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Discussion on Adverse vaccination reactions
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Member:
skutyba
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2008 - 9:48 pm:
Hello,
I have a horse that has a history of vaccination reactions, and wanted to get your thoughts on how to proceed in the future.
My horse is an appendix gelding. He is almost 3 yr.old. I live in the Gulf Coast area where many diseases are indemic.
As a foal/weanling, he was given vaccinations in a series which included Rabies, WN, VEWT, Rhino, and Strangles. No problems or issues at that time.
When 1 & 1/2 years old, he was given the above vaccines. Approx 1 week (give or take) post vaccination, he developed purpura. Very severe, painful swelling all 4 legs, face, and pectoral region. Spiking fever 105+. Lethargic & inappetant.
He was treated aggressivly with injectable meds, fluids, omeprazole, and rotating icing/bandaging of his legs. It took about a week, but he recovered and seemed no worse for the wear.
My vet and I agreed that having this horse titer tested before vaccinating for strangles was appropriate. No problem, more than willing.
Two months ago, my horse was once again due for his vaccs. Vet and I decided to split the number given and do it 2 sets (vs. all at once), and exclude the Strangles until titered.
He was given the Rabies and VEWT. 3 days later, poof..fever, moderately swollen limbs,lethargic, not eating. No swelling at the injection sites. He responded to treatment.
This episode was obviously not the severity as before, but nonetheless worth noting.
Since, he has not been boosted with the WN or Rhino. For now, he is fairly secluded and all other horses on the property are vaccinated. His risk level now is minimal, but soon I hope to start showing him. My vet and I have discussed potentially pre-medicating him with dex, titer testing, etc.
My concern/question...do repeat reactions of this sort potentially set this horse up for an auto-immune crisis? This may be a false concern on my part. Just trying to make informed decisions.
Any thoughts or ideas on how to proceed would be appreciated.
Thank you.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2008 - 8:24 am:
These past reactions could mean a future anaphylactic reaction is more likely but how much more likely is only a guess. We have a number of suggestions in the article (some of which you have instituted) on how to minimize reactions in horses who do have reactions have you tried all of these? I would do that before using titers (which with these diseases is of unknown significance) or dexamethasone (which has an unknown effect on the efficacy of the vaccine).
DrO
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Member:
skutyba
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Posted on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2008 - 12:52 am:
Thank you for your response. I reviewed the articles again (and my notes).
Prior to vaccinating him recently, he was given Diphenhydramine PO twice daily ( 2mg/kg) the day before, the day of, and day after vaccination. Perhaps more frequent dosing and for longer is called for.
A different manufacturer vaccine was used, but I don't recall which one off hand (can get that info).
Fairly certain that additional vaccs will be given one at a time. It just makes sense!
The articles describing side effects/reactions discussed using NSAIDS for local reactions (stiffness, injection site swelling, etc). Would you recommend doing the same in a horse with prior systemic reactions? He did not appear to have any soreness or pain at the sites.
He has been treated in the past for a rough bout of gastric ulcers ( which I posted here in the colic section in 2007) so nsaids have been a bit taboo for him....however, in conjunction with gastrogard it is do-able.
Yes, apparently he is rather high maintanence  .
The purpura was no laughing matter.
The prospect of a future anaphylactic reaction, however more or less likely, makes me nervous.
Once again, thank you for your time. If I've not adequately answered your question (or you have more) let me know.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2008 - 7:28 am:
As to NSAID's it depends on the nature of the reaction. It is unlikely to help anaphylaxis but as stated in the article may help with fever, depression and stiffness. Also in the article containing treatment for purpura you find that NSAID's are a recommended part of the treatment.
skutyba, why are you including VEE in your vaccine regimen as this is not a endemic disease of FL or any other state for that matter? Some feel this component of the vaccine is one of the most reactive.
DrO
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Member:
skutyba
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 16, 2008 - 2:37 am:
Thank you Dr. Oglesby for the clarification.
Well, I've never questioned the VEE in all honesty. It having reactive tendancies has never been discussed, so is news to me.
Right, wrong, or indifferent, vaccinating for the VEE appears to be staple to the vets here in Texas. Why, I don't know...glad you brought it up.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 16, 2008 - 7:33 am:
If you are close to the Mexican border ever so often VEE comes close by way of Mexico and the vaccination may be an attempt to create a buffer zone.
DrO
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