VACCINES

Vaccinations are a critical component to preventive care for your pets.

Vaccines stimulate the body to produce its own defense against infection, taking over the mother's role in providing protection.

In general, puppies and kittens do not leave their mother until they are 8-9 weeks old, so this is usually when they receive their first vaccination. The first vaccination course (for dogs and cats) always consists of two or more vaccinations.  

 

CAT VACCINES


Rabies- (Which is required by law) 

Is a severe virus that affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. The virus is most common in raccoons, bats, dogs, and cats. It is spread by contact with saliva on an open wound of the skin. The virus causes behavior changes, seizures and death.

Rabies vaccinations should be given at 16 weeks, boostered in 1 year, then boostered every 1 or 3 years.


DRCC--(combination vaccine which includes)

(D) Distemper (Panleukopenia)

(R) Rhinotracheitis

(C) Calicivirus

(C) Chlamydia    

Distemper (Panleukopenia)-

  • Is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects young kittens, but any aged cat is susceptible. This virus is generally widespread, and natural exposure is common.
  • Ideally you should start at 8 weeks, then re-vaccinate every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then annual boosters.

Rhinotracheitis-

  • This is the most severe and widespread upper-respiratory viruses to which cats are susceptible. Very serious infection in young kittens, but cats of all ages are susceptible
  • Treatment is difficult and limited to supportive and symptomatic therapy. Recovered cats become carriers for life and can shed virus intermittently, especially during periods of stress.
  • Ideally you should start at 8 weeks, then re-vaccinate every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then annual boosters.

Calicivirus-

  • Is a respiratory virus, causing oral ulcers and blisters, leading to pneumonia & possible death.
  • Is another of the major upper-respiratory viruses to which cats are susceptible.
  •  It is widespread, highly contagious, and accounts for about 40% of the respiratory diseases in cats. The severity of the infection varies with the strain of the virus present.
  • Ideally you should start at 8 weeks, then re-vaccinate every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then annual boosters.

Chlamydia-

  • This is a respiratory virus in cats. We cannot contract the virus from cats, and cats cannot get it from us.
  • chlamydia is also known as pneumonitis.
  • This virus is directly responsible for 15% to 20% of all feline respiratory diseases.
  • It is extremely contagious, especially in young kittens. Chlamydia causes a local infection of the mucous membranes of the eyes.
  • Most commonly given to cats that live both indoors and outdoors. 
  • Starts at 8 weeks, then re-vaccinate every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then annual boosters.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)-

  • This virus causes fatal infection in cats, there is no cure. This virus is similar to Leukemia in humans. Cats can be born with this virus, or contract it from other cats.
  • This virus can be prevented if the cat is not already infected. It is recommended to vaccinate because there is no cure once a cat has it.
  • Feline leukemia can be spread by lateral or vertical transmission. Lateral transmission is from cat to cat by close contact such as sharing food bowls, grooming, or fighting. Vertical transmission is from mother to kittens.
  • Cats can receive the Leukemia vaccine at 10 weeks of age, boostered in 2-4 weeks.
  • The vaccine can be given without a FeLV test first.

FELV Testing

  • Is available to determine the FeLV status of the individual cat.
  • If the cat is negative, the Feline Leukemia vaccination is recommended especially where cats have a higher risk of exposure.
  • Testing is performed with a blood sample.
  • Cats can be tested as young as 10 weeks of age, but any positive result in a young cat should be re-tested in 3 months, as the cat can fight off the infection and then be negative.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – FIV Testing 

  • Test is performed with a blood sample.
  • Is fatal once a cat is infected, there is no cure.
  •  It is just like human HIV, or AIDS.
  • It causes problems with the immune system, making the cat susceptible to serious illness or death from things that normally aren’t severe.

Fecal Test

  • Although, not a vaccine, a fecal test is most commonly done with vaccines.
  • Fecal tests are commonly done along with your kittens booster vaccines which are done every 2-4 weeks to check for parasites but are also recommended to be done with your cats annual vaccines as well.

(Sources: heartwormsociety.org / .dogheartworm.org / vet.cornell.edu / ACPCA.org) 

For information about Vaccines or to schedule an appointment please call

FRANKFORT ANIMAL CARE CENTER.

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