Low platelet count after Feline Core Vaccine in cats

The FDA has received 25 reports of low platelet count in cats after Feline Core Vaccine. That is 1.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

25Reports

84%Marked serious

4.0%Recovered

28%Died or euthanised

10 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

5 21%

1–2 days

4 17%

3–7 days

1 4.2%

1–4 weeks

10 42%

Over a month

4 17%

How the animals did

Recovered

1 4.0%

Still unwell when reported

16 64%

Euthanised

7 28%

Not known

1 4.0%

Problems reported at the same time

19 76%

15 60%

13 52%

9 36%

9 36%

7 28%

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv)

7 28%

Breathing problems

6 24%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Type: vaccine.

Mild, short-lived lethargy, soreness or a small lump at the injection site are the most commonly reported vaccine reactions.

Questions owners ask

Can Feline Core Vaccine cause low platelet count in cats?: 25 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 10 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Low platelet count with similar medicines

Low platelet count after Rabies Vaccine 35 reports · 1.4% of its reports

All reported side effects of Feline Core Vaccine in cats · Medicines most reported with low platelet count