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
immune system. 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.
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.
© 2005 The Sun Herald and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
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Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Jan. 13, 2005