Emergency Vaccine Reactions
Most dogs and cats show no reactions from vaccination. If your pet is showing any reactions, do not panic. These signs usually subside within 24-48 hours. Minor symptoms may include achiness, lethargy, increased sleep and listlessness. Very rarely, a small lump may develop at the injection site. The lump typically dissipates on its own after a few weeks. Only a small minority of cats and dogs develop symptoms. A very small percentage of these reactions result in hospitalization or death. Extreme allergic reactions, although rare, occur shortly after vaccinating.
If your pet has any of the following signs:
- Repeated episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Lethargic or restless behavior lasting more than 48 hours
- Swollen face
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives (bumps) on the body
- Lump at injection site which appears painful or drains
Please consult our advertised schedule, and if our clinic is still on location we will be able to treat your pet free of charge. You may also reach us at (800) 427-7973 to speak with someone regarding the best way to treat your pet.
IF YOU CANNOT RETURN TO ONE OF OUR CLINICS, CONTACT A LOCAL 24 HOUR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.
VIP PETCARE SERVICES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY VETERINARY FEES THAT RESULT FROM TREATING VACCINE REACTIONS.
Please inform us of any vaccine reactions and follow-ups that may have occurred. If your pet has a history of vaccine reaction, please inform our technicians prior to vaccination. Arrive early so we may review your pet’s vaccination history.
About one in 10,000-50,000 cats may develop a tumor (fibrosarcoma) at the site of injection. This fibrosarcoma is often inoperable and fatal. (The lump that may form within hours to a week after vaccination is not a fibrosarcoma). As with many kinds of cancer, the reasons a fibrosarcoma develops is still being researched. Not all of the answers have been discovered, and research is ongoing.