This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Horse Care » Horse Vaccines, Vaccination, Coggins Test » Vaccines and Adverse Reactions »
  Discussion on Reaction to vaccines
Author Message

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 13, 2000 - 3:20 pm:

My 5 yr old gelding had a full series of shots
last Friday including influenza and rabies. He also had his teeth floated. He was tranquillized during this procedure. Since that time he has been extremely lethargic. He didn't eat much until yesterday and his appetite seems to be picking up again however he moves at a very slow pace and sort of mills around. He doesn't have the spark that he had. Could he be having some effect from the shots? He isn't running a fever.

Posted on Friday, Sep 15, 2000 - 1:21 pm:

Hello Kay,
There is now a information on the different type reactions in the vaccine article: Care for Horses: General Care: Vaccines and Vaccination Schedules: Equine Vaccines
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 13, 2000 - 11:49 pm:

I had a similar experience this past spring when my 8-yr old gelding had his spring shots - including the flu/rhino, rabies, Potomac Horse Fever, and botulism (although we postponed his dental work for another time). About 4 hours after the vet injected him, he became very lethargic and spent a lot of time going down and rising frequently, almost as though he had a bit of a bellyache. He was, however, also running a slight fever.
I had my vet return asap, and he confirmed that he had seen this as an occasional reaction to one or more of the vaccines used, though which one he couldn't say as he claimed it differs from horse to horse - just like allergies in people.
He then gave my horse two additional injections - first, if I remember correctly - some Banamine for his initial discomfort, and secondly - I believe - a form of antihistamine. He was back to normal within an hour.
I would definitely recommend you have your vet return and take a look - particularly since the symptoms have persisted for so many days. Even if it is just a mild reaction to the vaccinations, your vet could at least make your boy a little more comfortable while things sort themselves out. Keep me posted - I'd be interested to hear how this turns out for you.
Bonnie
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC