Liver problems after Rabies Vaccine in dogs

The FDA has received 720 reports of liver problems in dogs after Rabies Vaccine. That is 7.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

720Reports
85%Marked serious
12%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
172 28%
1–2 days
95 15%
3–7 days
104 17%
1–4 weeks
129 21%
Over a month
119 19%

How the animals did

Recovered
72 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
13 1.8%
Still unwell when reported
313 43%
Died
78 11%
Euthanised
130 18%
Not known
114 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
48
1–3 years
170
4–7 years
208
8–11 years
187
12+ years
99

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 liver problems in dogs?
720 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 4 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).

Liver problems with similar medicines

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