Distemper shot - loss of appetite for days

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littlebutters

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I'm freaking out right now.  I brought my 9 year-old little boy to the vet on Saturday for his annual physical.  They gave him the distemper shot.  He seemed fine until Sunday morning when I realized he wasn't begging me for his breakfast (which is his daily routine).  He had a few licks of the canned food and didn't touch it for the rest of the day.  I put out some dry food which was left untouched.  He was extremely lethargic for the whole day.  Then around dinner time, same thing - few licks then walked away.  Now it's Tuesday afternoon and he has still eaten next to nothing!  He is still very lethargic and not himself at all.  He doesn't have any vomiting or diarrhea which is a good thing, but this is day #3 of no food!  On my way to work this morning, I called the vet to ask what I should do.  Naturally, they asked if I could bring him in (because the receptionists don't know a thing).  I'm worried that they are going to try to say it's some sort of other illness and not a side-effect, but I know that's completely untrue!  I'm also worried they are going to charge me an absurd amount of money for something that they caused!  If anyone has any advice in the meanwhile until his appointment this afternoon, it would be great.  I just need him to be ok.
 
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littlebutters

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Yes, the distemper is annual and his rabies is bi-annual, which was given to him last year so the only vaccine was the distemper.  I've been reading a lot about this today and I have seen quite often that they should only be every 3 years so I DEFINITELY intend to follow that advice.  It's hard because I know that it's a side-effect but how long can I watch my cat starve, you know?  It's just a very confusing and scary situation.  Thank you so much for your reply.  Wish me luck!
 
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LittleButters said:
 
I'm freaking out right now.  I brought my 9 year-old little boy to the vet on Saturday for his annual physical.  They gave him the distemper shot.  He seemed fine until Sunday morning when I realized he wasn't begging me for his breakfast (which is his daily routine).  He had a few licks of the canned food and didn't touch it for the rest of the day.  I put out some dry food which was left untouched.  He was extremely lethargic for the whole day.  Then around dinner time, same thing - few licks then walked away.  Now it's Tuesday afternoon and he has still eaten next to nothing!  He is still very lethargic and not himself at all.  He doesn't have any vomiting or diarrhea which is a good thing, but this is day #3 of no food!  On my way to work this morning, I called the vet to ask what I should do.  Naturally, they asked if I could bring him in (because the receptionists don't know a thing).  I'm worried that they are going to try to say it's some sort of other illness and not a side-effect, but I know that's completely untrue!  I'm also worried they are going to charge me an absurd amount of money for something that they caused!  If anyone has any advice in the meanwhile until his appointment this afternoon, it would be great.  I just need him to be ok.
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Breathe.  Your cat will be ok but needs help.  Trust your vet if your vet is trustworthy. Talk to them, Explain your concerns. Ask for help.
 
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littlebutters

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Thanks for your advice.  One of the problems is I don't trust the vet I'm going to and I can't wait to switch.  I had Butters' appointment there yesterday.  His temperature is fine, but he's lost 1/2 lb. since Saturday.  They gave him a shot to help with dehydration and an anti-nausea shot.  The vet wanted to give him Benadryl in case it's an allergic reaction, but I told him no way because his symptoms don't really indicate that (e.g. no vomiting, no diarrhea, no sneezing, no soreness of the injection area, etc.)  I know the vet is just trying to help in any way possible, but I really think they take advantage of people's naivety and their love for their pets.  Anyway, Butters still hasn't had an appetite.  He seems alert(ish) but even catnip won't rile him up.  It's scary because I know that he's getting older now and I'm paranoid that this vaccine has pushed him over the edge between being a kid and an old man.  He has always loved to play, but now he looks disinterested.  I just want my baby back.  Only time will tell, I suppose.  If anyone has any advice on tactics to get him hungry, that would be awesome.
 
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LittleButters said:
 
Thanks for your advice.  One of the problems is I don't trust the vet I'm going to and I can't wait to switch.  I had Butters' appointment there yesterday.  His temperature is fine, but he's lost 1/2 lb. since Saturday.  They gave him a shot to help with dehydration and an anti-nausea shot.  The vet wanted to give him Benadryl in case it's an allergic reaction, but I told him no way because his symptoms don't really indicate that (e.g. no vomiting, no diarrhea, no sneezing, no soreness of the injection area, etc.)  I know the vet is just trying to help in any way possible, but I really think they take advantage of people's naivety and their love for their pets.  Anyway, Butters still hasn't had an appetite.  He seems alert(ish) but even catnip won't rile him up.  It's scary because I know that he's getting older now and I'm paranoid that this vaccine has pushed him over the edge between being a kid and an old man.  He has always loved to play, but now he looks disinterested.  I just want my baby back.  Only time will tell, I suppose.  If anyone has any advice on tactics to get him hungry, that would be awesome.
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Given his age he really doesn't need any more distemper vaccines, and certainly once he gets his next one in 3 years that should really be the end.  If you don't trust your vet then you should go get another one, but benedryl may be heklpful in a cat who is reacting badly to a vaccine.  The good news is that reactions that involve lethargy usually wear off after a couple of days.
 
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littlebutters

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That's great advice!  I've been reading a lot about the distemper vaccine and, for the most part, people say it should be once every 3 years so I'm very glad that that's confirmed.  I do plan to switch vets ASAP - it's never the same doctor, and it's so frustrating when they call him a "her" because it makes me feel like they haven't even looked at his chart.  I'm sure that the Benadryl could have possibly helped but I didn't feel like it was essential enough for the amount they would have charged.  Fortunately, I was able to get him to eat some canned tuna on my lunch break today so that's very relieving.  I'll just have to take it day by day.  Thanks again for your advice - I REALLY appreciate it!
 
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