Answer

Hi there XXXXXXXXXXXX,

 

Thank you for your question regarding your young exotic who seems to be having a vaccination reaction after his shots today. It is not uncommon for cats (and dogs for that matter) to become lethargic and mildly painful after a vaccination. They may be fine one year and not the next and this is because the vaccines are made in different batches every few months so they differ slightly from shot to shot.

It is normal for a cat to have a mild fever (102° - 104° F) and be slightly lethargic and not eat well for 36-48 hours after receiving vaccines. This is a normal response of the immune system to the vaccine and should not require treatment. Also, some pets may develop a small lump (up to the size of a quarter) at the site of the vaccine. If it occurs it should gradually get smaller and go away within 6-8 weeks. It definitely sounds as though this kitty is having a definite reaction however and other potential symptoms may include:

1. running a fever for more than 48 hours or has a temperature of over 104°F.
2. seems severely lethargic
3. refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
4. develops a lump that does not go away after 4-8 weeks, continues to increase in size or bothers your pet.
5. vomits repeatedly
6. if you are concerned for any reason after your pet has received vaccinations

It definitely sounds as though this cat is having a more severe allergic reaction if he is vomiting every 5 minutes! For this reason you really need to get this kitty back to your Vet for an antihistimine and steroid injection. If for some reason you can't do this, then we will have to give him some Benedryl from home. Just let me know if you can't so I can give you a dose for him.

 

I hope this helps - if you can't get him to the Vet tonight and the Benedryl doesn't help, then you really will need to make the trip to an ER Vet for a couple of injections for him.

 

Best of luck and please reply if you need to know the dose of Benedryl to give him.

 

Thank you and please now click ACCEPT.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Dr M D Edwards

 

PS: Sorry I just see you didn't say if this was a male or female kitty. My apologies if he is actually a she!

Edited by Dr M D Edwards on 6/12/2009 at 2:39 AM