Vaccine Reactions

The veterinarians at Middletown Animal Hospital know first hand that vaccines are a very important part of preventative care for our pets. We see dogs suffer and sometimes die from parvovirus because they did not receive the 3 boosters as a puppy.  Although extremely rare, severe vaccine reactions such as anaphylaxis can occur. This is most common in small breed puppies. When this happens, it is important that your pet has immediate veterinary attention. This is just one of the reasons that receiving vaccines from a veterinarian is important instead of self administering. If a reaction does occur, it is usually shortly after the vaccine, and the pet is still at the hospital and therefore can receive immediate life saving care. Additionally, Middletown Animal Hospital only uses reputable vaccine  companies that will back up their vaccines and reimburse the pet owner for veterinary costs associated with a reaction.  You do not get the same "insurance" from a self administered vaccine.

A severe reaction recently occurred at MAH with a small breed puppy for the first time in several years. Fortunately, Dr. Holtz noticed it happening while she was still examining the puppy who was immediately treated and recovered fully. The vaccine company was made aware of the reaction and fully reimbursed the owner for the emergency services provided. Pre-medications were administered to this puppy prior to her follow up vaccine and she was able to receive the series of boosters with no adverse effects.