Reaction to flu jab

[Blimpy]

My boy had his flu vac almost 3 weeks ago. Since then he has become more and more lethargic. His breathing seems laboured even at rest and he really can't do any work. He doesn't have a snotty nose and isn't coughing (he never does).

He has respiratory allergies and started on a course of immunotherapy in June. Huge improvements since then but now since his vaccination he seems to have regressed alot.

Has anyone else had a horse have a reaction to flu vaccination? He never had any swelling or heat around the site of the injection.

 

[BigRed]

I am surprised your vet gave him the jab if he knew he had respiratory allergies and was an immunotherapy course ?

I have had no problems, but a friend of mine does not give her horses flu jabs because she feels her horses were not well afterwards.

 

[Blimpy]

Thanks for your reply. I am surprised too, as I specifically asked him at the time if it was ok to give him the two together (within the space of 2 days). And he said it was.

He does need his flu vacs for competing though.......

 

[BigRed]

I assume your vet is monitoring this then because laboured breathing at rest is not the best situation to be in.

I hope your horse gets better soon.

 

[Blimpy]

Its not really laboured. His respiratory rate at rest is just a bit higher than it should be (like it was before he got his treatment). You wouldn't notice unless you were looking for it if you know what I mean. His problems only really become apparent with exercise.

Vet knows about it alright but he is not much help.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

My horse got very sick after flu jab, and we think it was cos flu jab and worming were very close together (couple of days, never make that mistake guys!).

He got a virus and then it kept coming back over the following 18 months. He was dull and wouldnt eat or do anything and was very poor for weeks on end. He didnt have respiratory issues tho.

Ive moved to worm counts and havent decided whether to flu/tet this year yet (we dont compete and we have moved to our own place). Thing is, the jabs/worming make him way sicker than the worms would......