Question:
I have a poodle that was given a rabies shot when she was 2 years old. Her hair did not grow back and during the next year she began losing most of her hair, especially on her sides and the trunk of her body.We gave her tests and found it was not caused by any physical ailment. How can I stop her from losing all of her hair?.
R.N.L., Miami, FL Jan 30, 2005
Answer:
First off, your veterinarian should have reported this vaccinosis (adverse vaccination reaction) to the vaccine's manufacturers and to the federal Food and Drug Administration. Without such reporting there can be no adequate documentation, regulation, oversight and recall (if needed) of various vaccines and other animal medications.You say your dog was given tests -- I would like to know exactly which tests. It's possible that her thyroid gland was harmed by her reaction to the particular vaccine, which could be the reason for her hair loss and subsequent health problems that may not as yet have surfaced.So, at the very least a full battery of thyroid-function tests is called for. If her thyroid is dysfunctional the manufacturers of the vaccine in question should pay for the tests and necessary thyroid hormone replacement medication your dog may well need for the rest of her life.
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