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Expert: - 12/14/2009


Question
Hello.  I have a 15 month old male chihuahua.  He recently,  a week ago, received his Rabies vaccine.  I have now noticed a mass under his skin where he received the injection.  It is a bit bigger than the size of a pea.  I was wondering if this is a normal reaction or if this is something I need to bring him back to the vet to have looked at.  Also, if this is his reaction to the vaccination, is it possible for him to not have to receive the vaccine at all?

Thank you,
Debbie

Answer
It is normal but uncommon to get a reaction to the rabies vaccinations like that.
It will dissipate on its own in a week or so. If not, the vet should look at it.

In the future, just give him a half of a child's Benadryl tablet (get them ahead of time) for his vaccinations. You cannot stop rabies vaccinations by law and you wouldn't want to.

The other vaccinations will prevent him from getting parvo and distemper and hopefully he has had all of those as well as being on heartworm prevention.

Prevention is the key!  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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