Vaccinations Carry Risks For Cats

[catspurr]

Vaccinations carry risks for cats

Vaccinations for pets remain one of the cornerstones of preventative
veterinary medicine today; however, around 1991 veterinarians started to
notice a higher than expected number of injection site sarcomas (tumors) in
vaccinations to cats.

A sarcoma is a malignant tumor that can develop and spread quickly. Even
after surgical removal, recurrence is a common complication.

In response to this problem, veterinarians, researchers and manufacturers
have explored the reasons why this happens in anywhere from 1 in 1,000 to 1
in 10,000 cats that receive an injection. It is important to note that
initially only vaccines were implicated as causing the sarcomas. Now it has
been shown that any type of injection can result in an injection site
sarcoma in cats.

Research has demonstrated that these sarcomas are the result of an
exaggerated response by the cats' immune systems. Besides the inflammatory
response that can be caused by an injection, the use of adjuvants was also
noted as a possible cause of the sarcomas. Adjuvants are chemicals that
enhance an animal's immune system response. So, recently the concern has
been focused on the two major potential risks involved with vaccines:
injection site inflammation and the use of adjuvants.

The newest feline leukemia vaccine promises to offer much hope. Merial's
(maker of Frontline and Heartguard) new non-adjuvanted PUREVAX® Leukemia
Vaccine that is administered with the VET JET(TM) transdermal system
definitely addresses the two major risk factors of feline vaccinations.

First, it is administered without the use of needles. It delivers a
low-volume dose of vaccine through a tiny orifice into the cat's skin,
subcutaneous tissue and muscle in less than a second.

Through this method, the vaccine is deposited into the immune-cell-rich
layers of skin and underlying tissue. Secondly the vaccine does not contain
adjuvants.

It is important for all cat owners to remember that feline leukemia is a
highly contagious viral disease that can drastically impair the immunesystem.
This deadly virus spreads easily through social grooming, shared food and water
bowls, bite wounds and common litter boxes (or common potty locations outdoors).
Kittens also can contract feline leukemia from their mothers while still in the womb
as well as through nursing and by grooming.

Feline leukemia contributes to other infectious diseases by suppressing the
immune system. It can also cause a deadly anemia by suppressing bone marrow
production.

For cats that contract feline leukemia, 50 percent die within six months and
the others usually within three years. With these types of facts it is
critical to discuss with your veterinarian your cat's risk factors and
decide if the feline leukemia vaccine should be a part of your cat's
vaccination protocol.

Another critical point for all cat owners to realize is the importance of
knowing your cat's feline leukemia and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)
status. All cats/kittens should be tested through a simple clinic blood
test. Once your cat's status is known, your veterinarian can recommend when
and how often your cat will need to be retested.


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Dr. Tracy Acosta is a veterinarian at Biloxi Animal Hospital. She is also
the host of "Let's Talk About Pets" heard from 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays on WTNI
1640 AM. Questions on this column or for the talk show may call 896-8255 or
toll free at 1-866-450-8255 or write to South Mississippi Veterinary Medical
Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach MS 39560 and include a
self-addressed stamped envelope.