feline vaccinations
We vaccinate against a selected set of diseases in order to prevent these very diseases.
In Dr. Wayne’s almost 4 decades of practice, he used to see and treat a bunch of the diseases that we now vaccinate against. That is, he used to see dogs and cats become ill & die (some survived) from many of the diseases which are now virtually 100% preventable - because of vaccines. Absolutely incredible! Preventive medicine at its finest.
FELINE DISEASES:
Feline Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus FHV-1) - Rhinotracheitis is a viral disease, and it causes upper respiratory tract symptoms. It is part of the infectious respiratory disease complex.This feline infectious respiratory disease complex is caused mainly by 2 viruses (rhinotracheitis and calicivirus) and by some bacteria.The disease is highly infectious, and it is very widespread among cats. It is most severe in kittens, and it can cause a number of problems. Eyes can be severely affected.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV) – Calicivirus is a viral disease, and it is part of the infectious respiratory disease complex. This feline infectious respiratory disease complex is caused mainly by 2 viruses (rhinotracheitis and calicivirus) and by some bacteria. The most common sign is oral disease (tongue ulceration), but it can cause a number of other symptoms as well. Calicivirus is relatively more common than Rhinotrachetits, but Rhinotracheitis tends to be more severe.
Feline Panleukopenia - This is also a viral disease, and it is sometimes called "feline distemper". It is highly infectious, and it severely affects the intestine - causing severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Panleukopenia has a high mortality rate, particularly among kittens. It affects other members of the cat family (Felidae), and also a number of other species (mink, ferrets, & raccoons). Dr. Wayne once raised and treated a jaguar (named Measles) who died of this disease. The vaccine is very effective.
Feline Leukemia Virus (Feline Leukemia) - This contagious viral disease is among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Its prevalence has decreased over the past 40 years due to great vigilance with mass testing, cat removal, and vaccination. Vaccination is highly effective. But without vaccination cats are highly susceptible. The virus is transmitted via bite wounds and by oral, nasal, & facial secretions. It is primarily a disease of cancer, bone marrow suppression, and immunodeficiency. We always test for the disease prior to vaccination. Again, it is testing & vaccination which prevents this disease.
Rabies - Most people know something about rabies. It is a terrible and worldwide disease. Few Americans realize that about 40,000 people die yearly from rabies in Asia. After an animal bite, the rabies virus travels along the nerves to the brain, where it does its damage. It is virtually always fatal (although a few people have lived). Most people in the U.S. are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals - particularly skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxed. We here in New Jersey must be wary of unvaccinated feral cats with rabies. Vaccination of all dogs and cats is the most effective means of control.