Wobbliness (ataxia) after Bordetella Vaccine in dogs

The FDA has received 347 reports of wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs after Bordetella Vaccine. That is 3.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines.

347Reports
69%Marked serious
32%Recovered
13%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
129 41%
1–2 days
58 19%
3–7 days
43 14%
1–4 weeks
49 16%
Over a month
34 11%

How the animals did

Recovered
106 31%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
156 45%
Died
17 4.9%
Euthanised
28 8.1%
Not known
36 10%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
68
1–3 years
88
4–7 years
66
8–11 years
59
12+ years
64

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 Bordetella Vaccine cause wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?
347 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 1 day 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).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Bordetella Vaccine in dogs · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)