JEFFERSON
ANIMAL HOSPITAL & EMERGENCY CENTER
4504
Outer Loop
Louisville,
KY 40219
(502)
966-4104
DON’T
OVER-VACCINATE YOUR CAT !!!!
Jefferson Animal Hospitals’
doctors and staff are
dedicated to provide your pet with the optimum
healthcare.
Recent research has shown that
most cats maintain
good immunity to some diseases
for longer than one year.
It is still vital for your cat to have an annual physical
exam.
WHY VACCINATE?
Vaccines perform the vital
function of preventing many diseases that otherwise could bring severe illness
and premature death to our pets.
Because vaccines are so important in preserving and protecting the
health of our pets, our goal is to vaccinate sufficiently without risking
possible side effects or immune compromising diseases unnecessarily.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Any vaccination can cause mild to moderate reactions such
as fever, lethargy, hives, facial swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Call your veterinarian right away if these
symptoms occur. In rare instances,
moments after the vaccine is given, severe reactions can occur such as
anaphylactic shock and cardiac arrest—which are potentially fatal. A lump appearing at the injection site can
also indicate a problem. Research has
shown that a vaccine-associated sarcoma, a rare type of cancer, can possibly
develop at the site of the vaccination—usually months or years later. Because of this rare reaction Jefferson
Animal Hospital will only vaccinate your pet when needed. If your pet is to receive the Feline Leukemia
vaccine, we advise to give this
vaccination three weeks following the Rabies and Feline Distemper (FVRCP) so as
not to overload your pet’s immune system.
If your cat has a history of a reaction to any vaccine, precautionary
oral or injectable antihistamines may be recommended by your Veterinarian.
KITTENS
Kittens under 16 weeks of
age will continue their series of boosters.
It takes multiple vaccinationsin a series to develop its immunity to
these diseases.
CORE VACCINES
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) has determined through intensive
research that the Rabies vaccine, and
FVRCP (feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukipenia) are the
Core Vaccines to be given to all healthy cats.
Feline Leukemia vaccines should be given to cats who have exposure to
outdoors or exposure to other cats not tested.
When your cat is examined, our doctors will consider your cat’s
individual health condition, age and lifestyle to determine his/her needs for
vaccines. Over-vaccinating your cat can
be dangerous to his/her health.
Vaccine: Why
Vaccinate:
Who Needs This Vaccine:
Rabies Fatal disease for all
warm-blooded animals
* All Healthy Cats over 4 months of age.
including
humans. Due to human health * 1-Year or 3-Year
Rabies.
concerns vaccinating
all cats is required.
Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper) causes severe diarrhea, *Kitten series beginning at 6 weeks old
and can be fatal
Distemper . Rhinotracheitis and Calici cause * Adult indoor cats given every other year
severe sneezing and nasal congestion and potentially
(FVRCP) *Outdoor, boarding, traveling cats
given yearly
lead to fatal complications.
Feline Leukemia
traveling cats or any cat
with
exposure to any other possibly infected cat.