Mild Allergic Reactions to Vaccines

No, Valkyrie here is not sick. But she sure looks it!

The red rimmed eyes, the patches of fur missing, the discharge. Valkyrie had an allergic reaction to one of the vaccines. This is very rare, and actually the first time I've seen a reaction in this form. She does not (and never did get!) the pinkeye that ran through the doe pen, and when I walked outside to see her like THIS, I was obviously quite concerned. After a thorough evaluation though, we determined that she is simply having an allergic reaction. Not a deadly kind, but still a fairly severe one.

Due to this, Valkyrie is not going to get revaccinated. This is a great time to highlight the importance of herd immunity. The vaccine I gave her was slightly different than normal. While herd immunity wouldn't necessarily apply to things like tetanus or entereotoxemia types C&D (the CDT vaccine I typically do annually) because those live in the environment and are not contagious, this new vaccine includes protection against pinkeye, to prevent that from running its course through my goats again. So, clearly the normal CDT vaccine is fine for her, but Vision 7 is not. However, with the rest of the goats having had the vaccine, herd immunity should hopefully help protect her from pinkeye (should this nightmare ever somehow wiggle its slimy way into my herd again 🙄). Vaccines are important, guys. Herd immunity is a proven scientific concept. Are there chances of reactions? Of course. There is with everything, even simple vitamin shots! However, this is the most extreme case I've ever seen, and honestly, its still not that bad. Not near as bad as getting pinkeye so severely she goes blind. Nor even a fraction as bad as contracting tetanus. Have you ever seen a goat with tetanus? I hope you never, ever do because it is one of the slowest, most painful and agonizing ways to go with absolutely no treatment or cure once symptoms start. And you won't, if you have a strict vaccine program.