[Kris L. Christine]

2008 REPORT ON RABIES VACCINE ADVERSE REACTIONS IN DOGS

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has published a report in its April 1, 2008 issue, Vol. 232, No. 7, entitled: Postmarketing Surveillance of Rabies Vaccines for Dogs to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy."

Despite the extreme under-reporting of vaccinal adverse reactions, this report states on the second page that between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2007, the Center for Veterinary Biologics, "nearly 10,000 adverse event reports (all animal species) were received by manufacturers of rabies vaccines..........Approximately 65% of the manufacturer's reports involved dogs."

The report further states on the second page that: "Rabies vaccines are the most common group of biological products identified in adverse event reports received by the CVB," and they give the following description of the adverse reaction followed by the % of dogs affected: Vomiting-28.1%, Facial Swelling-26.3%, Injection Site Swelling or Lump-19.4%, Lethargy-12%, Urticaria-10.1%, Circulatory shock-8.3%, Injection site pain-7.4%, Pruritus-7.4%, Injection site alopecia or hair loss-6.9%, Death-5.5%, Lack of Consciousness-5.5, Diarrhea-4.6%, Hypersensitivity (not specified)-4.6%, Fever-4.1%, Anaphylaxis-2.8%, Ataxia-2.8%, Lameness-2.8%, General signs of pain-2.3%, Hyperactivity-2.3%, Injection site scab or crust-2.3%, Muscle tremor-2.3%, Tachycardia-2.3%, and Thrombocytopenia-2.3%.

Veterinarians are not required by law to report adverse reactions to vaccines, to which the World Small Animal Veterinary Association stated in their 2007 Vaccine Guidelines that there is: "gross under-reporting of vaccine-associated adverse events which impedes knowledge of the ongoing safety of these products," and in an article entitled, A New Approach to Reporting Medication and Device Adverse Effects and Product Problems, (JAMA - June 2, 1993. Vol.269, No.21. p.2785) Dr. David Kessler, former head of the Food & Drug Administration, reported that "only about 1% of serious events are reported to the FDA."

In light of the 10,000 adverse reactions to the rabies vaccine in the JAVMA report, 65% of which were in dogs, the estimated 1% reporting of "serious" events by the former head of the FDA means that the actual number of dogs that had adverse reactions to the vaccine would be more like 650,000!!!!!

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines http://www.wsava.org/SAC.htm Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

A New Approach to Reporting Medication and Device Adverse Effects and Product Problems http://www.vaccinationnews.com/Adverse_Reactions/VAERS/credible_estimates.htm Scroll down to David Kessler statement in JAMA - June 2, 1993,vol.269, No.21, p.2785

[Kris L. Christine]

Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association Arkanas Veterinary Medical Association - What's New
RABIES VACCINATIONS
New Recommendations

Recommendations for maintaining adequate pre-exposure immunization status: A routine booster every two years is NOT recommended since the newer cell culture vaccines often confer adequate antibody levels for 5 to 8 years and risk of adverse reactions is increased by frequent boosters. The standard pre-exposure recommendation for veterinarians practicing in an area with enzootic rabies is serologic testing every two years with booster vaccination when the antibody titer falls below the acceptable level, i.e. 1:5 by RFFIT.

Thanks for posting this Kris. It's excellent information.

[Kris L. Christine]

You're welcome Finchesca,

Vaccinal adverse reactions are becoming more recognized and acknowledged in the veterinary community -- in an August 1, 2008 article in DVM360 entitled Vaccination: An Overview, Vaccination: An overview (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare Dr. Melissa Kennedy states that of the two types of vaccinal adverse reactions:

Adverse reactions have also become a major concern in small animal medicine. .... These fall into two general categories. The first is immediate hypersensitivity. This may be a local or systemic response, and is due to pre-existing antibody to the agent. This is the classic "allergic reaction" to the vaccine and can be life-threatening. The second is a delayed response, requiring days of longer to develop. The vaccine, seen as foreign, elicits a significant inflammatory response and is especially true for adjuvanted vaccines. This response can manifest as a granuloma, or more seriously, a fibrosarcoma . Further, she reports that The likelihood of adverse reactions in dogs has been found to correlate with the size of the dog and the number of inoculations given, with higher risk associated with small size and multiple inoculations.

I've always been afraid not to get our dogs vaccinated for rabies, especially because we live in a wooded area, but over the years, I've leaned more towards "natural" care for humans and animals, so I'm not thrilled for our dogs to get any vaccines. Can a person get in trouble legally for not getting their dogs vaccinated for rabies or does that vary from state to state? Is getting a dog tested for the antibodies a common practice among vets or would I have to search to find one who does that?

[Kris L. Christine]

Originally Posted by anifunk1962

I Can a person get in trouble legally for not getting their dogs vaccinated for rabies or does that vary from state to state? Is getting a dog tested for the antibodies a common practice among vets or would I have to search to find one who does that?

Any unvaccinated dog or one overdue for a booster (which most states will define as "unvaccinated") are at profound risk. If they scratch or bite someone, the state may seize the dog and immediately remove its head for rabies testing. I have heard that some states will accept titers, although I haven't seen written into the laws. Any veterinarian can draw blood to send to a labratory for rabies antibody testing.

So what's the best thing to do about rabies? Are the vaccinations safe? We used to vaccinate our dogs religiously every 2 years at a county rabies clinic (they were good for two years) until they changed the schedule and now I don't even know when the vaccinations are given or where.

I don't do other vaccinations because I don't think they're necessary and I don't like mainstream medicine (for humans or animals).

[Kris L. Christine]

anifunk,

There are no 2 year rabies vaccines licensed by the USDA, so you were giving your dogs a 3 year vaccine every 2 years. The best that we can all do as pet owners is to comply with the law (with the exception of Alabama and Rhode Island, which are both in the process of changing their laws) which is 3 years in all but 2 states.

To reduce the likelihood of an adverse reactions, veterinary vaccine research scientists like Dr. Ronald Schultz recommend that the rabies vaccine never be given with other vaccinations.

[Kris L. Christine]

Judy Schor's agility champion, Peaches, suffered a significant adverse reaction to a rabies booster. Judy has posted photos of Peaches and a letter from the vaccine manufacturer, Fort Dodge, offering a settlement to pay for medical treatment if they not disclose information about the claim. You can read the letter and see photos of Peaches at this link: Login | Facebook .