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Did vaccinations kill my 14 year old dog?
My lovely 14 year old dog Nakrang (female; maltese mix; named after a princess in the ancient Korea) died at around 6pm on 10/16/2014.
On 10/10 Friday, I took her to a vet in my neighborhood to give Nakrang vaccinations required for pet boarding. I was planning a vacation away from the town. They tried to give rabies shot (required every 3 years) my dog didnt actually need and they knew about it - because we had her shot at this very same place about a year ago and they even had the record of it - even though they are well aware that frequent rabies shot could pose lifethreatening risk to dogs. It was only after I questioned them and insisted them to only give her whats 'required', they end up giving her distemper and bodertella shots. They said every pet boarding place requires all 3. I felt betrayed again after I consulted other vets and found out bodertella shot was not required by law, a very controvesial dog vaccine for its known ineffectiveness and lifethreatening risk. Per the vet, My dog seemed to have a problem in her heart and the vet recommended a diagnosis on her heart. I said I would talk with my mother and come back. I was not too concerned about it because she was eating well. I thought she was old but healthy. After 2 days, She suddenly stopped eating and breathing hard. I knew something was wrong. I took her to a 24 hour emergency hospital nearby in the night of 10/14. I had to hospitalize her in an oxygen tank. She was diagnosed with PHT (Pulmonary Hypertension). When my family and I visited to see Nakrang in the cage on the first day, my mother cried in tears because Nakrang was breathing very hard even with the oxygen. By the way, the cage was located in the high traffic area that could lead her to a high stress level. They said they would need to watch her for a few days. After 2 nights, they still said the same thing. They couldnt figure out the underlying cause even though they performed numerous tests on her, i.e cardiology, blood tests, ultrasound, etc. Nakrang didnt get any better during the stay. When I visited to see her after the first night, I saw no water in the water bowl. That's when they lost their credibility. I had to ask one of the techinicians to fill it up. This proves that they didnt watch her closely enough even though they knew that one of the medicines made her really thirsty. One of the vets said that they didnt want her to drink too much water. Wait a min. That is just an excuse. When did drinking lots of water become a problem? At home, I always keep the water in a bowl. Am I not supposed to do that? The temperature inside the cage seemed warm to her because she was breathing hard with her tongue out. They said it was ok because they were monitoring the body temperature constantly. That is just not enough. I couldnt trust them anymore. My dog was just one of the miserable patients hospitalized in the ICU to them. They are a Specialty Center but I dont understand what they are specialzing in. They had to call in a cardiologist from somewhere else. They performed two blood tests and sent one of them to a lab outside for the results, which of course takes time. Why does an emergency center rely on someone else outside who may not respond right away? Isnt that too risky? I dont understand why they didnt peform the second blood test (believed to be more thorough or in-depth?) in the first place. And of course it doesnt guarantee them to find the cause. It is just another additional information. After several calls with the vets, I felt so terrible because all I heard was my dog was getting worse. I needed an answer but they werent good enough to provide one. I couldnt let her die lonely in a hospital. I showed up to pick her up in the morning without giving them an advanced notice in the morning on the 3rd day. They said it would take a couple hours to prepare the discharge including preparing the medications (which by the way didnt do much good). They said they wouldnt be able to shorten the wait time because they werent expecting me this morning and they were short-staffed. But that's their own problem. They are a 24 hr emergency center. Arent they always supposed to be staffed up enough to cover all unexpected visits? Anyways, I picked her up and brought her back our sweet home. She died about 10 hours later after she got home. She didnt even have enough time for alll medicine tablets. She was in my mother's arms right before she died on her bed. We placed the bed next to the window for access to fresh air. The window leads to the backyard surrounded by the greenbelt.
Nakrang died just few days after the vaccinations, and my family is now going through a very difficult time... every little trace of her and images of her last struggling days shatter our hearts.. these people used my concern and love for Nakrang, took advantage of my ignorance and risked her precious life for money.
Do you also think the vaccines killed her? How can I prove this? Do you think I shoud hire an animal attorney to sue the vet who gave the shots even though they should have taken precaution? I know this doesnt bring our Nakrang back to life but somene needs to held responsible.
On 10/10 Friday, I took her to a vet in my neighborhood to give Nakrang vaccinations required for pet boarding. I was planning a vacation away from the town. They tried to give rabies shot (required every 3 years) my dog didnt actually need and they knew about it - because we had her shot at this very same place about a year ago and they even had the record of it - even though they are well aware that frequent rabies shot could pose lifethreatening risk to dogs. It was only after I questioned them and insisted them to only give her whats 'required', they end up giving her distemper and bodertella shots. They said every pet boarding place requires all 3. I felt betrayed again after I consulted other vets and found out bodertella shot was not required by law, a very controvesial dog vaccine for its known ineffectiveness and lifethreatening risk. Per the vet, My dog seemed to have a problem in her heart and the vet recommended a diagnosis on her heart. I said I would talk with my mother and come back. I was not too concerned about it because she was eating well. I thought she was old but healthy. After 2 days, She suddenly stopped eating and breathing hard. I knew something was wrong. I took her to a 24 hour emergency hospital nearby in the night of 10/14. I had to hospitalize her in an oxygen tank. She was diagnosed with PHT (Pulmonary Hypertension). When my family and I visited to see Nakrang in the cage on the first day, my mother cried in tears because Nakrang was breathing very hard even with the oxygen. By the way, the cage was located in the high traffic area that could lead her to a high stress level. They said they would need to watch her for a few days. After 2 nights, they still said the same thing. They couldnt figure out the underlying cause even though they performed numerous tests on her, i.e cardiology, blood tests, ultrasound, etc. Nakrang didnt get any better during the stay. When I visited to see her after the first night, I saw no water in the water bowl. That's when they lost their credibility. I had to ask one of the techinicians to fill it up. This proves that they didnt watch her closely enough even though they knew that one of the medicines made her really thirsty. One of the vets said that they didnt want her to drink too much water. Wait a min. That is just an excuse. When did drinking lots of water become a problem? At home, I always keep the water in a bowl. Am I not supposed to do that? The temperature inside the cage seemed warm to her because she was breathing hard with her tongue out. They said it was ok because they were monitoring the body temperature constantly. That is just not enough. I couldnt trust them anymore. My dog was just one of the miserable patients hospitalized in the ICU to them. They are a Specialty Center but I dont understand what they are specialzing in. They had to call in a cardiologist from somewhere else. They performed two blood tests and sent one of them to a lab outside for the results, which of course takes time. Why does an emergency center rely on someone else outside who may not respond right away? Isnt that too risky? I dont understand why they didnt peform the second blood test (believed to be more thorough or in-depth?) in the first place. And of course it doesnt guarantee them to find the cause. It is just another additional information. After several calls with the vets, I felt so terrible because all I heard was my dog was getting worse. I needed an answer but they werent good enough to provide one. I couldnt let her die lonely in a hospital. I showed up to pick her up in the morning without giving them an advanced notice in the morning on the 3rd day. They said it would take a couple hours to prepare the discharge including preparing the medications (which by the way didnt do much good). They said they wouldnt be able to shorten the wait time because they werent expecting me this morning and they were short-staffed. But that's their own problem. They are a 24 hr emergency center. Arent they always supposed to be staffed up enough to cover all unexpected visits? Anyways, I picked her up and brought her back our sweet home. She died about 10 hours later after she got home. She didnt even have enough time for alll medicine tablets. She was in my mother's arms right before she died on her bed. We placed the bed next to the window for access to fresh air. The window leads to the backyard surrounded by the greenbelt.
Nakrang died just few days after the vaccinations, and my family is now going through a very difficult time... every little trace of her and images of her last struggling days shatter our hearts.. these people used my concern and love for Nakrang, took advantage of my ignorance and risked her precious life for money.
Do you also think the vaccines killed her? How can I prove this? Do you think I shoud hire an animal attorney to sue the vet who gave the shots even though they should have taken precaution? I know this doesnt bring our Nakrang back to life but somene needs to held responsible.
My little yorkie age 17 was in good health till he had his yearly jabs within two weeks his balance had gone he was getting confused on times then had fits and then finally he gave up eating we put him to sleep last Tuesday I feel so angry that I thought by giving him the jabs I was protecting him in the end it help to kill him this vaccine is a new one out in my opinion it's not safe be aware
COMMUNITY LEADER
The best option for a senior dog, who might still come into contact with a deadly illness, is "Titer Testing" -in which a blood sample is taken and tested for remaining immunity.
I do not believe the shots should be given to all dogs without even thinking about it, well into their senior years. But of course, many people don't know that titer testing is an option. Some have never heard of it -and that's not their fault. We can't automatically know all the veterinary options.
Now where most vets fall short, in my opinion, is they almost never offer their clients that option. I do not know why. As the procedure (which is quite simple and minimally invasive to the dog) actually costs much more than the booster shots. I live in the UK, and insisted on titer testing for my dog from about age 8 upwards. It cost me approx. £120 each year. Added to that is the cost of any single shot the dog may still need.Yes, a lot more than regular combination shots cost, but worth it.
Not all things 'titer' well (measure well for remaining immunity) but things like Distemper and Parvo do.
I believe all vets should educate their clients on this, and offer Titer testing as an option for those who wish to take it.
I do not believe the shots should be given to all dogs without even thinking about it, well into their senior years. But of course, many people don't know that titer testing is an option. Some have never heard of it -and that's not their fault. We can't automatically know all the veterinary options.
Now where most vets fall short, in my opinion, is they almost never offer their clients that option. I do not know why. As the procedure (which is quite simple and minimally invasive to the dog) actually costs much more than the booster shots. I live in the UK, and insisted on titer testing for my dog from about age 8 upwards. It cost me approx. £120 each year. Added to that is the cost of any single shot the dog may still need.Yes, a lot more than regular combination shots cost, but worth it.
Not all things 'titer' well (measure well for remaining immunity) but things like Distemper and Parvo do.
I believe all vets should educate their clients on this, and offer Titer testing as an option for those who wish to take it.
Ginger,
I totally agree with you! My Vet will usually nit recommend shots on my Seniors knowing they are basically at home. Hiw ever, this all started because she was going to board the dog and shots were required, as they are here for boarding. Catch 22 unless you have a friend or family member you can leave them with. :-(
I totally agree with you! My Vet will usually nit recommend shots on my Seniors knowing they are basically at home. Hiw ever, this all started because she was going to board the dog and shots were required, as they are here for boarding. Catch 22 unless you have a friend or family member you can leave them with. :-(
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am so very sorry about the loss of your sweet dog Nakrang.
It is my opinion the vet who administered the shots should have discussed with you: increased risk due to her heart problem -which should have been fully investigated before any shots were given or possibly inappropriate treatments considering her heart -and should have also discussed with you an increased risk due to her age.
I doubt if ANY vets discuss the increased risks due to age!! They don't here, ether. But they jolly well should. Shots are administered like sweets generally in the veterinary profession, without consideration of their powerful effects on the immune system!
But of course to do that is normal practice. It is my belief however, that it shouldn't be any longer!
ALL procedures carry an increased risk with age -and that goes for shots too.
If you are looking for a lawsuit, then you need to consult a lawyer, and see if you have a case.
Please don't blame yourself.
My deepest condolences over the loss of dear Nakrang.
It is my opinion the vet who administered the shots should have discussed with you: increased risk due to her heart problem -which should have been fully investigated before any shots were given or possibly inappropriate treatments considering her heart -and should have also discussed with you an increased risk due to her age.
I doubt if ANY vets discuss the increased risks due to age!! They don't here, ether. But they jolly well should. Shots are administered like sweets generally in the veterinary profession, without consideration of their powerful effects on the immune system!
But of course to do that is normal practice. It is my belief however, that it shouldn't be any longer!
ALL procedures carry an increased risk with age -and that goes for shots too.
If you are looking for a lawsuit, then you need to consult a lawyer, and see if you have a case.
Please don't blame yourself.
My deepest condolences over the loss of dear Nakrang.
Please do not blame yourself. Right or wrong, it sounds like your Vet was doing what was required for boarding. As I said before, we have the same regulations here. Under the circumstances, I may have done the same thing or tried to see if a friend or family member could watch the dog. I do question why more attention wasn't given to a potential heart problem. From what you are describing, perhaps stress on the dog played a part in this. YOU were doing as instructed and who could predict this outcome? Please do not blame yourself.
Yes, these vaccines can carry risks. I have had many dogs and showed them. I had a litter of puppies once that were reacting to all their puppy shots! One even reacted to Rabies vaccine. Something definitely wrong with their immune systems and I made sure that breeding, or anything close to it, was not repeated!
I knew a lady that showed Yorkies. One of her champion male show dogs died after a Rabies vaccine. Horrible loss for her.
Still, in the majority of cases, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Again, so sorry but I see nothing that should make you feel you are to blame.
Hugs
Yes, these vaccines can carry risks. I have had many dogs and showed them. I had a litter of puppies once that were reacting to all their puppy shots! One even reacted to Rabies vaccine. Something definitely wrong with their immune systems and I made sure that breeding, or anything close to it, was not repeated!
I knew a lady that showed Yorkies. One of her champion male show dogs died after a Rabies vaccine. Horrible loss for her.
Still, in the majority of cases, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Again, so sorry but I see nothing that should make you feel you are to blame.
Hugs
Thank you for your thoughts. I cannot forgive myself because I should have educated myself on the vaccines and the potential risks/complications on the old dogs. Before Nakrang was given the 2 shots, the vet and I went over how she was doing. I said she was breathing heavily and getting tired quickly. The vet knew that Nakrang showed a symtom caused by a potential heart problem. She should not have given the shots. The vet should determine what vaccines are best for her, right? She didn't even mention the side effects or complications. She made a bad decision or she was reckless but she would not admit it when I called her on the phone. I think it is all my mistake. I should have never planned a vacation. I should have not chosen to take her to the vet. I don't know how I am going to forgive myself. I feel so terrible. I was very ignorant.
So sorry about the loss of your dog. As Jerry stated, vaccinations can have some risks,me specially in older dogs. Kennels or even the Vets that board cats and dogs will not do so without the required vaccinations and the Kennel Cough vaccine.
Hard to say if it was the shots that caused the problems and I would be looking for another Vet although it sounds like they were doing supportive care. Lawsuit? You would have to consult an attorney.
I suggest you look on the Internet and research possible complications from canine vaccines.
Again, so sorry you and your family lost your dog. :-(
Hard to say if it was the shots that caused the problems and I would be looking for another Vet although it sounds like they were doing supportive care. Lawsuit? You would have to consult an attorney.
I suggest you look on the Internet and research possible complications from canine vaccines.
Again, so sorry you and your family lost your dog. :-(
My sympathy... it seems you know where not to take any other or future pets.
I doubt a legal case can be made against the vet if the shot was given as part of a "normal" procedure for pet kennel care. All shots and treatments for animals, including ourselves, has some risk. Most have only unpleasant side-effects and very uncommonly (I will guess) risk death.
We have opted out of having our dog inoculated for such kennel stays as we believe we will be able to have friends take care of him in their home when we are away. We have taken their two dogs into our home many times to cover periods the owners were away, on vacation.
I doubt a legal case can be made against the vet if the shot was given as part of a "normal" procedure for pet kennel care. All shots and treatments for animals, including ourselves, has some risk. Most have only unpleasant side-effects and very uncommonly (I will guess) risk death.
We have opted out of having our dog inoculated for such kennel stays as we believe we will be able to have friends take care of him in their home when we are away. We have taken their two dogs into our home many times to cover periods the owners were away, on vacation.
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