anyone else had this happen?

Kim · 08-20-2008, 10:10 PM

Hi,
My puppy Cinnia was the one who tangled with a sick skunk and because she was 3 months old she had not had her rabies shot yet. Rushed her to the vet and the vaccinated her. Now she has developed this slippery, mass at the site of the injection. Back to the vet they did a needle aspiration on it. As of right now they are calling it cellulitis but they have warned me if it changes in any way to bring her back ASAP. She is on Amoxi 250mg twice daily. Has anyone else ever had this happen?
Thank
Kim

elle · 08-21-2008, 02:48 AM

At my clinic we see small local reactions at injection sites fairly frequently. Most resolve on their own with no problem.

The way I see it is the vaccine is given to stimulate the immune system and it only seems natural that in some cases swelling (an immune response) will occur.

When I had MY rabies vaccines, I also developed a fair amount of cellulitis at the injection site after each one.

You could try applying a warm compress a couple times a day to see if it helps the swelling go down any.

**ellenm** · 08-21-2008, 07:46 AM

It is very common for a dog to get a lump at the site of the rabies shot. I don't know how big Cinnia's is or what "slippery" means, but Cheers had a pretty big lump exactly where the shot was given and it took 3 weeks to a month to go completely away. Rex never has a reaction at all.

marlee12002 · 08-21-2008, 09:08 AM

I have normally only experienced a lump at the injection site. I hope your puppy gets better soon!

Kim · 08-21-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elle

At my clinic we see small local reactions at injection sites fairly frequently. Most resolve on their own with no problem.

The way I see it is the vaccine is given to stimulate the immune system and it only seems natural that in some cases swelling (an immune response) will occur.

When I had MY rabies vaccines, I also developed a fair amount of cellulitis at the injection site after each one.

You could try applying a warm compress a couple times a day to see if it helps the swelling go down any.

Thanks for the info. It has helped to make me less scared. I am doing the compresses (she like that) Thanks again!
Kim

Kim · 08-21-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellenm

It is very common for a dog to get a lump at the site of the rabies shot. I don't know how big Cinnia's is or what "slippery" means, but Cheers had a pretty big lump exactly where the shot was given and it took 3 weeks to a month to go completely away. Rex never has a reaction at all.

Cinnia is almost 4 months and weights 33 pounds. When you try to"feel" the lump its "slips"away unless you trap it with both hands. It was pea size now it is the size of a lima bean (just got back from my vet ) We are keep a close eye on it. Thank you for the info. it makes me less scared.
Kim

Kim · 08-21-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlee12002

I have normally only experienced a lump at the injection site. I hope your puppy gets better soon!

Thank-you and I love the poem.
Kim

**ellenm** · 08-21-2008, 05:18 PM

Cheers' lump was even bigger than a lima bean....more like a small grape! I did some warm compresses, no antibiotics, and it went down on its own.

If it seems bigger than earlier...remember that if they aspirated the lump, the needle sticking in there is going to cause a general reaction just from that procedure today.

I'd definitely keep a close eye on her, which I'm sure you are doing. They sure make us worry, don't they? Hugs to little Cinnia!

**lolonurse** · 08-21-2008, 11:02 PM

Hi - Usually, lumps that move around when you try to feel them are under the skin, not really "attached" to anything. Tissue swelling would most likely be a bit larger, more generalized, and not contained enough to slip around, and tumor-type things attach or grow out of or into tissue. It's pretty small, so it probably either a very localized reaction to the injection, or possibly a small clot as a result, which will simply be reabsorbed. But you're obviously a very attentive Dobermom, to notice something so small, and deal with it so well! Did you get the skunk, to have it tested? Or is it still on the loose? lois

Kim · 08-22-2008, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolonurse

Hi - Usually, lumps that move around when you try to feel them are under the skin, not really "attached" to anything. Tissue swelling would most likely be a bit larger, more generalized, and not contained enough to slip around, and tumor-type things attach or grow out of or into tissue. It's pretty small, so it probably either a very localized reaction to the injection, or possibly a small clot as a result, which will simply be reabsorbed. But you're obviously a very attentive Dobermom, to notice something so small, and deal with it so well! Did you get the skunk, to have it tested? Or is it still on the loose? lois

The skunk was dying drool, foam convulsing unable to walk when animal control arrived. They told me it was probably rabid or distemper. I asked them when could I find out the test results they said "we can't afford to test it but if you want to it about $900" I can't afford that. Got my baby to the vet ASAP got her the rabies shot. I live in the City limits so I had to call the City animal control. What I didn't know was that the animal control people come from Haven Humane (which it's not) Animal Shelter. They are privately funded and their people are on contract to the City so that is how they get out of paying to have sick animal tested and the City has a perfect excuse. If I had lived in the county and called the county animal control they would have picked the skunk up and had it tested. Thank you for the info. it really does make me feel better. I am a worrywart when it come to my baby.
Kim