Low platelet count after Rabies Vaccine in cats

35 reports to the FDA describe low platelet count in cats given Rabies Vaccine. That is 1.4% 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.

35Reports

77%Marked serious

20%Recovered

26%Died or euthanised

4 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

8 27%

1–2 days

5 17%

3–7 days

6 20%

1–4 weeks

8 27%

Over a month

3 10%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 20%

Still unwell when reported

14 40%

Died

3 8.6%

Euthanised

6 17%

Not known

5 14%

Problems reported at the same time

24 69%

21 60%

14 40%

13 37%

12 34%

9 26%

8 23%

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv)

8 23%

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 Rabies Vaccine cause low platelet count in cats?: 35 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 4 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 Feline Core Vaccine 25 reports · 1.6% of its reports

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