Dog is limping 3 days after round of vacinations. Went to vet, but still concerned. Would like Vet
Hello. I am a pediatrician and my dog has developed a limp 3 days after a round of vacinations that included rabies and lepto (among others). 3 days after the shots, he developed a limp in his R front paw and only bears weight when severely distracted (such as cat outside).
We took him to the vet this evening and he has a fever of 104 and we decided to give him carprofen to see if he improves with this and bedrest alone. He also received a pain medication injection and since then, he appears to be in more pain.
The plan from this point is to give him a few days as long as he eats well, then if he doesn't improve, tap his joint and do xrays?
If there are any vets out there, I was wondering if this is a common complication of vaccines? Also, does this treatment approach seem reasonable.
Thanks.
This is not common at all. The injections are SQ and should not cause any of these problems. Common vaccine reactions would be the same with babies: low grade fever, listlessness, decreased appetite, sometimes soreness at the injection site for 24-48 hours.
The Leptospirosis part of the DHLPPC vaccine can cause more severe reactions in some dogs that are sensitive to it; such as Dachunds. This would include: inflammation at the injection site, swelling of the lips, nose, eyelids. This is usually an anaphylactic reaction and is treated with Benadryl and sometimes steroids.
It is the right location. Most of the time vaccines are always given in the same location on the pet's body so we can keep track of any vaccine reactions if they happen. For dogs: DHLPPC is in the right shoulder area, Rabies right hip, Bordatella given intranasal, all others (if any) usually given in the left shoulder, left hip area or scruff. Cats: R. shoulder= FVRCP, L. rear=FeLV, R. Rear= Rabies.
Haven't heard of vaccines causing a limp. I would think maybe if it was given wrong, but the symptoms would also appear that day, not 3 days later.
For a reputable website written by veterinarians about vaccines go to:
You can also search for many other topics there.
Vets will usually check for injuries to the leg by starting at the paw and working their way up. Look carefully in between all the footpads and webbing. Palpate all the way up the leg untill you get a pain response from the dog.
This is a reasonable treatment of NSAIDs and bed rest.
Xrays are usually done next if it doesn't resolve and joint taps last, since the joint taps hurt quite a bit too.
Info about pain medications for dogs and the benefits of doing bloodwork before you start on long term NSAID therapy:
If it does turn out to be an injury and he needs to be on pain meds. Our vets have had very good pain control with a combination of Dermaxx and Tramadol. They use this combo for their cancer patients and with ACL surgeries.
Related Dog is limping 3 days after round of vacinations. Went to vet, but still concerned. Would like Vet
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