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Why we require exams with vaccines Kathy Petersen was thrilled when we required an exam for her 6-year-old Maltese to get his yearly vaccine boosters, even though he had been examined two other times within the 8 months prior to this appointment. Kathy scheduled the appointment for Chocolate, knowing that a full exam would be completed by a doctor prior to him receiving his vaccines. During Chocolate’s exam, the doctor examined his mouth. With any exam, the mucous membrane (gum) color is noted and should be a normal pink color. Chocolate’s gums were very pale, almost white. This was obvious Initial diagnostic tests were run but more testing was required for a complete diagnosis. Within days of his initial exam, Chocolate’s health had declined and required hospitalization. After days of tests, therapies and hospitalization, we were able to determine what was causing Chocolate’s decline. He had an immune mediated response whereby his immune system was attacking the red blood cells in his bone marrow. Treatment included blood tests, oxygen therapy and a blood transfusion because his blood cells could not carry enough nutrients to support his basic organ function. After Chocolate was stabilized, he was transferred back home. Now 2 years later, Chocolate is doing well and is maintained with supportive medications and treatments.
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It was a good thing an exam was required; if we had given vaccines that day, Chocolate could have died.
ly not normal. Other than Chocolate recently becoming tired after long walks, the owner had not noted any changes in his behavior. Throughout the rest of the exam multiple other abnormalities were found.
In this example, we reinforced how important it is to examine a pet before any vaccine is given. Even if an exam was done the month prior, a pet’s health can change within a short time frame. Sometimes these symptoms can go undetected without an exam, such as in the case with Chocolate.