Disorientation after Rabies Vaccine in dogs

The FDA has received 157 reports of disorientation in dogs after Rabies Vaccine. That is 1.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

157Reports
79%Marked serious
32%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
49 35%
1–2 days
29 21%
3–7 days
22 16%
1–4 weeks
18 13%
Over a month
22 16%

How the animals did

Recovered
42 27%
Recovered with lasting effects
8 5.1%
Still unwell when reported
53 34%
Died
14 8.9%
Euthanised
22 14%
Not known
18 11%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
15
1–3 years
45
4–7 years
39
8–11 years
34
12+ years
22

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 disorientation in dogs?
157 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).

Disorientation with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Rabies Vaccine in dogs · Medicines most reported with disorientation