My dog has IMHA. Is a rabies vaccine safe, or should I get a new vet?

I'm very sorry for your loss. Adverse immune reactions, including IMHA, can be caused as a result of any vaccination (rabies tend to cause reactions more often than other vaccines though), it's generally not common but it is a possibility. it's not possible to prove it and it's also possible that it was a coincidence.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sundance is very handsome! I would recommend calling your Vet to discuss this, since they are the ones that treated him for IMHA. If Sundance is in remission that is good. IMHA is an immune condition that can be initiated by antibiotics, vaccines, tick infections, etc. If an underlying cause wasn't found when he was originally diagnosed we call the Idiopathic IMHA or Autoimmune. Personally I would be very hesitant to continue vaccinations in a dog with an immune mediated disease. I think it is best to discuss with your Vet They may have an automatic computer system for their reminders and don't know they are sending you reminders. I hope this helps and I wish Sundance the best!

Hello, and thanks for your question. The ultimate decision will need to be made by your primary vet - but I would absolutely keep them both current on their rabies vaccinations, even if they have chronic health concerns. The rabies virus is 100% fatal, and can be spread to people, so it's just not worth the risk of letting their vaccine status lapse. In many states the law requires a current rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is very safe, so it is very rare that I will stop keeping a patient of mine current on the vaccine. Hope this helps! I can tell you're trying to make the best decisions for your dogs!

If Marley was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia it is true that vaccines could trigger the immune system to cause a relapse of Marley's disease. The problem is that vaccines are required for an international health certificate. You could try contacting the USDA (I'm assuming you're in the United States) to see about exemptions, but it may be better to leave Marley at home with a trusted pet sitter.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Maomao. I typically do not vaccinate a dog with a fever. However, you will need to discuss the risk of rabies in your area with his veterinarian to determine if he should receive the vaccine despite being ill. For example, if rabies is prevalent in your region, then the decision might be made to give the vaccine. Otherwise, it is best to wait until he is healthy. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about your husband! I hope you are doing better. Blueboy will be fine! He can get his rabies and restart his distemper combo series. He'll likely get 2 of them 3 weeks apart. Once he finishes those vaccines he'll be protected for the next year. I hope this helps and I wish you well!

I am sorry to hear about your loss. There are some studies about the relationship between vaccinations and IMHA (immune mediated hemolytic anemia). Unfortunately even though theoretically there may be a link between the two, that has not been confirmed from an scientific point of view. It is more likely that Ehrlichia was linked to the IMHA even though more commonly Ehrlichia causes immune mediate thrombocytopenia. It is hard to say if it should have been retested, even without clinical signs of the disease. For sure it should have been retested when IMHA was evident. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.