My Dog Died from his Vaccinations

[oscarsmom522]

My healty, almost 9 year old standard poodle received his annual vaccines on Friday, May 27.  Saturday, May 28, he was unable to walk.  Over the course of the next 8 days, we visited 3 vets (5 visits) and 1 vet neurologist (2 visits).  The official diagnosis was "vestibular disease from vaccinosis."   Every medical professional told us he would snap out of it and get better.  Initially, we were told to wait it out, then he was put on a steroid regimen, and was on steroids with a holistic support approach and, in the end, immodium.  We finally put him out of his misery on June 5.  With all the professional help, I felt helpless as I watch my first born die.  No one seemed to acknowledge he was so sick.  I'm struggling for answers as to what happened and how it happened.  I do believe it was the shots that killed him.  Has anyone heard similar stories?  Was there anything we could have done to save him or make him comfortable?  RIP OSCAR.  

[ginger899]

This story is heartbreaking, and I am really, really sorry this happened to him.
I have heard stories of bad reactions to vaccinations, some of them serious. I have an ongoing tussle with my vet about it. I do trust my vet in so many ways, but I now insist on a "Titer test" for my dog. One of the elements of the vaccination (leptospirosis) will not "titer" properly, so he told me, so I have to go with it, and let them give it to her. Either that, or expose her to the disease. I am between a rock and a hard place.
The other elements are not given yearly, but 3-yearly (my vet told me) I still insist on testing her for immunity.
The vets at my office I am sure think I am crazy and have picked up weird ideas from the internet. Their policy is vaccinate every time the vaccinations are due, and they do not reckon any adverse reactions (except swelling or redness at the injection site) have anything to do with the shots.
Once 2 years ago, after vaccination my dog suffered 2 days of diarrhea and vomiting. And she is a healthy fit dog. She was fine afterwards, but it scared me. I was CONVINCED it was intimately connected with those shots, and the fact that she is getting older. I think it overloads their immune systems. That was my wake-up call.

Yet people don't know what to do for the best, and resort to trusting their vets about it.

It sounds as if your Oscar was one of the unlucky ones.
Yet he was also very lucky because you loved him, and tried to do your very best for him.
It breaks my heart to read this.

[sarita158615]

This is unbelievable.  We just lost our dog Friday night and are searching for answers.  I am in tears reading this thread as it is EXACTLY what happened with our dog!  He had his vaccines and then became very weak, could not walk, and ended up in the ER a few days later to be diagnosed with vestibular disease.  He ended up getting put on steroids and died not even a few days later.  He was a healthy dog.  We are so upset about the whole thing.  I am sorry about your dog :(  I can only hope they are keeping each other company in puppy heaven.  Take care!

[oscarsmom522]

Thank you for your empathy.  I am heartbroken, in shock, and can't believe I did this to my most loyal and favorite of friends.  I've never before been blessed with a dog so devoted.    In the 2 days I've had time to research, I've learned so much.  Vaccines are so bad, they definitely killed Oscar, especially something called Lepto.  Like you, I had a huge fear of vaccines.  I believe in Angels and the Holy Spirit.  I believe they were warning me and I wished I'd listened.  I know you'll do the best for your baby.  Listen to your Mother's Heart.  I have found a Holistic Vet for future non-vaccination and proper care.  Thanks again for your help.

  

[drdking]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I just recently lost the love of my life. My 2 year old chihuahua. I had her vaccinated January 23, 2017 and on March 30, 2017 I had to put her down. The ER Vet and Internal Medicine Vet both told me her vaccinations caused her immune system to attack her platelets so she could not clot. She was loosing blood faster than we could give it to her. We did transfusions, prednisone, doxycycline as well as other things and nothing worked. After spending a few thousand dollars I realized she was not going to recover and I did not want her in pain anymore. I held her for two hours, I just could not let go of my precious little girl. My heart is completely broken! I am also very angry that we are made to feel bad if we do not vaccinate all the while Vets do not inform us about the potential risks. Have our children and pets become science experiments? I am convinced Big Pharma only cares about the almighty dollar not our lives or our pet's lives. Again, I am sorry for your loss. I completely understand the hurt you are going through.

[DelWood]

I haven't fully vaccinated my 4 1/2lb chihuahua because I am afraid. Its not fair that the same shot for a 100lb dog will be given to my 4 1/2 lb dog.

[DelWood]

I haven't fully vaccinated my 4 1/2lb chihuahua because I am afraid. Its not fair that the same shot for a 100lb dog will be given to my 4 1/2 lb dog.

[lindapalm]

This is so sad, you thought you were doing your best for your dog, and believed all the vets were right.  It is really scary, you don't know whats the right thing to do anymore.  I'm so sorry for you and Oscar.

[Misfits4Me]

Oh My! This is not only Heartbreaking, but I'm furious for you! Why does this keep happening?
You DO know that this is not your fault? We entrust our pet's care to Drs. that are suppose to be smarter than we.....Yet, time & time again I find myself trying to figure out another canine problem & what to do about it...

All 27 Veterinary Teaching Schools in the US suggest 3 yr. vaccines instead of yearly....Although, the majority of Vet Practices continue with every Year...Why is that? Because it is normally their majority of income!

I found out a few years back that my regular Vet (Used them for years) was Vaccinating EVERY YEAR with the 3YR. vaccine! What? Yet, they never told the client and it didn't read so on the certificate....Were they poisoning my dogs? I think so, I'm sorry to say....

I since, have changed Vets & my dogs have not been Vaccinated since......I have blood titers run for Parvo & Distemper and all my dogs (3yrs. later) still had very high antibodies to the vaccines....No need to re-vaccinate.....My new (Holistic) Vet did NOT vaccinate for Rabies either, but gave me the tag & certificate that said he did.....He said my dogs were Seniors & they needed NO more....They are 7yrs., 8yrs., 10yrs.....

He refuses to use the Lepto vaccine and says he would rather treat the disease.....He also said it irritates him when clients come in and demand vaccines (Yearly)....He says that sometimes it's hard to get through to people that their dogs don't need it. We have been told we need these, our whole lives.....

So, that's my experience w/vaccines.....I am heartbroken on your behalf.....Please, don't beat yourself up.....You did every thing right......I am so sorry for you and Oscar...I don't know what else to say, but your in my prayers....Please, come back and let us know how your doing........Sincerely, Karla

[bully2011]

I am so sorry for losing your precious baby. The vaccination schedule is so bad.  I was a vet tech intern for a while and saw so many overdoses, owners rushing their vomiting pet back to save its life.  At Petsmart Banfield, where I worked, we gave 3 at time sometimes because the customers plan offered it.  I could not believe it.  I quit because it was against my morals to give shots like this.  What I know is this, if you must give a vaccine, give 1 at a time and wait 2 months for the body to recover.  Do not give the combo-type vaccines.  I only give the 3 years rabies to my dogs and we all know that the shot is really good for 7 years. The lyme shot was killing lots of dogs in the beginning.   I encourage everyone to google   Dr. Jean Dodds and read her vaccination schedule, especially for puppies.  My holistic vet totally supports my attitude and does the same for her pets.  Even my other oldtime allopathic vet agrees with me not to give vaccines except rabies.  Therefore, I can not board due to no bordatella but I would never board anyway.The homeopathic remedy THUJA is for vaccine complications.  I don't know if it could have saved your baby.  Again, I am so sorry for your loss. This is just too sad :(

[ginger899]

Thank you for mentioning THUJA
I don't care who says what about homeopathic remedies, I have noticed them often working well and quickly with animals, and I am not unobservant, or stupid.
What potency would that be? 6 or 30?

[GB5683]

I am with you.  My dog almost died after his 2nd booster shot at age about 4.   All were given at once.  I will only do rabies, as it is required by law.  

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Ginger.....My Vet also uses Thuja for Vaccine reactions.....Because I've never had to use it, I don't know the Potency or frequency....When I get a chance, I'll ask them.....Karla

[mydog2013]

We had a similar outcome. This last weekend, we boarded our 7 year dog at our local vet because we were going to be away for 5 days. Besides being diagnosed with osteosarcoma about 2 months ago, she was thriving and comfortable on a non-steroidal analgesic and had no respiratory signs. Two days into our out-of-town visit, someone from the vet called to say our dog needed her mandatory flu vaccination. We were surprised because we did not think these were given beyond the flu season. Still, not knowing better, we asked her to go ahead with her shot. That was 3 days ago. Yesterday, we  got a call saying that she had become rather ill and was now vomiting. We were scheduled to return home, anyway, so had her picked up by a niece. When we arrived back home, our dog looked ill, was listless, had a drippy nose, had developed rapid breathing and was refusing to eat or drink. By morning, she had died. I too wonder, now, if her death was avoidable and may have been a vaccine side effect. My children are really sad, of course, but understand that while this was a premature it was perhaps a less painful way for her to go given her recent diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Still, very sad because she was such a terrific absolutely gentle and physically lovely large dog--a mastiff shepherd mix--one that everyone without exception loved.

[Misfits4Me]

I'm terribly sorry about your loss, too....IMO, The Flu Vaccine is very dangerous and should never be used.....I agree w/you....It sounds as if the Vaccine gave your dog the Flu, that ended his life....

Your Vet is Liable here as NO dog with any illness should be vaccinated....Your dog who was already fighting Cancer, thus a weak immune system, functioning on reserve at best....Add to that, the Flu & that's all he could take....

This shouldn't have happened and I would NOT leave it alone......

The Flu Vaccine IS NOT mandatory & this was a ridiculous request on your Vet Clinics Part. You have called them and told them that they killed your dog, haven't you?

If you have other dogs, please seek out a New Vet for their medical care.....I would not EVER, use this one again.....

Again, I'm sorry for your heartbreak & sadness.......Take care, Karla

[Amber98]

hi, reading this has made me worried. My 9 year old beagle is going back to the vet this week to receive his heartgard plus medication, annual Lepto and his Rabies shot(3 years have passed).

Are all of these things mandatory in Canada? They said the lepto and rabies is a combination shot. Also the heartgard is given as a prevention strategy.

[CFS56]

I hate vaccines.  My 8  year old german shepherd had to get a rabies shot last month because it's required by law.  Shortly afterwards his behavior changed.  He got very nervous, was pacing, startled at everything and actually walked around the house and yard continously for 2 hours.  I took him to the vet who could find nothing wrong with him.  When I mentioned the rabies shot he said no way but I know it was a reaction to the shot.  This went on for about 10 days.  Plus he chewed on his leg in 2 places and has lick granulomas on both legs.
I had an older cat who was an adopted feral..he did not live inside because he hated it.  He sprayed everything even though he was neutered when we were able to catch him and take him to the vet.  He also spent most of his indoor time hiding.  So we let him live outside, he was happier.  But we had raccoons around so he had to get his rabies.  Took him for the shot and about 4 hours later I noticed that one pupil was dilated and his lid was droopy and he would lose his balance and fall over when he tried to stand up and walk. Vet couldn't figure out what had happened. He never got any better.  We had to put him to sleep.

[GB5683]

Amber98. You better be careful. After reading all these horror stories the owner needs to use common sense.  If you kill your dog like I almost did you will never forgive yourself.  Also, I have always wondered why a 4 lb. dog gets the same vaccine of let's say a 104 lb. dog.

[oscarsmom522]

Oscar's Mom here.  Thank you so much to all of you for your empathy and, most importantly, for your answers!  I've learned so much!  LEPTO is a known killer, Oscar had never been boarded in his life, nor would he have been.  Someone mentioned NEVER to give the combo shots and she is right - NEVER give the combo shots.  Rabies is mandated every 3 years - the vaccine is rated for three (as someone mentioned, we know it is good for seven) - Oscar was given the shot every year!  Still trying to determine legality of the other vaccines here in Colorado - county vs. city vs. state - and none of the different entities knows for sure the other's policy.  Distemper is the only other legally mandated vaccine - we think - and that would be 3 years.  I had never heard of THUJA, the homeopathic vet we saw in the end did not treat Oscar with this.  The good news is this:  Oscar's death won't be for naught.  If he saves one dog because of my ignorance, yay!  I'm becoming less ignorant about this issue of Vaccine Overdosing (and the loss of a loved one that society really doesn't awknowledge) and will educate Oscar's Vets, his Neuorologist, his neighbors, friends, and family, especially now about THUJA.  And, Oscar saved Brian - a small mixed breed found on the streets of downtown Denver who desperately needed a home.  Brian knows he is here to honor Oscar as Oscar could NEVER be replaced.  The day Rocket (Oscar's brother) and I went to the shelter so Brian could choose us was the 1st day since Oscar died that Rocket smiled or wagged his tail.  I'll update as I continue to learn more about this undiscovered horror of overdosing our sweet Creatures that God has entrusted to us.  Thank you again for all your love and support.  RIP OSCAR 6/15/02 - 6/5/22      

[ginger899]

Yes R.I.P. Oscar.
And Brian...welcome to your new, loving Pack.
Blessings, Oscar's Mom.

[kbales1]

I stopped at the vet this morning to drop off my two German Shepherds for a grooming.  I was told when I arrived that they were due for their MANDATORY canine flu vaccination.  I was shocked and told them that I had never heard of that, and they said (in Georgia) effective July 1, 2011, the shot is mandatory and would cost $30. per dog.  I stood there dumbfounded for a moment, and asked...mandatory?  To which I was assured it was.  So, I told them I was getting tired of surprise shots (seems that every time I take them in for a grooming there is something else they need) and that if this did not stop I would seek another vet.  Now I am reading all of these webposts today about it not being mandatory and how I should not do so, unless it is truly necessary.  Can a vet require the shot to have the dog in for 6 hours to be groomed?  Please advise.

[Misfits4Me]

Hello & welcome.....There are a few posts from another person, that the same thing happened to her & her German Shepherd (A Mandatory Flu Vaccine)....You might want to scroll through the last few pages of this forum....Her posts are by Sky'sMom.....The Flu Vaccine gave her dog an Autoimmune disease that ended her life.....
In the future, you could look around for a private groomer & not use your Vet for grooming.....Please come back and let us know how your dogs are doing.....Karla
P.S. To find a Holistic Vet in your area: Go to the AHVMA websight...There is a search by state to locate a Vet...Their Vaccine Protocols are much different than what your use to.....

[Misfits4Me]

Her original thread is on Page 10 of this forum....By Skysmom111 on Aug. 17....I'm sorry, I can't remember the title, but you need to find it and read the thread.....She has other threads as well, since then....Karla

[Misfits4Me]

Title is "Dog Vaccine".....On Page 10    Good luck!

[Amber98]

okay, my dog was at the vet yesterday and was supposed to get his annual lepto and rabies shot and I said no because we are switching vets. I know it's mandatory but I'm not getting it. He is already a senior and he rarely has contact with other animals so I don't see a reason for putting him through another set of vaccinations when he is so old. I know i'm taking a chance, but I'd rather do that than take the chance of him dying due to his vaccine. So thank you to the poster, I think my dog will do fine without his vaccines. He is already on antibiotics & heart worm meds, so I don't want to add anything else.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

what is the lepto shot, i live in GA and will not get my fur-baby the flu shot. i try to avoid as many of thoses shots as i can. the last shot i got at petsmartmade her hair fall out where she got it on leg thats been 2 years and she still has a bald spot there it was the rabies i think. but i know we have to have that . so there is a test you can do to see if its still good?  shes due her shots in a few months and am thinking of not doing them. only thing is i have wild cats behind my house who do not get shots would i be putting her into danger by not getting them?

[GB5683]

Vaccines almost killed my 9 lb. Maltese.  It was his third and last shots for him.  I did get the Rabbis as it is required by law in FL - that was about  2 yrs. ago.  He is 8 yrs. old and now dying slowly of Cushings, Thyroid Disease, has had breathing problems for 4+ yrs, and has horrible skin conditions. I called my local Animal Control and they said the dog does not have to have any shots if the vet approves it (i.e. sick, old, etc.)   Vaccines are very controversial and I would never have the boosters again after my exp. 3 yrs. ago or so (even when he was still healthy) .--see sentence it almost killed him - lethargic, foaming at the mouth, vomiting and diareaha - this was about 3 yrs. ago.  I cried for 2 days thinking I killed my baby trying to take care of him, but thankfully, he came out of the horrible reaction.  Thank God.  These drugs are lethal, unnesarry and a way for vets to make money --hey they can't make $$ of of fleas anymore.

[SPH10117]

Hello to Oscars Mom,
I am very sorry for your loss. My Goldie, a 10 year old Dachshund is a very happy little dog, with her son (and father to the the son). I had brought in my older Dachshund into the vet for an allergy he just picked up. I left Goldie with him because I had to take the youngest Dachshund to the eye doctor because he has diabetes. (Please everyone, don't let your dogs get obese like I did; you are killing them with love). The front desk said Goldie needed her yearly vaccinations. I have not vaccinated any of my dogs for more than 4 years. 2-3 days after her vaccinations for Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies, Bordetella, my dogs stomach blew up. Took her in and they did blood work. Sonogram confirmed a large tumor mass on her liver and the tumor is bleeding into her stomach. She has maybe a week to live. Has anyone ever heard of or sued a Vet and won? If so, please forward that persons name and number. I live in South, Florida. Be well.

[lindapalm]

Our dog is almost 13, and I decided not to get her distemper shot this time, I have read that the effects of the shot last a lot longer than the stated three years.  Other than a rabies shot, I don't plan on getting her any other shots because of her age.