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Originally appeared as Ask the Vet by Dr. Shawn Ashley in Pug Talk Magazine (March/April 1991 and Jan/Feb 1993) Vaccine reactions although rare (<1-2%) are not uncommon in both human and veterinary fields. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to build its own defense toward a particular foreign protein or antigen, usually a virus particle. Occasionally, a vaccinated individual will overreact or become hyper-sensitiveto a certain vaccine (this holds true for medications, foods, inhaled poliens, insect venoms, or any other foreign antigen introduced into the body). There are two types of vaccine related hypersensitivities -- immediate and/or delayed responses. These reactions will not be seen until the second, third, or repeated exposures to the antigen. Delayed reactions are often seen in Doberman and Rottweilet breeds in which a sterile abscess forms at the injection site a few days after the vaccinations. Most spontaneously regress; however, occasionally these must be drained by the veterinarian. This may or may not recur with subsequent vaccinations. Immediate reactions are seen in toy breeds and other allergy prone breeds, the most noted being the Miniature Dachshund. The symptoms seen are known as anaphylaxis -- facial edema, blurred vision, nausea, watering eyes and nose, increased bronchial secretions, hives, and laryngeal edema. Anaphylactic reactions can become life-threatening as increased mucus and swelling in the throat region compromise breathing. Antihistamines must be administered at the initial onset of signs and with severe reactions further immediate veterinarian attention is required. These reactions will often recur with future boosters; yet, individuals may outgrow this after the initial series. There are many theories as to why reactions to vaccines occur. Many components besides the antigens in the vaccines have been suspect. Extraneous components include bovine fetal serum (a vehicle to facilitate cell culture growth), antibiotic/antifungal preservatives, and antigens related to the cell cultures used in vaccine development. original vaccines were cultivated in eggs; the foreign associated egg proteins resulted in many adverse reactions (remember the first human flu vaccines?). Advances in immunology have decreased extra proteins as many vaccines are now grown in species related cell lines. More recently,monocional techniques, in which a single cell replicates over and over, are providing the purest form of a single particular antigen. With the purification of vaccines, anaphylactic reactions are being minimized to those related solely to the viral antigen itself. Regarding canine immunizations, interviewed staff pharmaceutical company veterinarians feel that the bovine serum fraction in selected vaccines, the Leptospirosis component in the DHLP vaccine, the Rabies vaccine, and the respiratory vaccines cause the majority of reactions respectively. It may be noted the leptospirosis and respiratory vaccines are bacterins (protect against bacteria) and not viruses. Thus, it can be concluded that bacterial antigens in combination vaccines may exaggerate hypersensitivity reactions. Reactions are usually solitary incidences; however, in reference to toy breeds there may be a familiar predispositions. If your dog exhibits vaccine reactions it is imperative the veterinarian is aware. Antihistamines administered along with the boosters often control mild reactions. Severe reactions have been decreased by utilizing minimal antigen vaccines or by giving separate shots at weekly intervals. Although anaphylactic reactions are rare, they can require emergency intervention -- be prepared and discuss it over with your veterinarian. Acute death of puppies post vaccinations is largely due to anaphylactic shock. This can occur in any species, including man, when a foreign protein such as insect venom, snake venom, bacterial toxin, or vaccine antigen is inoculated into the body. The anaphylactic reaction, also know as Type I hypersensitivity reaction, is brought about by the host's immune system overreacting to the inoculated substance. in order for this reaction to occur, a prior stimulus or exposure to the protein is required. This is why allergic reactions get worse and more fatal with subsequent repeated exposures and why puppies usually do not react until their second, third, or annual boosters. It is recommended that puppies, especially allergy prone breeds (Boxers, Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc.) be watched carefully 1 to 2 hours post injection. If a mild reaction of simple facial swelling occurs, a dose of benadryl is advised; however, if there is swelling of the tongue and throat, immediate veterinarian intervention is required. If vomiting, dizziness, or loss of color in gums occurs, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. Once the veterinarian is aware a particular dog has a vaccination sensitivity, simple changes in the regimen can generally remedy the reactions. |