Adverse Reaction To Vaccines
ADVERSE VACCINE REACTIONS W. Jean Dodds, DVM Hemopet/Hemolife 938 Stanford Street Santa Monica, CA 90403 310-828-4804; Fax 310-828-8251 Viral disease and recent vaccination with single or combination modified live-virus (MLV) vaccines, especially those containing distemper virus, adenovirus 1 or 2, and parvovirus are increasingly recognized contributors to immune-mediated blood disease, bone marrow failure, and organ dysfunction. 1-11 Potent adjuvanted killed vaccines like those for rabies virus also can trigger immediate and delayed (vaccinosis) adverse vaccine reactions.7-10 Genetic predisposition to these disorders in humans has been linked to the leucocyte antigen D-related gene locus of the major histocompatibility complex, and is likely to have parallel associations in domestic animals. 5, 7 Beyond immediate hypersensitivity reactions, other acute events tend to occur 24-72 hours afterwards, or 7-45 days later in a delayed type immunological response. 1-4, 6-10 Even more delayed adverse effects include mortality from high-titered measles vaccine in infants, canine distemper antibodies in joint diseases of dogs, and feline injection-site fibrosarcomas. 5,7 The increasing antigenic load presented to the host individual by modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines during the period of viremia is presumed to be responsible for the immunological challenge that can result in a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. 2, 3, 6, 7 The clinical signs associated with vaccine reactions typically include fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, neurological disorders and encephalitis, collapse with autoagglutinated red blood cells and icterus (autoimmune hemolytic anemia) (AIHA), or generalized petechiae and ecchymotic hemorrhages (immune-mediated thrombocytopenia)(ITP).1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13 Hepatic enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may occur by itself or accompany bone marrow suppression. Furthermore, MLV vaccination has been associated with the development of transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs of breeds or cross-breeds susceptible to immune-mediated diseases especially those involving hematologic or endocrine tissues (e.g. AIHA, ITP, autoimmune thyroiditis). 1,7,10 Post-vaccinal polyneuropathy is a recognized entity associated occasionally with the use of distemper, parvovirus, rabies and presumably other vaccines. 2, 3, 7 This can result in various clinical signs including muscular atrophy, inhibition or interruption of neuronal control of tissue and organ function, muscular excitation, incoordination and weakness, as well as seizures. 7 Certain breeds or families of dogs appear to be more susceptible to adverse vaccine reactions, particularly post-vaccinal seizures, high fevers, and painful episodes of hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD).7, 9 Therefore, we have the responsibility to advise companion animal breeders and caregivers of the potential for genetically susceptible littermates and relatives to be at increased risk for similar adverse vaccine reactions.1, 4, 6-9, 14-17 In popular (or rare) inbred and linebred animals, the breed in general can be at increased risk as illustrated in the examples below. Commercial vaccines can on rare occasion be contaminated with other adventitious viral agents, 3, 15 which can produce significant untoward effects such as occurred when a commercial canine parvovirus vaccine was contaminated by blue tongue virus. It produced 2 abortion and death when given to pregnant dogs,15 and was linked causally to the ill-advised but all too common practice of vaccinating pregnant animals. The potential for side-effects such as promotion of chronic disease states in male and non-pregnant female dogs receiving this lot of vaccine remains in question, although there have been anecdotal reports of reduced stamina and renal dysfunction in performance sled dogs. 17 Recently, a vaccine manufacturer had to recall all biologic products containing a distemper component, because they were associated with a higher than expected rate of central nervous system postvaccinal reactions 1-2 weeks following administration. 17 Vaccination of pet and research dogs with polyvalent vaccines containing rabies virus or rabies vaccine alone was recently shown to induce production of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, a provocative and important finding with implications for the subsequent development of hypothyroidism. 10 Other issues arise from overvaccination, as the increased cost in time and dollars spent needs to be considered, despite the well-intentioned solicitation of clients to encourage annual booster vaccinations so that pets also can receive a wellness examination.6 Giving annual boosters when they are not necessary has the client paying for a service which is likely to be of little benefit to the pet’s existing level of protection against these infectious diseases. It also increases the risk of adverse reactions from the repeated exposure to foreign substances. Polyvalent MLV vaccines which multiply in the host elicit a stronger antigenic challenge to the animal and should mount a more effective and sustained immune response. 2, 3, 6 However, this can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even a healthy host that has ongoing exposure to other environmental stimuli as well as a genetic predisposition that promotes adverse response to viral challenge. 1, 2, 7, 14, 16, 17 The recently weaned young puppy or kitten being placed in a new environment may be at particular risk. Furthermore, while the frequency of vaccinations is usually spaced 2-3 weeks apart, some veterinarians have advocated vaccination once a week in stressful situations, a practice makes little sense scientifically or medically.6 An augmented immune response to vaccination is seen in dogs with pre-existing inhalant allergies (atopy) to pollens. 7 Furthermore, the increasing current problems with allergic and immunological diseases has been linked to the introduction of MLV vaccines more than 20 years ago. 3 While other environmental factors no doubt have a contributing role, the introduction of these vaccine antigens and their environmental shedding may provide the final insult that exceeds the immunological tolerance threshold of some individuals in the pet population. The accumulated evidence indicates that vaccination protocols should no longer be considered as a “one size fits all” program. 9 For these special cases, appropriate alternatives to current vaccine practices include: measuring serum antibody titers; avoidance of unnecessary vaccines or overvaccinating; caution in vaccinating sick or febrile individuals; and tailoring a specific minimal vaccination protocol for dogs of breeds or families known to be at increased risk for adverse reactions.6,7,18-21 Considerations include starting the vaccination series later, such as at nine or ten weeks of age when the immune system is more able to handle antigenic challenge; alerting the caregiver to pay particular attention to the puppy’s behavior and overall health after the second or subsequent boosters; and avoiding revaccination of individuals already experiencing a significant adverse event. Littermates of affected puppies should be closely monitored after receiving additional vaccines in a puppy series, as they too are at higher risk. 3 References 1. Dodds WJ. Immune-mediated diseases of the blood. Adv Vet Sci Comp Med 1983; 27:163-196. 2. Phillips TR, Jensen JL, Rubino MJ, Yang WC, Schultz RD. Effects on vaccines on the canine immune system. Can J Vet Res 1989; 53: 154-160. 3. Tizard I. Risks associated with use of live vaccines. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1990; 196:1851-1858. 4. Duval D, Giger U. Vaccine-associated immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in the dog. J Vet Int Med 1996;10: 290-295. 5. Cohen AD, Shoenfeld Y. Vaccine-induced autoimmunity. J Autoimmunity 1996; 9: 699-703. 6. Schultz R. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Vet Med 1998; 93:233-254. 7. Dodds WJ. More bumps on the vaccine road. Adv Vet Med 1999; 41: 715-732. 8. HogenEsch H, Azcona-Olivera J, Scott-Moncrieff C, Snyder PW, Glickman LT. Vaccine-induced autoimmunity in the dog. Adv Vet Med 1999; 41:733-744. 9. Dodds WJ. Vaccination protocols for dogs predisposed to vaccine reactions. J Am An Hosp Assoc 2001; 38: 1-4. 10. Scott-Moncrieff JC, Azcona-Olivera J, Glickman NW, Glickman LT, HogenEsch H. Evaluation of antithyroglobulin antibodies after routine vaccination in pet and research dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 221: 515-521. 11. Paul MA (chair) et al. Report of the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force: 2003 canine vaccine guidelines, recommendations, and supporting literature. AAHA, April 2003, 28 pp. 12. May C, Hammill J, Bennett, D. Chinese shar pei fever syndrome: A preliminary report. Vet Rec 1992;131: 586-587. 13. Scott-Moncrieff JC, Snyder PW, Glickman LT, Davis EL, Felsburg PJ. Systemic necrotizing vasculitis in nine young beagles. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1992; 201: 1553-1558. 14. Dodds WJ. Estimating disease prevalence with health surveys and genetic screening. Adv Vet Sci Comp Med 1995; 39: 29-96. 15. Wilbur LA, Evermann JF, Levings RL, Stoll LR, Starling DE, Spillers CA, Gustafson GA, McKeirnan AJ. Abortion and death in pregnant bitches associated with a canine vaccine contaminated with blue tongue virus. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1994; 204:1762-1765. 16. Day MJ, Penhale WJ. Immune-mediated disease in the old English sheepdog. Res Vet Sci 1992; 53: 87-92. 17. Dougherty SA, Center SA. Juvenile onset polyarthritis in Akitas. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991; 198: 849- 855. 18. Twark L, Dodds WJ. Clinical use of serum parvovirus and distemper virus antibody titers for determining revaccination strategies in healthy dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000; 217:1021-1024. 19. Flemming DD, Scott JF. The informed consent doctrine: what veterinarians should tell their clients. OJ Am Vet Med Assoc 224: 1436-1439, 2004. 20. Klingborg DJ, Hustead DR, Curry-Galvin E, et al. AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents’ report on cat and dog vaccines. J Am Vet Med Assoc 221: 1401-1407, 2002. 21. Schultz RD, Ford RB, Olsen J, Scott F. Titer testing and vaccination: a new look at traditional practices. Vet Med, 97: 1-13, 2002 (insert). |
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| Thankyou another very informative piece on information. |
| As one who has 3 boys, 1 with synovi sarcoma and 2 with hypothyroidism, I find this information helpful . Thanks Stacey! May I ask what sources you used as I would like to learn more about the corrolation between vaccines and these adverse reactions. Is there a web site you use? Thanks again
Holly |
| Yes it is another group I belong to....
http://www.truthaboutvaccines.org/index.html |
| Dont forget about lumps.... |
| Hello all. I lost an Old English Sheepdog 4 years ago to a vaccine reaction. He died 10 days after vaccination from Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia. He bled to death. It was pretty gruesome. I am currently in litigation with the vet. I have found a huge amount of info on the subject. To those of you in the Houston area I would advise you to check out http://critterfixer.com/ Dr. Rogers is an expert on the subject and a really nice person. |
| In My Opinion Many of Our Babies are sick and have died due to over vaccination..... Up until 3 years ago I too would run to the Vet every year when the little card came in the mail..Thinking OMG if I don't get the shots My Babies will get one of these terrible diseaes.....Knowledge Is Freedom!!!!!! I have a very curious mind......I ask my vet one time why do you give the same shot to a little dog as you do a big dog?????? As with most things he shrugged his sholders and tried to ignore me...... The more questions I asked ....the more double talk I got..... I was heavy into researching dog food and ingredients at the same time.......The more I studied the more upset I got...........Up until then I trusted everything that he told me............You Have To Open Your Mind and do some research........ JUST MAYBE what we have thought all these years isn't true and that Vets don't have all the answers..........Kaye Second Chance OES Rescue |
Thanks Stacey!! You are yet again full of information!!!!  |
This is great info Stacey! 
How many of you opt for Titer testing? It is something I am considering, I have heard way too many horror stories, and I quite frankly do NOT want anymore drama at my house!!! 
I just want to see if I have this right, you get titer tests done to check the levels of vacines in the dog, then do you get the appropriate shots if the levels are not what they should be? I had heard that it is very expensive to get the tests done as well...which I thought was worth it, but then if they need the vaccine too...  You see where I'm going with this? Maybe they should make a home kit, like a pregnancy test...that would be GREAT!!! |
| Check out the website listed in my post above. I have heard Titer testing is not very accurate and really does not tell you what you need to know. |
| Honestly titers are not very reliable.
It will show you the level of antibodies in the dogs system. If the level is normal to high it means that either the dog has good immunity, or that the dog has contracted something. There is no way to know the difference for sure. If the level is low the dog may not have adequate immunity and has not been exposed. It is believed (by vet schools worldwide, scientists, experts, vets, breeders, and dog lovers who have researched it) that a healthy dog with a normal immune system who has had it's puppy shots ON TIME will have sufficient immunity for all of it's life. |
| Don't alot of groomers require that all the shots are UTD? If so, what choices do we have? |
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