Should I worry about distemper vaccine causing panosteitis in my dog?

Hi and thank you for your question on Pet Coach! The short answer to your question is no, you need not be concerned. Panosteitis in dogs is a self limiting condition (it will eventually go away) and may spontaneously resolve. Because of this, it is hard to say when it will pass, but the episode should not last more than 3-4 weeks. If 4 weeks have passed and no improvement is seen, I would revisit with your veterinarian. It could be Jax has another bone disease causing the pain. I hope this helps!

1. Distemper and deworming can be given at the same time. 2. Yes, I would give the vaccination plus one booster a month later if she has never been vaccinated before. 3. A simple blood test can be done to check for heartworms. The presence of heartworms has nothing to do with the vaccinations. She can still be vaccinated. 4. I have never heard of the vaccination causing brain inflammation. 5. Vaccines overall are not dangerous - they are life saving, however, there are some dogs than can have a reaction to vaccinations just like humans can. There is no way to know if a reaction will occur before giving the vaccination. All I can say is that vaccine reactions are very rare. 6. If you have no plans to breed her you should have her spayed. With that cystic ovary she has a good chance of developing pyometra (severe uterine infection) as well as mammary (breast) cancer.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Studies have shown that the Distemper/parvo vaccine may have protective immunity for 3-7 years after vaccination. If you are worried I would consider having a distemper and parvo titre done on Zandalee's blood. Be sure that Zandalee is updated on her Rabies as well. Raccoons also carry rabies. I hope this helps and good luck!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are very rare reactions to vaccines, that occur in a very small number of pets. These can include trouble breathing and swelling of the face/mouth. However, most pets do not experience these side effects. Some pets do have a little bit of pain at the injection site and feel a little tired, not much different from humans after they get vaccines.

When you are discussing vaccinations I am assuming you are referring to the distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza combination vaccine (DAPP). If Theodore is only about 6 weeks old he will need at least 3-4 more DAPP vaccines spaced approximately one month apart to be fully protected against distemper. Because Theodore will be at risk until he receives all of his distemper booster shots it is best to minimize his risk by not taking him to places where sick dogs may have been. So avoiding dog parks, pet stores, and kennels is a good idea. I would recommend starting veterinary visits for Theodore around 8 weeks of age so he can be examined and another DAPP vaccine can be given. Please remember to bring a fecal sample with you to the vet visit so he can be checked for intestinal parasites. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck with Theodore!

Usually dogs with parvovirus or distemper are very lethargic and ill. If your dog is eating and drinking fine and has lots of energy then I don’t think the diarrhea is from either of those diseases. I do recommend a fecal exam soon, perhaps you can drop one off before your appointment to check for intestinal parasites that could cause diarrhea. Also I would monitor what she’s eating and check to make sure she’s not getting into things she shouldn’t in the yard. She’s a puppy and they love to eat anything! Should she become lethargic, stop eating or the diarrhea worsens then don’t wait, take her in to a veterinarian right away for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

Signs of panosteitis are: lameness that seems to shift legs, decreased appetite, and sometimes lethargy. Treatment involves supportive care which is the use of pain management (NSAIDS \- Opiates) and strict cage rest for 2-6 weeks or until the pet recovers. Joint supplements don't have side effects that we see in pets, except for some pets have a sensitive stomach to them. I am not sure what you mean when you say hat your pets ankle and hock join together. Radiographs of the leg can easily confirm a diagnosis of panosteitis. I hope this helps and best wishes with Bruno.