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
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.
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 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.
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
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. :-(
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.