About 6 years ago, I lost a cat to a fibrosarcoma secondary to rabies vaccine. From that point on, I have stepped back from getting the vaccine (despite requirement by state) as I no longer wanted to take the risk and because my cats are strictly indoor cats. After getting a new vet a year ago, I was advised of the non-adjuvenant vaccine by Merial, which does not contain the chemicals that are believed to cause the excessive inflammation leading to the cancer. Based on their recommendation, I elected to have the vaccine 2 1/2 weeks ago for one of my cats. Within 9 days, I noticed his right rear paw was swollen and shortly thereafter, his entire right leg was swollen...twice the size of the left leg. I noted a small lump behind his knee. We immediately went for an evaluation. Temperature normal, eating, drinking, urinating, defecating. Advised no signs of infection. No sprain/fractures. I was told this was the side where injection was given. I was also advised there were two enlarged lymph nodes in his leg. She aspirated both, checked under microscope and advised cells were questionable. The slides were sent to pathology for further review. (I must note that the day he got the vaccine, I also had a blood panel done as this is a 13 year old cat----WBC normal). She suspects possible lymphoma. I am awaiting results at this time. Prior to this injection, he had no issues. Of course, these vaccines are meant to trigger an immune response, but it appears my cat's is out of control. All they could do was put him on steroids for the inflammation and wait for the pathology report. Has anyone had (or know of anyone who has had) a similar experience after the Merial Non-adjuvenant (not sure of spelling) rabies vaccine, and if so, what was the end result? It was hard enough losing one cat due to a rabies vaccines and I cannot bear to lose a second....all because I was trying to give my cats good care. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
