Bunny feeling ill after vaccine

[Katkirp]

Hi! I’m hoping someone can help me out.

I have a 1 year old rabbit and I took him for his yearly vaccine today and gave him a check up. The Vet told me he is completely healthy and even checked his ears to make sure he has no mites.

When we got home my bunny started acting very quite and eyes and nose look very red. He is also itching his ears all the time and looking very uncomfortable. What should I do? Is this normal behavior after the vaccine?

[Wick & Fable]

I would absolutely call the vet and report these symptoms. While I have no experience with vaccines (due to the US not requiring it in my area), the red eyes seem like an especially concerning side effect. Worst case scenario, you call and the vet says it’s fine.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Katkirp]

Unfortunately the vet is closed at this time and the only vet open for emergencies does not specialize in rabbits and said it was normal

[GlennTheLionhead]

Hey,

I am in the UK and have been through vaccination for myxomatosis and RVHD 1&2 several times with 3 different rabbits and I can’t say that any have ever shown any symptoms of a reaction after a vaccination. Not meaning to worry you, but just wanted to be clear that symptoms after vaccinations at least in the UK should not be anything more than possible lethargy. Vets have always told me not to expect symptoms. Reactions to vaccines are rare but can happen and will require veterinary attention. I am not qualified to answer veterinary questions myself but just sharing my experience and information my vets have given me in the past.

Hope your fluff recovers well.

 

[DanaNM]

I agree with GlennTheLionhead, the normal side effects are mild lethargy and maybe some soreness (some buns will favor one front paw for a bit), that should resolve within 24 hours. My buns all were just a bit “quiet” the day of their shots, but normal the next day and ate normally etc.  If you are seeing a lot of itching and swelling you should definitely contact a rabbit savvy vet. Perhaps you can call to clinics that might be farther away for advise?

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Katkirp]

My bunny is eating normally and even passing urine and pooping. The only problem is that his eyes are red and won’t stop itching his ears. Unfortunately in my country we only have 1 vet open for emergencies and they don’t specialize in rabbits. When I called they told me it this normal but I am still very worried.

[Bam]

You could perhaps put cold compresses on the ears, to try and get the itch down? Not ice cold and only for a few minutes at a time.

[Katkirp]

Thank you so much! I will try that!

[LBJ10]

Hmm… would Benadryl help? It’s hard to know if this is an allergic reaction or a systemic reaction where they develop symptoms similar to the disease. Which vaccine was it?

[Katkirp]

The vaccine was Myxomatosis RHD Plus. But my bunny is feeling much better today. His eyes are no longer red and he is isn’t itching as much

[Bam]

Im glad to hear it!

I had a bun who got itchy ears after vaccination. It was quite a long time ago, so it wasn’t the Myxo RHD plus- vaccine, but it was a vaccine against myxo. He got 2 sores inside each of his ears, probably from scratching them. They took a long time (2 weeks) to heal, but they did heal with just normal wound care (I cleaned with chlorhexidine solution once per day).

[DanaNM]

I’m glad he’s feeling better!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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