OCR Text |
Show Recommendations made for feline vaccination Cats are subject to several diseases that are debilitating or fatal. The main disease would be feline panleukopenia or distemper that is highly fatal to all cats yet easily vaccinated for effective immunity. The upper respiratory viral diseases, occationally fatal and always painful and devilitating, are also easily prevented by vaccination. Rabies is a very dangerous disease of public health significance as well as the individual animal's safety. It too can be successfully suc-cessfully prevented by vaccination. Due to the severe nature and high in-, cidence of feline distemper, this, disease will be discussed with vaccinations vac-cinations for other diseases following a similar schedule. Distemper in cats is a viral disease affecting cells of the body that have a high rate of proliferation, i.e., bone marrow, lymphatic tissue and intestinal in-testinal mucosal cells. A highly resistant virus to common disinfectants, disin-fectants, an infective particle can remain so for periods eaily up to one year. Mostly seen in younger animals, all ages of cats are susceptable. Signs of the disease are most commonly lethargy, not eating, vomiting a yellowish color fluid and diarrhea. The stool is initially yellow becoming blood stained or dark brown. As a result of massive body fluid loss, dehydration can easily be seen in these animals and is usually the main cause of death. Due to the animal's debilitated state, secondary viral infactions may occur in the upper respiratory' system given the occular and nasal secretions seen commonly. Therefore the feline panleukopenia virus is not primarily in the upper respiratory system causing signs of distemper, but rather in the intestine and lympahtic tissue. However, due to the secondary infections, in-fections, the common term "distem-" "distem-" per" has taken hold. Treatment for the disease is mostly ' supportive, i.e., fluids to counteract the massive losses from diarrhea and vomiting and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections from bacteria. Unfortunately heavy losses may be suffered in unvaccinated animals. A highly effective vaccine is however available. A kitten's initial dose should be given between 9 and 12 weeks of age. A second booster should be given at 16 weeks. Thereafter annual boosters should be given to maintain good immunity. im-munity. Adult cats need only receive one initial vaccination with an annual booster. Other feline vaccinations follow a similar vaccination schedule. In the next two years look for another vaccine for your cat that is for leukemia virus. Clearance through FDA for the new vaccine is presently underway. Contact your vet;' you have any questions art information on your cat's v; program. |