My new cat has URI symptoms after distemper vaccine. Reaction?

Aw, I'm sorry to see that Cat isn't feeling so great! It is highly unlikely that the vaccine actually caused this condition to occur. Vaccines can certainly cause immunosuppression, but I do not believe that this is the direct cause of vaccination. Vaccine reactions almost always occur within minutes to hours after the shot is received. It is likely that your kitty has come down with an upper respiratory infection that will require treatment. Antibiotics, ophthalmic medication, and immunosupportive care will all be required. If she has a fever, she may also require some anti-inflammatory medication and fluids. I would get her to the vet some time today, or tomorrow at the latest for care. Hope this helps.

Yes, URI's (upper respiratory infections) are very common in kittens and cats that have been living in shelters. They typically are caused by viruses and most of them resolve without treatment, but they turn into bacterial infections that make the cat feel pretty awful, and need antibiotics. I would recommend calling the shelter from which you adopted the kitten and see if maybe he was treated for a URI while he was there. If so, perhaps it's resolving normally. If not, he may just now be showing the signs and he may need to be checked out (by the shelter or a private vet) before things get worse.

Yes this should be fine as long as she is feeling better. Also, you may consider putting her on a daily immune boosting vitamin like viralys or vetriscience lysine treats. It doesn’t treat the virus but it may help to boost her immune system. I hope this helps!

The sneezing is most likely from being exposed to viruses is the air at the veterinary clinic. This is like kids going to school and getting sick from being around lots of different children. The vaccinations protect against upper respiratory infections but they can still get a mild case. Mr. Kitty should rest and he'll be fine in a few days to a week. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mr. Kitty.

Poor puppies! Since the sneezing and mucoid discharge began in all puppies a few days after going to the shelter for their vaccines, a URI seems most likely. The URI could be due to viruses, bacteria, or both, and most URIs require antibiotics for resolution. I recommend taking all of the puppies (all of whom have great names) to the vet for evaluation and likely antibiotics. Until you can get to the vet, keep their nostrils clear with a damp cloth and take them into a steamy bathroom a few times per day to help relieve some congestion. I hope that Bacon, Waffles, Pancakes and Maple all feel better soon!

Poor Sabina! If she has nasal discharge or coughing, you may inquire with your vet about doing a culture and sensitive on the nasal discharge or doing a trans-tracheal wash to see if she has a resistant bacteria. Also if she doesn't have a high white blood count then you may consider steroids if she doesn't have congestion. I would talk to your vet in depth about steroids as these can make an infection worse if it isn't an auto-immune problem. I would also get her on a lysine supplement like Viralys or vetriscience lysine chews for cats. You can also request vitamins B12 injections and an appetite stimulant to help with her appetite. If she has been a long time without eating, make sure she has had her chemistry ( liver and kidney) values check to ensure she isn't have liver or kidney issues. You could have her retested for FELV/FIV. If she was recently infected before adoption then it may not show up on a test yet. The vaccines usually take effect within 5-7 days of receiving them so she should be protected. I hope this helps and she starts to get better really soon!

The distemper vaccine is against feline rhinotrachetis and calicivirus (feline herpes virus type I) which are responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases. But that means there are still 10-20% of upper respiratory infections that can be caused by other things such as bacteria and viruses. It may be Alani has a respiratory infection from one of those. I would have her seen by a vet. The vet can confirm if she has a respiratory infection, and can prescribe medication to help her. I can give you some things to try at home as well, but they should not take the place of seeing the vet. First, you can try starting her on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. I hope this helps!