Wobbliness (ataxia) after Distemper-parvo Vaccine in dogs

271 reports to the FDA describe wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs given Distemper-parvo Vaccine. That is 4.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

271Reports
68%Marked serious
32%Recovered
18%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
77 31%
1–2 days
65 26%
3–7 days
38 15%
1–4 weeks
42 17%
Over a month
25 10%

How the animals did

Recovered
82 30%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 1.8%
Still unwell when reported
100 37%
Died
16 5.9%
Euthanised
33 12%
Not known
35 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Lethargy
119 44%
Vomiting
86 32%
Loss of appetite
75 28%
Seizures
59 22%
Tremors
53 20%
Death
47 17%
Weakness
44 16%
Behaviour change
41 15%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
101
1–3 years
60
4–7 years
35
8–11 years
33
12+ years
41

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 wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?
271 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 2 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).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

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