Distemper is a very serious viral disease that affects many species of wildlife, though it is commonly associated with cats and dogs. It is a major disease in canines despite massive efforts to vaccinate dogs in many regions.
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Vaccination
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Vaccination is important, because although distemper will usually not cause death, animals can be left with permanent disabilities if infected. Vaccinations protect the local animal population and prevent the disease from mutating as well.
Minor Side Effects
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Side effects of the vaccine generally include lethargy, slight fever, swelling at the injection site and loss of appetite.
Serious Side Effects
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Diarrhea or vomiting, swelling of the face and refusal to respond are all more serious side effects. In rare cases, there may be anaphylactic shock leading to death. Cats may develop vaccine sarcomas, which are cancers that develop at the site of the injection. If your pet exhibits these behaviors, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Alleviating Side effects
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Make sure your pet gets plenty of rest after the vaccine is administered. Many veterinarians administer a "five in one" shot, so your pet's immune system may be dealing with five diseases at once. It is important to monitor your pet closely after vaccination.
Controversy
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Although there is some controversy surrounding the distemper vaccine, it is better to be safe than sorry. All owners should decide if the possible adverse reactions to the vaccine outweigh the potential loss of a pet.
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