Low platelet count after Distemper-parvo Vaccine in dogs

The FDA has received 77 reports of low platelet count in dogs after Distemper-parvo Vaccine. That is 1.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

77Reports

82%Marked serious

9.1%Recovered

30%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

9 14%

1–2 days

10 16%

3–7 days

16 25%

1–4 weeks

14 22%

Over a month

15 23%

How the animals did

Recovered

6 7.8%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 1.3%

Still unwell when reported

33 43%

Died

6 7.8%

Euthanised

17 22%

Not known

14 18%

Problems reported at the same time

46 60%

44 57%

39 51%

38 49%

24 31%

24 31%

23 30%

22 29%

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 Distemper-parvo Vaccine cause low platelet count in dogs?: 77 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 7 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 120 reports · 1.2% of its reports
Low platelet count after Bordetella Vaccine 133 reports · 1.4% of its reports
Low platelet count after Leptospirosis Vaccine 133 reports · 1.7% of its reports
Low platelet count after Lyme Vaccine 36 reports · 0.5% of its reports

All reported side effects of Distemper-parvo Vaccine in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count