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CANINE CREEK
Dog Wash
& Boutique

As mentioned in last month’s column, this month we will discuss cat vaccines.  Most of the diseases that we vaccinate our cats for are upper respiratory diseases.  As we know, cats rely on their sense of smell quite a bit.  If they are snarfy and stuffed up, they can’t smell.  If they can’t smell, they won’t eat.  That can then lead to other problems.

The FVRCP vaccine is the standard 3-1 vaccine. It stands for viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.  The fourth component is chlamydia thus making a 4-1 vaccine available.  These diseases are highly contagious (to other cats) and can spread quickly, even on your clothes.  Upper respiratory viruses should not be taken lightly.  Without treatment, the opportunity for secondary infection exists and that is what we try to prevent.  As with puppy shots, kittens should start their vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age and continue until they are 14-16 weeks old.  Protocols are changing but, for now, yearly boosters will help to keep your cats, and those of your neighbors, in good health.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis- This is also known as feline herpesvirus.  The cat may sneeze frequently, develop ulcers, salivate, become lethargic and, as mentioned before, lose it’s appetite.  Progression of the disease may lead to conjunctivitis, which can cause blindness, and thick nasal discharge.  It can spread to the lower part of the respiratory tract and cause pneumonia when it does.

Feline calicivirus-similar to the FVR virus mentioned above, it is usually milder.  Some cats will, however, develop ulcers on their lips, tongues or the roof of their mouth.  Sometimes they also experience joint pain and swelling.

Some cats can recover from these diseases yet remain carriers that shed the virus for months or even years later.

Chlamydia- is one of the bacterial infections that may develop in a cat whose immune system is compromised by one of these viruses.  It is less common than the other diseases, can cause sneezing and conjunctivitis and is usually treatable with antibiotic drops or ointment.  The conjunctiva can swell so much that they pouf out (chemosis) which is one of this disease’s distinguishing features.

Panleukopenia- Also known as cat distemper, is life threatening and mortality is high. It is related to canine parvovirus although both are species specific.  It causes sudden onset dehydration, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Feline Leukemia-This is transmitted through the saliva and other body fluids of infected cats and from queen to kitten.  Some cats may test positive for the disease but show no signs.  Some of them develop immunity to it over time.  Affected cats are generally in poor health and look like they are wasting away.  They will generally be anemic, lethergic and anorexic.  The latter stages of the disease are marked by tumors, liver and kidney failure.

Rabies- As in dogs, this is preventable and all cats over the age of 4 months are required by the State of California to be vaccinated even if they are kept indoors.

These are the most commonly used vaccines.  Other vaccines are available.  Ask your veterinarian if they are necessary for your cat.

As always, prevention is the way to go.  Vaccinate your cats and kittens whether or not they go outside.  Spay and neuter so that we don’t have feral, unvaccinated cats roaming our neighborhoods putting our pets, and those of our neighbors, at risk.

Dr. Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234