Rabies Vaccine

Willowy

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All vaccines cause an immune response. That's how vaccines work. They are not drugs; they're biologics. That immune response can cause an OVERreaction in someone who is already sick. That's why it says on the label "for healthy animals".

Personally, I don't think it was the particular brand of vaccine that caused the issue. I think it was an immune system overreaction to the immune challenge presented by the vaccine, because she had an underlying health problem. That would likely have happened with any vaccine.
 

furmonster mom

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Lawmakers are not veterinarians, yet they make laws requiring rabies vaccine... why? One word, lobbyists. The vaccine companies get the AVMA on their side and then lobby the lawmakers to make this a requirement. It's a very common practice with businesses and politics (Uber has lobbied the laws in various states so that they don't have to regulate or pay their drivers the same as taxis).

This means that the rabies laws actually have nothing to do with the reality of how a vaccine works for the health of the animal. Which is why I ignore them. Thankfully, I have a vet that agrees with me. We vaccinate a max of twice in their first 10 years, then do not vaccinate ever again after that.
 

Willowy

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Lawmakers are not veterinarians, yet they make laws requiring rabies vaccine... why? One word, lobbyists.
Well. . .no. One word---rabies. Rabies is deadly and is a major problem in parts of the world that don't have high vaccination rates. If you lived in one of thsoe places you'd be begging for your pet to be vaccinated, even with possible side effects.

However, it is true that the lawmakers don't have your individual pet's best interests in kind. They're trying to protect the public.

I'm fine with people choosing not to vaccinate more than once or twice, for indoor cats. But please don't try to pass it off as some kind of political or money-grubbing conspiracy. I've known people from countries with a high rabies rate, and it's a real and actual problem that I'd prefer we not have in this country.
 

furmonster mom

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I never said you shouldn't vaccinate.

I said the vaccine companies are lobbying for more vaccination than is truly necessary, thereby furthering their own business interests.

It is not a conspiracy, it's common practice; almost every corporation in this country tries to lobby for advantages on the political scene as well as the market. It's pure capitalism.

This is why it is incumbent on the individual to educate themselves as much as possible to make intelligent decisions. I understand that not everyone will understand the minute details of every little thing, which is why we rely on specialists and professionals, but it helps to be able to have a reasonable conversation even in general terms.
 
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gregfox

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All vaccines cause an immune response. That's how vaccines work. They are not drugs; they're biologics. That immune response can cause an OVERreaction in someone who is already sick. That's why it says on the label "for healthy animals".

Personally, I don't think it was the particular brand of vaccine that caused the issue. I think it was an immune system overreaction to the immune challenge presented by the vaccine, because she had an underlying health problem. That would likely have happened with any vaccine.
Lacy was in all respects healthy. The only problem was slightly high blood pressure (after having blood drawn, don’t blame her) and hyperthyroidism neither of which could have caused the problem. In hospital they performed many tests and found nothing. I fully believe the cause of her distress was clearly a reaction to the vaccine, and nothing else. If one searches the web one would find numerous cases of cat reaction exactly like that of Lacy. After over $3000 spent and a mostly dying cat (and good friend of the family), I have nothing but regret. Regret we ever let her be injected with that vaccine.
 

Willowy

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and hyperthyroidism neither of which could have caused the problem.
Yes, the hyperthyroidism could have caused this, that's what I'm trying to say. ANY illness can cause the immune system to overreact to any immune challenge, including those spurred by a vaccine. If the vet knew she had hyperthyroidism, he should not have vaccinated her. Everything about a vaccine depends on the body's immune response to it. And her body overreacted. It's not unusual at all, but it sure stinks when it happens to you or your pet.

I'm sorry this happened to you and to her. I hope she's feeling a little better now and continues to improve.
 

Azazel

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That is what THEY say. There is no doubt in my mind that the cause of my cats trauma was the Merial Pureay vaccine. Three doctors say it couldn’t be, but doctors can be wrong. The drug has offered me $500 without me asking. Why would they do that if they didn’t know that there was a good chance that their drug caused the problem?
Oh I’m not saying that it couldn’t possibly be the cause. I’m just saying that it’s scary because it’s supposedly the safest vaccine out there.
 

white shadow

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Merial Purevax is supposed to be the safest vaccine.
.......it’s scary because it’s supposedly the safest vaccine out there.
A Azazel - The aspect of "safety" to which you are referring.....is most likely to be
that, because the PUREVAX vaccines contain no adjuvant, they are less likely to cause "injection site sarcomas"..........that is the extent of the 'safety' issue that's most often spoken about in cat communities like this. That "safety" does not include the possibility of (other) adverse reactions....and, these do occur on rare occasions.

NOTE the approved information from the manufacturer:

INDICATIONS: PUREVAX® Feline Rabies is recommended for the vaccination of healthy cats 12 weeks of age and older.....

PRECAUTIONS: ...It is generally recommended to avoid vaccination of pregnant cats. In rare instances, administration of vaccines may cause lethargy, fever, and inflammatory or hypersensitivity types of reactions. Treatment may include antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and/or epinephrine.
[PUREVAX Feline Rabies for Animal Use - Drugs.com (my emphasis)]
.
 

1 bruce 1

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G gregfox , have you seen the Rabies Challenge Fund website? They're trying to prove that immunity lasts for 7-9 years vs. 3. It's been an interesting on going thing you might like looking into.
I hope she continues to improve, bit by bit. Weirdly sometimes they start eating if you put the food in front of them then gently pet them from head/tail. Some cats find this so relaxing they forget whatever is bothering them and eat.
 

1 bruce 1

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Update' Lacy is eating some food but we are still forcing water. She still can't walk in a stright line, and when she shakes her head she falls down. It seems she is a bit better,but nowhere out of the woods.
It's encouraging though, this was a nasty reaction and it will take time to clear from her system.
I'd find a new vet ASAP and talk with them. They may want to try denamarin or something to support her liver during this time.
I'm glad she's at least eating!!! Is the food she's eating moisture rich (canned, watered down, etc.)?
 
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gregfox

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It's encouraging though, this was a nasty reaction and it will take time to clear from her system.
I'd find a new vet ASAP and talk with them. They may want to try denamarin or something to support her liver during this time.
I'm glad she's at least eating!!! Is the food she's eating moisture rich (canned, watered down, etc.)?
Thank you for the support, and yes she is getting moisture rich food.
 
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gregfox

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It's encouraging though, this was a nasty reaction and it will take time to clear from her system.
I'd find a new vet ASAP and talk with them. They may want to try denamarin or something to support her liver during this time.
I'm glad she's at least eating!!! Is the food she's eating moisture rich (canned, watered down, etc.)?
New vet in the works.
 

TomTomTomcat

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Lawmakers are not veterinarians, yet they make laws requiring rabies vaccine... why? One word, lobbyists. The vaccine companies get the AVMA on their side and then lobby the lawmakers to make this a requirement. It's a very common practice with businesses and politics (Uber has lobbied the laws in various states so that they don't have to regulate or pay their drivers the same as taxis).

This means that the rabies laws actually have nothing to do with the reality of how a vaccine works for the health of the animal. Which is why I ignore them. Thankfully, I have a vet that agrees with me. We vaccinate a max of twice in their first 10 years, then do not vaccinate ever again after that.
I'm glad you found a vet that agrees with you. What is your vaccine schedule? I've recently adopted a stray cat and her kittens and when they're done nursing I am going to have them spayed/neutered. I'm sure they'll want to load her up with vaccines or at least Rabies vaccine when they spay her. Will this be ok? I'm hoping she'll be able to easily heal from the surgery and not have a bad reaction.
 

TomTomTomcat

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Well. . .no. One word---rabies. Rabies is deadly and is a major problem in parts of the world that don't have high vaccination rates. If you lived in one of thsoe places you'd be begging for your pet to be vaccinated, even with possible side effects.

However, it is true that the lawmakers don't have your individual pet's best interests in kind. They're trying to protect the public.

I'm fine with people choosing not to vaccinate more than once or twice, for indoor cats. But please don't try to pass it off as some kind of political or money-grubbing conspiracy. I've known people from countries with a high rabies rate, and it's a real and actual problem that I'd prefer we not have in this country.
What do you mean by not vaccinate once or twice for indoor cats? Do you say that because they can't get rabies if they don't go out?
 
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