Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Rabies Vaccine in dogs

The FDA has received 72 reports of decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs after Rabies Vaccine. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

72Reports
89%Marked serious
2.8%Recovered
38%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
11 17%
1–2 days
4 6.3%
3–7 days
10 16%
1–4 weeks
22 35%
Over a month
16 25%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 2.8%
Still unwell when reported
30 42%
Died
7 9.7%
Euthanised
20 28%
Not known
13 18%

Problems reported at the same time

Blood problems
47 65%
Loss of appetite
35 49%
Lethargy
33 46%
Vomiting
28 39%
Liver problems
28 39%
Death
27 38%
Leucocytosis
20 28%
Decreased haemoglobin
19 26%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
14
1–3 years
18
4–7 years
17
8–11 years
11
12+ years
11

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 decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?
72 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).

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Rabies Vaccine in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)