Large-scale survey of adverse reactions to canine non-rabies combined vaccines in Japan

Abstract

Canine non-rabies combined vaccines are widely used to protect animals from infectious agents, and also play an important role in public health. We performed a large-scale survey to investigate vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs), including anaphylaxis, in Japan by distributing questionnaires on VAAEs to veterinary hospitals from April 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007. Valid responses were obtained for 57,300 vaccinated dogs at 573 animal hospitals; we obtained VAAEs information for last 100 vaccinated dogs in each veterinary hospital. We found that of the 57,300, 359 dogs showed VAAEs. Of the 359 dogs, death was observed in 1, anaphylaxis in 41, dermatological signs in 244, gastrointestinal signs in 160, and other signs in 106. Onset of VAAEs was mostly observed within 12h after vaccination (n=299, 83.3%). In this study, anaphylaxis events occurred within 60 min after vaccination, and about half of these events occurred within 5 min (n=19, 46.3%). Furthermore, where anaphylaxis was reported, additional information to support the diagnosis was obtained by reinvestigation. Our resurvey of dogs with anaphylaxis yielded responses on 31 dogs; 27 of these demonstrated collapse (87.1%), 24 demonstrated cyanosis (77.4%), and both signs occurred in 22 (71.0%). Higher rates of animal VAAEs, anaphylaxis, and death were found in Japan than in other countries. Further investigations, including survey studies, will be necessary to elucidate the interaction between death and vaccination and the risk factors for VAAEs, and thus develop safer vaccines. Moreover, it may also be necessary to continually update the data of VAAEs.

Triggers, risk factors and clinico‐pathological features of urticaria in dogs – a prospective observational study of 24 cases

“…This can be explained by the fact that previous studies focused mainly on anaphylaxis and a potential selection bias could explain this discrepancy. Neurological and respiratory signs were infrequent findings and included only changes in mentation, in agreement with other reports …”

“…The cardiovascular signs are most often secondary to liver changes (hepatic arterial vasodilation and increase in hepatic portal vascular resistance) . In two studies, other affected organs in dogs were the skin (ranging from 57 to 68%) and, less frequently, the respiratory and neurological systems . Interestingly, however, the highest mast cell density and histamine content after experimental anaphylaxis induction was recorded in the liver, skin and in particular the ear pinnae, which suggests that the skin should often, if not always, be affected, as is the case in humans .…”

Triggers, risk factors and clinico‐pathological features of urticaria in dogs – a prospective observational study of 24 cases

“…18,20,51 The rate of adverse effects due to vaccination in dogs of <10 kg is doubled; 51 therefore, not only the type of allergen, but also its relative amount seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions. Among medium-to large-size breeds, boxers, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are more frequently associated with anaphylaxis.…”

“…18,20 This can be explained by the fact that previous studies focused mainly on anaphylaxis and a potential selection bias could explain this discrepancy. Neurological and respiratory signs were infrequent findings and included only changes in mentation, in agreement with other reports.…”

Anaphylaxis

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] Traditionally, hypersensitivity reactions were classified into four types: type I, or immediate (immunoglobulin E [IgE] dependent); type II, or cytotoxic (IgG, IgM dependent); type III, or immune complex mediated (IgG, IgM complex dependent); and type IV, or delayed (T lymphocyte dependent). Anaphylaxis in dogs and cats can be caused by a variety of antigens but is most commonly triggered by vaccines, drugs, insect and reptile venoms, antimicrobials, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, opiates, foods, and physical factors such as cold and exercise.…”