Last Saturday, August 7, 2010, I brought my Shih Tzus, Miles (7) and Sophie (3), to the vet for a heartworm test and a rabies booster. They were both healthy, active and energetic.
48 hours after receiving the shot, Miles began to act very lethargic and lost his appetite; the lethargy increased and we knew we had a real problem when he started refusing the type of human foods that he rarely got, LOVED and went bonkers for.
On Wednesday, 4 days after receiving the shot and 2 days after we started noticing his loss of energy, Miles was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a very serious condition where his immune system attacks and kills his red blood cells. We hadn't noticed it at the time, but the vet pointed out to us the color of his belly, inner ears, gums and tongue. Where they were previously pink, they were now white. Essentially, so many red blood cells were dying that they were not able to spread throughout his body and they were not delivering the amount of oxygen that he needed. Miles was started immediately on high doses of 2 types of immunosuppresents and 2 types of antibiotics. THE VET DID NOT CONNECT HIS CONDITION TO THE RABIES SHOT ADMINISTERED 4 DAYS PRIOR.
On Friday the vet called to let us know that the tests for a bacterial or parasitic agent were negative and that we would probably never know the real cause of the IMHA. (Bull___ - we knew the cause). When she learned that Miles had not yet responded to the meds, was barely strong enough to stand and hadn't eaten in awhile, she asked us to come immediately for a red blood cell count and possible blood transfusion. I dropped a very sad, tired and yucky-feeling Miles off at 7PM on August 13 and that was the last time I saw him alive.
His PCV (packed cell volume) was only 13% when I dropped him off, so they did the transfusion. The following day was a nightmare: low oxygen levels, vomiting, aspirating, x-rays, etc. He died at 2PM on Saturday, August 14, exactly 1 week after a happy, healthy Miles was given that shot (required in my state no less than every 3 years).
While I suspected the vaccine all along, it wasn't until after I said goodbye to Miles did I learn about the raging debate of canine adult vaccinations. There is not a doubt in my mind that Miles would be here today if he hadn't gotten that shot. From my many many hours of research, I have learned that Shih Tzus are on the list of dogs that are at a higher risk of developing IMHA. Miles in particular should have been considered a high risk candidate based on his age, the fact that he was neutered (IMHA highest in ages 3-8, unspayed females and neutered males) and his history of strange liver test results (he had some strange results come back over the years and at one point they suspected, but later ruled out, Cushing's Disease - we were never able to find out what the problem was and he never seemed affected by it). The shot triggered a hyper-acute reaction that could not be brought under control before his body succumbed. Not that it bears any weight on this story, but for that one week, from regular visit to diagnosis to ICU to death, I was charged well over $2,000.
Our family is devastated at having lost Miles so quickly. Poor Sophie, always the trusty sidekick, is lost without her big, strong brother to take the lead. Our day-to-day lives are filled with reminders of what was a happy, healthy, loving dog only 1 week prior. What is particularly painful is that this was preventable with some education. Had I known that Miles was considered high risk, I never would have allowed the vaccine, certainly not without an antibody blood test first to tell if he even needed the vaccine. I don't care if it is the law: it is outdated as there hasn't been a case of rabies in a domestic pet in my state in over 50 years.
I wanted to post this story as a warning to all Shih Tzu owners out there. Do not assume that your vet can properly assess the risks to your particular dog. Do not assume that a vaccine that your dog has gotten in the past with no problem will continue to be no problem. Vaccines are tricky and serious things and you never know when there might be a reaction. I read one study that estimated that 1 out of every 10 rabies shots results in some type of reaction! (although the vast majority are resolved easily) The guilt associated with this loss is extraordinary. I stood there with my hands on Miles when they gave him that shot. I was remiss in assuming that veterinary practices were gospel; whereas it is easy to forget how much money is made from annual checkups and boosters. My dog may be in the minority, but if this post makes just one owner rethink their vaccination practice. . .
Miles was my first child (couldn't have a dog growing up due to an allergic brother). I got him at 11 weeks, trained him and loved him for 7 years. Miles helped me learn to become a parent and he was there when we brought our son home from the hospital (and another 3 years later). And he was wonderful to them. He welcomed, with a moderate amount of acceptance and patience, a second puppy (Sophie), who was his real-life neice. We could not have asked for a better dog and there will forever be a hole in our hearts.
I just want to extend to you my greatest sympathies I can hear the heartache in your words I can't even imagine your pain.
