Feline Vaccinations

Feline vaccines are only given by licensed veterinarians at administration sites approved by the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

FELINE DISTEMPER COMBINATION VACCINE

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis / Calicivirus/ Panleukopenia/ Calicivirus

Abbreviation: FVRCP-C (1 year)

FELINE VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS

Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpes virus that attacks the eyes, nasal passage and trachea of cats. Once infected, a cat shows respiratory signs, such as sneezing, cough, and runny eyes and noses within 2-5 days. Infection is spread by contact with discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth of infected cats of contact with contaminated clothing, hands, feeding utensils or articles. Just as with a human common cold, the virus that causes this upper respiratory tract infection is easily transmitted from one cat to another, so vaccination is imperative.

Kittens are particularly affected, but this disease can be dangerous in any unprotected cat, as effective treatment is limited. Even if the cat recovers, it can remain a carrier for life.

FELINE CHLAMYDOPHILA

This bacterial disease is responsible for 5% of all feline respiratory disease. It is extremely contagious, especially in young kittens and the infection rate is very high. It causes a low level infection of the mucous conjunctiva of the eyes but may also involve the lungs. Chlamydophila can be transmitted to humans by direct contact. Vaccination is the preferred method of prevention.

PANLEUKOPENIA

Feline Distemper is an old term that has been used for a feline disease, based on a somewhat similar disease in dogs. However, it is more properly known as Feline Panleukopenia. The word "panleukopenia" means "a decrease in the number of all of the white blood cells". The feline disease, "Panleukopenia," is a disease that causes the white blood cell count to fall far below normal. Since white blood cells are important in defending a cat against infections and disease, this makes the cat very vulnerable to other infections. In addition to causing a low white blood cell count, this disease also causes severe damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Panleukopenia is caused by a virus of the Parvovirus family. It is related to the virus that causes Parvo in dogs, which also has similar clinical signs.

The virus is shed in all body secretions, particularly feces, of infected cats. It can be ingested directly or transferred to a susceptible cat via contaminated water, feed bowls, or even on shoes. The incubation period from infection until clinical signs develop is typically 3 to 5 days, seldom longer than a week.

There is some variation, but typically cats experience a very deep depression or listlessness which may progress to collapse. Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent, and the diarrhea may be watery and contain blood. The hair coat quickly becomes dull and rough, and the skin loses it elasticity due to dehydration. Often cats with panleukopenia have other infections because their immune system is compromised.

As for most viral diseases, there is no specific treatment that kills the virus. However, the secondary infections that usually occur are treated with antibiotics. Dehydration and shock are life-threatening components of panleukopenia; intravenous fluid therapy and intense nursing is critical to control them. Drugs are also given to control vomiting and diarrhea. Some cats do not recover from this disease, but many will if aggressive supportive therapy is given.

Fortunately excellent vaccines are available and are routinely recommended by veterinarians as part of a vaccination program. The immunity conferred by panleukopenia vaccine is generally strong and long-lasting, but it decreases with time. Therefore, boosters are highly recommended.

Since the panleukopenia virus is difficult to kill, most disinfectants are not effective. We recommend 1 cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water as the best way to kill the virus. Be careful not to bleach your furniture, carpet, or other flooring material with it.

CALICIVIRUS

Feline Calicivirus is another major cause of upper respiratory tract infection in cats. Cats become infected by inhaling or swallowing the virus, and signs of illness may develop within 2-10 days of exposure. Early signs can range from mild to severe and include runny eyes and nose, sneezing, depression, and poor appetite. Ulcers may develop on the tongue and hard, palate, and most infected cats drool heavily.

Once again, recovery can be difficult. Young kittens are most likely to be severely infected. Some cats that recover from the initial disease may continue to shed the virus for weeks and even years.

FELINE LEUKEMIA

Feline leukemia virus infection was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. Because we can now protect cats with a leukemia virus vaccine, we are seeing fewer cases of the disease. However, it still remains a major cause of death in cats.

"Leukemia" means cancer of the white blood cells. This was the first disease associated with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and, thus, the source of its name. We often use the term "leukemia" rather loosely to include all of the diseases associated with the virus, even though most are not cancers of the blood. This virus causes many other fatal diseases, in addition to leukemia.

There are three major disease categories associated with the FeLV:

  1. The Leukemia’s are cancers of the white blood cells.
  2. Lymphosarcoma is a cancer, which begins, in lymphoid tissue, such as a lymph node. Almost any tissue may be affected; organs commonly involved include lymph nodes, intestinal tract, kidneys, liver, spinal cord, brain, bone marrow and blood.
  3. The Non-Cancerous Diseases include a variety of somewhat unrelated diseases. Anemia, abortion, arthritis, and immune suppression are examples. When the immune system is suppressed, the cat becomes susceptible to many diseases it would ordinarily resist and mild diseases, such as respiratory infections, may become fatal.

The main means of transmitting the virus is through cat fights. Because large quantities of the FeLV are shed in cat saliva, puncture wounds associated with fighting result in injection of the virus into other cats. Other less frequent routes of viral spread include sharing food and water bowls, cats grooming each other, and transmission from mother to kittens before birth.

The "leukemia test" is used to determine if a cat harbors the virus. Any of three different tests may be used to detect one particular virus protein in the cat. Some tests detect earlier stages of infection, whereas others are used to detect later (i.e., irreversible) stages of infection.

When we are exposed to a virus, such as a flu virus, there are two possible outcomes. Either our immune system responds to the challenge and protects us, or it is unable to respond successfully and we develop the flu. A number of factors determine which outcome occurs and whether or not we will get sick:

The behavior of the feline leukemia virus in the cat’s body is not so black or white. Instead of the two possible outcomes described above (i.e., we get sick or we get well), there are four possible outcomes for cats with FeLV. Understanding these allows one to more fully comprehend some of the unusual situations, which may arise in cats.

Outcome 1: Immunity : The cat mounts an immune response, eliminating the infection.

This is the most desired outcome because it means that the cat will not become persistently infected with the virus. During this period of virus challenge, the cat may actually develop a mild form of illness. Fever, poor appetite, lethargy, and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck may develop and last for 3 to 10 days. Immunity occurs about 40% of the time after a cat is challenged by the FeLV. Immunity to the virus is more likely to develop in the adult cat than in the kitten.

Outcome 2: Infection : The cat's immune system is overwhelmed by the virus.

This is the least desired outcome because the cat becomes permanently infected with the virus. Although the cat may be sick for a few days initially (as described above), it usually recovers and appears normal for weeks, months, or years. Ultimately, most of these cats die of FeLV-related disease, but as many as 50% will still be healthy after 2-3 years and 15% after 4 years. Vaccination of these cats will not cause any problems, but doesn't help the cat, either. Infection occurs an estimated 30% of the time after a cat is challenged by the FeLV.

Outcome 3: Latency : The cat harbors the virus but we cannot easily detect it.

Unlike other viruses, the FeLV does not directly kill the cat's cells or make them become cancerous. Instead, it inserts a copy of its own genetic material (called DNA) into the cat's cells; these cells may later be transformed into cancer cells or cells which will no longer function normally. In Outcome 3, the genetic change in the cat's cells will remain undetected for an average of 2 ½ years, during which time the cat will appear completely normal.

In the early stages of infection, the blood ELISA and IFA tests will remain consistently negative. The PCR test, a recently available diagnostic tool, will detect the latent infection. However, this test is somewhat expensive and not widely available so it is not used for routine testing.

Outcome 4: Immune Carrier : The cat becomes an immune carrier.

The FeLV becomes hidden in some of the cat's epithelial cells. Although the FeLV is multiplying, it is not able to get out of these cells because the cat is producing antibodies against the virus. The cat will appear normal in every way. This situation is uncommon and probably occurs only 1-2% of the time.

Treatment

Some forms of leukemia (blood cancer) are unresponsive to all available forms of cancer treatment. Other types of leukemias may respond to chemotherapy, though most of these have an average survival time of less than one year. Because the virus is not affected by treatment, the cat will always remain infected with FeLV. Also, relapse of leukemia is possible (and expected). These factors cause us to recommend treatment of leukemia in very few situations.

The FeLV lives, at most, only a few hours outside the cat if the environment is dry. Therefore, extensive environmental disinfecting is not necessary. If you wait even two days to get a new cat, you can be assured that none of the virus from a previous cat will remain in your house.

Healthy infected cats may remain apparently unaffected by the virus for several years. However, such cats should be considered infectious and potentially dangerous to other cats. Such cats should be isolated from non-infected cats to prevent spread of infection. Many people find this undesirable or impossible and elect euthanasia to protect non-infected cats.

Extensive tests have been conducted for over 15 years to determine if the FeLV can be transmitted to humans. Thus far, no conclusive evidence has shown any FeLV-related disease in humans or other animal species, including the dog. However, persons with compromised immune systems are of concern to many researchers. Newborn babies, persons on chemotherapy, AIDS patients or transplant recipients on anti-rejection drugs should probably not be unnecessarily exposed to this or any other virus.

A vaccine is available to protect cats from the FeLV. Although not 100% of cats are totally protected, the vaccine is strongly recommended for cats that are exposed to open populations of cats (i.e., outdoor cats). We have seen a definite decline in the incidence of feline leukemia virus infection and related diseases since vaccine use became widespread. If the cat stays indoors at all times we do not recommend vaccinated against FeLv. If the cat goes outdoors for any reason (even "to sit on the porch"), we strongly recommend it.

Cats who are already infected with the FeLV will not be helped by the vaccine. (They will not be hurt by it, either). We recommend pre-vaccination testing for the FeLV for:

  1. Cats with a history of cat fights or fight wounds (i.e., abscesses)
  2. Cats exposed to FeLV-infected cats
  3. Cats from unknown backgrounds (particularly animal shelters, humane societies, or pet shops)
  4. Routine health care, especially in multi-cat households

The vaccine will not cause a cat to test positive for the virus. While the history of vaccination is important for us to know, it does not alter our ability to interpret the feline leukemia virus test.

In the last 10 years, several million doses of leukemia vaccine have been given without any adverse side-effects. However, a form of cancer that will arise at the injection site has been found in a small subset of cats (estimated at between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 100,000) that have received leukemia vaccine. This tumor is called a fibrosarcoma, or tumor of the connective tissue. In many cats, it is not possible to remove the tumor with surgery. However, in most cats, the risk of contracting a feline leukemia virus disease and dying of it is considered far greater than for development of vaccine-related tumors.

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe disease of domestic cats and some exotic cats. It does not affect non-feline species, such as dogs. It is caused by a coronavirus.

The incubation period is controversial. In experiments with the virus, cats will develop the disease within two weeks of infection. However, in household situations, it appears that the virus may be dormant in some cats for several months, or even years, before the disease occurs.

FIP is a chronic, wasting disease that results in poor appetite, fever, and weight loss over several weeks; it is ultimately fatal. Because various organs may be affected (i.e., liver, kidneys, brain, eyes, etc.), a variety of clinical signs may be associated with this disease. For example, blindness or seizures may occur in one cat, while another will have signs of liver disease (jaundice).

There are two forms, the wet (effusive) form and the dry form. The wet form results in accumulation of large quantities of fluid in the chest or abdomen. If it occurs in the chest, the cat will experience difficulty breathing. When it occurs in the abdomen, a large, bloated appearance will result. The dry form affects the target organs in a similar fashion, but no fluid is produced. If enough time passes without the cat dying, the dry form may progress into the wet form. Diagnosis of FIP is much easier if fluid is present.

Diagnosis of FIP may be difficult and frustrating. There are no specific tests, which are reliable in all cases. Although organ biopsy is the most reliable, this requires major surgery. For obvious reasons, surgery may not be advisable in a sick cat.

As with other viruses, spread of infection to other cats is a concern. However, there are three stages of FIP infection, and significant risk to other cats occurs in only the first two stages.

  1. The first stage is initial infection. During the two to four week period following viral infection of the cat, a large amount of virus is shed; other cats in direct contact with virus will be exposed.
  2. The second stage is one of dormancy. The virus is inactive within the cat, so it causes no disease. If the cat is stressed during this stage, some virus shedding may occur. Otherwise, the cat is not contagious. However, some cats shed enough virus during the stressed period to be a threat to surrounding cats. This stage may last a few weeks to several years.
  3. The third stage is clinical illness. It usually lasts a few weeks and terminates in death of the cat. As a rule, the cat is not contagious during this stage.

Many treatments have been tried for cats with FIP, but none have been consistently successful. Apparently, an occasional cat will recover, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Removing fluid from the chest or abdomen in cats with the wet form will make them comfortable for a short while, and a few drugs will make some of them feel better. However, there is no known curative treatment.

The prognosis for a cat with FIP is very poor. Once a reasonably reliable presumptive diagnosis has been made, euthanasia is often the most appropriate course of action.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), sometimes called the Feline AIDS Virus, is an important disease agent of the cat. It is likened to the AIDS virus, which affects humans because of the similarities in the two diseases, which result. Fortunately, most viruses are species specific. This is the case with the human AIDS virus and with FIV. The AIDS virus affects only humans, and the FIV affects only cats.

FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds that occur in cat fights. Other interactions of cats, such as sharing common food and water bowls or grooming each other, have not been shown to be significant in transmission.

An FIV infected cat will generally go through a prolonged period of viral dormancy before it becomes ill. This incubation period may last as long as six years. Thus, we generally do not diagnose FIV in sick cats that are relatively young.

When illness occurs, we can see a variety of severe, chronic illnesses. The most common illness is a severe infection affecting the gums around the teeth. Abscesses from fight wounds, which would normally heal within a week, or two may remain active for several months. Respiratory infections may linger for weeks. The cat may lose weight and go through periods of not eating well; the hair coat may become unkempt. The cat may have episodes of treatment-resistant diarrhea. Ultimately, widespread organ failure occurs, and the cat dies.

Evidence of exposure to the FIV can be detected by a simple blood test. A positive test means the cat has been infected with the virus and will likely remain infected for the remainder of its life. A negative may mean that the cat has not been exposed; however, false negatives occur in a few situations.

Adult cats

  1. From the time of initial virus inoculation into the cat, it may take up to two years for the test to turn positive. Therefore, for up to two years, the test is likely to be negative even though the virus is present in the cat.
  2. When some cats become terminally ill with FIV, the test may again turn negative. This occurs because antibodies (immune proteins) produced against the virus become attached and bound to the large amount of virus present. Since the test detects antibodies, which are free in circulation, the test may be falsely negative. This is not the normal occurrence, but it does happen to some cats.

Kittens

The vast majority of kittens under 4 months of age that test positive have not been exposed to the virus. Instead, the test is detecting the immunity (antibodies) that was passed from the mother to the kitten. These antibodies may persist until the kitten is about 6 months old. Therefore, the kitten should be retested at about 6 months of age. If it remains positive, the possibility of true infection is much greater. If the kitten tests negative, there is no cause for worry.

If an FIV-infected cat bites a kitten, it can develop a true infection. However, the test will usually not turn positive for many months. If a mother cat is infected with the FIV at the time she is pregnant or nursing, she can pass large quantities of the virus to her kittens. This means of transmission may result in a positive test result in just a few weeks.

No treatments are available to cure the cat of FIV. However, the disease state can sometimes be treated with antibiotics or with drugs to stimulate the immune system restoring the cat to relatively good health. However, the virus will still be in the cat and may become active at a later date. Therefore, the long-term prognosis is unfavorable.

If we test a cat that is FIV-positive but not ill, it is not necessary to immediately euthanize it. As long as it does not fight with other household cats or is kept completely indoors, transmission is not likely to occur. However, if it is prone to fight or if another cat often instigates fights with it, transmission is likely.

The long-term prognosis is poor, however infected cats may experience prolonged periods of reasonably good health.

The feline immunodeficiency virus is cat-specific; it does not infect humans.

Neutering of male cats and keeping cats indoors are the only available preventive measures, which can be recommended. There is a vaccine currently available to prevent infection from this virus. We do not recommend it to the majority of our cat patients due to the current controversy involving this vaccine. Cats that have been vaccinated will have a positive Elisa test!

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