Get Your Cats Vaccinated

[cannibal]

http://www.wyff4.com/news/13702355/detail.html

I just recently read, a deadly dieases has appeared in the Humane Society in the City of Greenville South Carolina; the disease itself is called Feline Panleukopenia.

This dieases is passed on through direct contact, cat to cat OR cat to human to cat. That means, if you touch a cat that's infected, then touch another one that isn't, it's very possible you just passed the disease on. In addition to that, it can also be passed on through fleas. It's mainly found effecting kittens but adult cats can get it too.

For more information, go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_panleukopenia
http://maxshouse.com/feline_panleukopenia.htm

[tiffers]

If your cat is vaccinated with the Feline Distemper (RCPC) vaccine, Panleukopenia (Feline Parvo) is included. :approve:

[jacko]

thanks for sharing...is this a new diseases???

[tiffers]

...is this a new diseases???

No, no. It's been around forever...since the vaccine was made up, I believe. I suppose, though, that in this person's area is getting more and more common.

[cannibal]

Yeah, I've never heard of the disease until just recently. Around here, we don't get those kind of diseases, as far as I know. So when I first heard it, it was kind of startling, you know? :/

[katiem]

Maybe you've just never had an outbreak of it before? I think its everywhere. Just another reason I'm glad I vaccinate!

[cannibal]

Nope, not here. My old Cuddles was vaccinated and knowing she could have died from this, makes me feel much better for having had her vaccinated.

[katiem]

Hmmm, we're only about 2 hrs apart, so it likely that you'd just never heard of it before. We've been doing that vaccine for years, but I don't think there has even been a serious outbreak of it in Ontario.

[cannibal]

Knowing me, that's probably the case. I don't usually find something out until there is something like a large outbreak. Which has it's many faults. D: It's good to know there hasn't been an outbreak of it in Ontario though. Hopefully, we never have to worry about it, too.

[Llamalady]

What's up with these online things that say that there is evidence that vaccinating your animals can be bad for them? Wouldn't the truly preventable diseases be worse for your furkids?

[MandyPug]

What's up with these online things that say that there is evidence that vaccinating your animals can be bad for them? Wouldn't the truly preventable diseases be worse for your furkids?

It's over vaccinating that is the problem. There are so many chemicals that are in these vaccinations and when you give them yearly you're forcing those chemicals into your animals and it does build up. No one even knows how long vaccinations last in animals, but chances are they last more than a year in the animal. Giving another vaccination to "boost" immunity doesn't exactly work that way, either an animal is immune or it's not; it's not like adding minutes to your cellphone, when you vaccinate an already immune dog the vaccination does nothing but inject chemicals into the dog.
Over vaccinating our animals can be linked to an increase in certain cancers and disorders, but so can alot of things that have chemicals including pet foods. Basically, if you don't need to vaccinate for something, don't; and do titer testing, which may cost more but vets around here often sign them off for 5 years. Titers cost about $200 around here and shots are $60 per yearly visit, so in the long run titers will cost less too since they're signed off for up to 5 years around here.

[catlady2006]

I agree, everyone should get their cats vaccinated on a regular basis. I've heard of panleukopenia & how dangerous it can be to cats & humans. Unfortunately their are many cat owners who never get their cats vaccinated. Cats should also go in for regular yearly checkups even if they aren't due for vaccinations.

[tiffers]

Catlady, we have a 'Twice a Year for Life' program that only a few owners stick to. Every 6 months for us, is 3.5 years for them...that's a long time to go without a doctor visit. A really, really long time. It is amazing how much bloodwork can change in 6 months, it really is.

[Llamalady]

I used to take Linus in to get his vaccinations twice a year when I was working at the vet's office and the animal shelter and McDonald's and on the farm (those were some busy years!) due to the vet's suggestion.

Now I just do it once a year, but I still don't feel comfortable not giving them their vaccinations because I fairly regularly go to the animal shelter.

[special]

Catlady, we have a 'Twice a Year for Life' program that only a few owners stick to. Every 6 months for us, is 3.5 years for them...that's a long time to go without a doctor visit. A really, really long time. It is amazing how much bloodwork can change in 6 months, it really is.

My cats get annual check ups, and vaccines as needed (RCCP every three years, purevax rabies annually), and other vet visits as needed for illness, or suspected illness.

Once they turn 8, I get a senior blood profile done, and at age 10 increase the visits to twice a year, and blood work annually. At 13 I get blood work twice a year.

This has been for cats who are healthy in general. the current gang are all special needs and go more often because of it.

Regarding blood work. My now almost 18 year old cat had her six month blood work one May, when she was 14. Her blood work was perfect, in fact vet even said, "If I didnt know better I'd think I was looking at a much younger cat's blood work".

In July, 2 months later, I had her at the vet for an issue with her megacolon problems. Vet wanted to do blood work again. I said, but she just had it done...but I trust my vet and said go ahead.

Lo and behold, this time her blood work showed the early stages of kidney failure. That's how fast things can change.

She's been CRF, and receiving sub q fluids for almost 4 years now.

Early detection is the key. Regular vet visits allow for early detection.

Regular vet visits also allow your vet to become familiar with your pet, and more likely to notice something unusual or amiss.

hmmm...wasn't this thread about vaccines? how'd I get on this, LOL!

[tiffers]

It's a good digression though, Special! It just further proves the point about 'early detection' programs and protocols and how useful they really are!

We had a 7 year old Great Pyrenees come in for annual vaccines. The owners okayed the Senior Bloodwork that we like to do once a year after they reach the geriatric stage in life, and low and behold...kidney failure. IV Fluids for nearly four days and strict treatment, and now she's able to be maintained at home.