Immunization Awareness Continued…

August

National Immunization Awareness Month

 The AVMA (America Veterinary Medical Association) Considers August National Immunization Awareness Month.  So for Pet Corner, I have decided to list out all the core vaccines and the diseases they protect against. We continuing last week’s blog for felines. 

             Core Vaccines For Felines

Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV – kittens) and rabies.

The (FHV1)  Herpesvirus Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is an upper respiratory infection of the nose and throat in cats. Cats of all ages are susceptible and are transmitted through direct contact and fluid exchange, shared food/water bowls.  The virus lives in nerve cells and can have flare-ups during times of high-level stress or lie dormant. Kittens are at a higher risk and may be infected at about five weeks of age. Pregnant cats or those suffering from a lowered immunity due to a pre-existing disease are also at a higher risk. Symptoms are:

*Sneezing fits

*Discharge from the nose and eyes

*Conjunctivitis 

*Eye ulcers

*Congestion

*Fever

*Depression 

The (FCV)  Feline Calicivirus, is a highly contagious virus causing mild to severe respiratory infection and oral disease.  Reading up on this virus it seems to circulate in domestic and wild cats and the strain can mutate easily. This makes this disease hard to vaccinate for though most strains cause a mild disease. 

The virus spreads through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, and eye discharge of infected cats. The virus seems to be most abundant in multi-cat environments like shelters, pet stores, and batteries. 

Symptoms include depending  on the strain contracted:

*Sneezing

*Nasal congestion 

*Fever

*Sometimes Drooling 

In more severe cases:

*Inflammation and ulcers under the tongue and linni.g of the mouth 

*Lethargy 

*Lameness

*Lack of appetite 

The (FPV) Feline Panleukopenia Virus is also known as feline distemper, it is a species of parvovirus and infects wild and domestic cats.  It is highly contagious and causes gastrointestinal, immune and nervous system issues. This virus should not be confused or associated with the canine distemper or parvovirus.  The FPV infects and kills cells that are rapidly growing and dividing cells such as in the bone marrow, intestines, and developing a fetus. Cats can shed the virus in their urine, stool, and nasal secretions, AND Fleas from infected cats.  Infected cats shed the virus for only 2 to 2 days but the virus can live in the environment for up to a year. Because it’s everywhere in the environment all felines are exposed but it mostly affects kittens, sick cats, and unvaccinated cats.

Symptoms are:

*Fever

*Vomiting

*Diarrhea

*Lethargy

*Loss of appetite 

*Nasal discharge

The (FeLV) Feline Leukemia Virus is one of the most common infections, it is a retrovirus that infects cats. It is transmitted through infected cats’ saliva or nasal secretions.  It’s nicknamed the ”friendly cat” disease because it’s spread easily from cat to cat through grooming or sharing water /food bowls. At my clinic we vaccinate kittens and then booster 3 to 4 weeks later, from there we treat it as a lifestyle vaccine.  If the feline is indoor only we do not require the vaccine to be given. This is because of the sarcoma cancer findings associated with this vaccine in cats. If the feline has contact with other unknown felines then the vaccine should be given because the benefits outweigh the consensus. 

FeLV is a common cause of cancer, various blood disorders and overall lower a cat’s immune system hindering the ability to overcome sickness. 

Symptoms are:

*Loss of appetite

*Weight loss

*Poor coat condition 

*Enlarged lymph nodes 

*Fever

*pale gums 

*gingivitis/stomatitis 

*infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory system

*Diarrhea

*Neurological disorders/seizures  

*eye issues/conditions 

The (Fel Rv) Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of all mammals.

Cats are the most commonly reported rabid domestic animal in the united states. 

Rabies is a serious virus disease affecting the brain and nervous system.  It is transmitted by a bite or exchange of fluids from an infected animal. The virus is in their bodily fluids and can enter the victim through broken skin, eyes, nose or mouth.  Symptoms are:

*Fever

*Muscle Aches

*Loss of Appetite

The neurological symptoms develop after

*Irritability / Aggressiveness 

*Muscle Spasms 

*Seizures 

Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals ie skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes.  Cats have become the most common affected domestic animal due to owners not vaccinating and cats being close to outdoor wildlife.  

Rabies is a zoonotic disease (can be transferred to humans by an animal ) 

Well this was long and hopefully not to much of a snore-fest.  I do feel vaccinating is so important for the health of every pet and even though it’s easily overlooked when we are used to our furry babies being healthy.  It’s so sad when we actually do face a disease that’s so easily preventable through vaccinations 

Thanks For Reading!