Why dogs and cats are given vaccines in different places
My vet just examined my dog and he commented about the placement of the different vaccines because I was asking about what was being given and why.
Why do veterinarians do that? I was told it was so if there were ever any vaccine reactions one could ascertain the causative vaccine. Are there any vaccines that cause more problems than others? Does the same hold true for cats?
Your veterinarian did the right thing in selecting certain vaccine sites for your dog. There is a standard that most adhere to for the reason you mention — being able to follow site reactions accurately and record them. Reactions may include localized swelling, hair loss, inflammation and even the development of tumors.
Luckily, this is quite rare but proper precautionary delivery of vaccines helps in the understanding of things when they rarely do go wrong. I can give you and the readers a little history.
Years ago, some dogs were reacting to a 5-in-1 vaccine and after much study, it was realized that the leptospirosis component was causing the problem. As a result, new vaccines that were 4-in-1 for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus were developed. Sadly, many dogs were no longer protected against that which was removed and got sick or died. Leptospirosis is now usually a separate vaccine and commonly used since the problems were worked out. Vaccine reactions can also be due to adjuvants and preservatives or other elements. All veterinarians should vaccinate based on a patient’s risk of exposure! The only vaccine required by law is for rabies.
The placement for dogs is as follows. DAPP is usually in the right front leg, Rabies in the right rear leg, Lyme in the left rear leg, and Leptospirosis in the left front leg. Three of the four vaccines have the side in which they are given correspond to the first letter of the vaccine such as rabies in right rear. Legs are safer in case there is a problem that might require surgical removal. Bordetella vaccines are usually oral or nasal. As for cat vaccines, FVRCP is given in the right front leg, Rabies in the right rear leg, and Leukemia in the left rear leg.
Most importantly, the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks. That’s one reason why humans and our pets are living longer healthier lives today. Great question!