leg.

About an hour and a half after being vaccinated, my cat began vomitting blood. He must have vomitted 11 times! At the emergency room of the animal clinic, I was given the choice of administering Zantac (to coat his stomach) or another medication. I opted for the Zantac shot which made him feel more comfortable (the bleeding had chafed his throat). Thankfully, he recovered quickly. However, I have not taken him to get his latest rabies vaccinations. In order for him to be certified for travel, I will have to get him vaccinated eventually. Any suggestions on how I can ease the side-effects of the rabies vaccination would be greatly appreciated!

EC: Advice on how to treat vaccination side effects can be found at the top of this section: https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/vaccination_side_effects.html


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Brenda (Lynn, Ma) on 11/17/2009

We took our puppy for his first Rabies Vaccine, we came out of the exam room and he suddenly was not right , he vomited and went down. Luckily this happened while we were still at the Vets, he needed oxygen and a shot. Very scary. thanks to the wondeful care he is fine. Isn't there anything else they can do for smaller dogs?


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Michelle (Calgary, Alberta) on 10/27/2009

I have had great success with Homopathic medicine to help my cats get over vaccines. Either find a homopathic vet or check with Dr. Pitcarn - http://www.drpitcairn.com/

Or a homopath that works with a holistic vet in your area.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Cassandra (Gander, Nl) on 10/23/2009

Rabies vaccine side effect

My Boxer dog recieved his rabies vaccine at 6 months old and about 30-40 days later developed a severe attack of pancreatitis, afterwards his pancrease was left unable to digest his food and he is now on medication. We ruled out all other causes of pancreatitis. he also developed behaviour problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, and frequently wanting to be alone as if he was sick.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Anita (Jacksonville, Fl) on 10/23/2009

Last Thursday we took our 2 year old cat for a rabies shot. This was required by the city since we were adopting a new kitten. The vet gave her a 3 year rabies shot and a leukemia shot. He had difficulty getting the shots in since she wouldn't be still. On Monday, she threw up all day and by Monday night she could not stand up and her eyes were not focused. They appeared to be vibrating and her neck was bobbing. We immediately took her to an all night emergency vet. She said she has Vestibular disease and that it was not caused by the vaccines. I totally believe it is!! If you look up the rabies shot side effects one of them is these same symptons caused by too much protein ruining the nervous system. We have her on a medicine for sea sickness and it appears to be working. This is Friday - 8 days since her vaccine and she is better but not well. She can walk slowly and is not falling down most of the time. She still can't jump and run. She appears very sad now. I pray she gets fully recovered. I WILL NEVER GIVE ANY OF MY CATS RABIES VACCINES AGAIN NO MATTER WHAT THE LAW READS.

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Angel (Taylor, Mi) on 10/12/2009

Latest update on my belved Zsazsa. I wrote previously she was diagonosed with cancer at her rabies injection site, yes blood test confirmed it. Zsazsa was allergic to anesthesia and could't have surgery. The vet projected she may live 3 to 4 months. I just lost my little girl last week. Her tumor burst and had no choice but to put her down. It broke my heart. I asked the vet was there any way to know 100% her cancer was from the rabies vaccine and she said they could do a biospy and detemine. We also asked if our local college of vet. medicine would be interested in studing her cancer. Our vet contacted the company who produced the rabies vaccine and they have agreed to pay for the biospy to determine if their product caused the cancer and Michigan State University is going to do an autopsy and study her. If nothing else her number will be reported if it is found the rabies vaccine caused her cancer. I miss her dearly and want peple to know the dangers of this vaccine. I applaud the vet for going after the company to pay for the test and the company for stepping up to see if their poduct caused it.

EC: We are so sorry for your loss, Angel. Thank you for taking the time to update the site.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Nicole (Near Chicago, Il) on 10/07/2009

Hello, my dog (7 yr old female shih-tzu) was given her rabies shot approximately 24 hours ago at petsmart. We are unaware of the dose or brand given to her. She is incredibly lethargic, does not respond to her name, is taking quick, shallow breaths and resists any human contact. She is an otherwise outgoing, friendly, healthy dog. Is this temporary? My family does not believe in vaccines (for the most part) and we are worried for her immediate and lasting health. What should we do for her?

Thanks, Nicole



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