Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Veterinary medicine isn't about private practice alone. Veterinary research schools across the country are preparing students for careers in animal-related laboratory science and field study. Lessons learned in animal research at U.S. veterinary schools have helped forge new human treatments for illnesses including cancer, heart disease and AIDS. Veterinary research schools often look to reduce the number of animals used in research through alternative methods such as computer modeling or tissue cultures.
Many owners of indoor cats wonder if it's truly necessary to vaccinate their cat. Annual or semi-annual appointments with a veterinarian, and the vaccines that a cat is supposed to receive at these appointments, can be expensive. Also, some vaccines are reported to occasionally induce dangerous side effects in the cat. Therefore, it's important to weigh both the risks and benefits of vaccinating your indoor cat before you decide one way or the other.
Pet owners need to be aware of pet protocols regarding vaccinations to ensure pet health. Protocols may vary from cities and counties across the United States, in Canada and in other countries so it is important to check with your local veterinarian to see what the standard protocols are for your pet in your area.
The rabies virus attacks the nervous system of humans and other animals and is highly infectious. Luckily, there is a vaccine that can be administered to our pets. Although uncommon, the vaccine may cause serious side affects in your furry friend. These can vary depending on the pet and the type of vaccination administered.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is an upper respiratory disease caused by the feline herpesvirus 1. It is transmitted via close contact through shared objects, saliva, tears and nasal discharge. "The Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians" notes that this illness causes about one half of all upper respiratory illnesses among cats.
McLean, Virginia is a suburb of Washington DC, located approximately five miles west of the nation's capital. Cat owners living in McLean and its surrounding area have a choice of boarding facilities close to the area. McLean area cat owners can leave town safe in the knowledge that their cats are well-cared for in one of McLean's boarding facilities.
Most pet owners want to ensure a healthy life for their cat or dog. Regular veterinary check ups, along with a consistent vaccination schedule, are a vital part of this goal. Yet a growing concern in veterinary medicine suggests that many vaccination practices actually contribute to several health problems. Veterinary schools have established new protocols regarding vaccination practices in order to minimize risk associated with over-vaccinating.
In the first few weeks of life, kittens receive important antibodies via their mother's milk. This provides the kitten with protection against infectious diseases such as feline distemper. When kittens are weaned around six to eight weeks of life, it should begin receiving its booster immunizations from a licensed veterinarian. While side effects from your kitten's boosters are minimal, you should watch it closely for any signs of allergic reaction or danger.
The cat flu is a respiratory disease caused by two main viruses, feline calcivirus and feline herpesvirus. Symptoms usually affect the upper respiratory tract including the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, eyes and trachea. Sneezing, grogginess and a high body temperature are basic symptoms of the cat flu. Young cats and elderly cats are extremely vulnerable to the cat flu. Ask your veterinarian about preventative actions and vaccinations.
Feline vaccinations can protect your cat against many harmful diseases, including rabies, feline leukemia and the feline immunodeficiency virus, but they have the potential to create side effects—sometimes serious. Many side effects will resolve on their own, but there are a few that can become life-threatening if not treated. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about any vaccine side effects your cat experiences.
The Bordetella vaccine helps prevent the contraction of Bordetella bronchiseptica, or Bordetellosis. The disease-causing organism Bordetella causes an upper respiratory infection (URI) that can be life-threatening to your cat. The Bordetella vaccination can be beneficial for your cat; however, it's important to understand that vaccines may not always prevent infection.
You love your cat, but if you have allergies he may cause you to sneeze and wheeze until you are on the verge of looking for a new home for your cat. There is good news for those who suffer with cat allergy symptoms. It can be a long process but for cat lovers, allergy shots may just be the ticket to a long and happy life with a cat.
A veterinarian is charged with providing health care to animals. The variety of animals the veterinarian will treat, and the animal’s inability to communicate symptoms, make the veterinarian profession more challenging than the practice of human medicine. The study of animal health goes back to ancient times, although it has become more organized since the 1800s. The American Veterinary Medical History Society conducts research on the past of the profession.
Be watchful of any cat you adopt from a shelter or rescue organization. Mild illnesses that can develop into serious conditions are not uncommon. Something as seemingly innocent as sores on the nose can be a signal of upper respiratory infection, specifically calicivirus. Small nose lesions are sometimes cancerous and in some cases they can be rodent ulcers, a sign of feline leukemia. But by and large, feline nose sores are more commonly caused by benign, and easily treatable, conditions, such as flea allergies and abscesses, indicates Pet Education.
Cats often have a mild reaction to a vaccination. For the first few hours, they may be groggy, lethargic or have mild breathing problems. If your cat is purring and breathing hard, it may or may not be a sign of a serious reaction. You should monitor the cat carefully; if her symptoms get worse or she seems to be having trouble breathing, she may need emergency medical treatment.
Feline distemper is also called feline panleukopenia, and it is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease. While some cats display fever, vomiting and diarrhea, other cats simply die without manifesting many signs. Vaccination protects your cat from feline distemper, but be aware that vaccinations for feline distemper do have some side effects.
Michigan cat vaccination laws vary depending on the city, but most cities require a current rabies vaccine for all cats. While vaccines are available for many of the contagious diseases spread by and to cats, the surest way to keep your cat safe is to always keep it indoors.
Distemper (Panleukopenia) is a highly contagious viral feline disease akin to the deadly parvovirus in dogs. This virus can quickly prove fatal to kittens. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent distemper, and any un-vaccinated kitten who exhibits distemper symptoms should be treated immediately, for a better chance of survival. There is no real cure for the disease, but intravenous fluids and nourishment may sometimes help kittens recover.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect all mammals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 7 percent of all rabid animals reported in the United States were domestic animals in 2008. Of these, cats were by far the most numerous when it came to being infected with rabies.
In 2006, the Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel of the American Association of Feline Practitioners issued new guidelines regarding cat vaccinations, noting that veterinarians had been concerned about the safety of vaccines, and that there was less-than-complete knowledge about the extent and duration of protection afforded by some vaccines, and noting the sheer number of vaccines available. The AAFP Panel classified vaccines as core, noncore or not generally recommended.
Veterinarians take into account a list of factors such as age, medical history, current health status, physical location and daily routine when determining a vaccination schedule for your cat, even though standard vaccination guidelines are available. Other factors also include county and state pet vaccination laws, when to start vaccinating and how often to ensure immunity. Factors that influence vaccination effectiveness are maternal antibodies and the cat's immune system. General guidelines state the first vaccine is at 12 weeks of age, the second comes within three to four weeks and an annual or tri-annual booster is set thereafter.
For an immuno-suppressed feline on prednisone, the rabies vaccination poses more risks than it does for a healthy cat. Shots given to an unhealthy animal can fail to provide immunity and even further weaken the immune system. According to vaccine manufacturer Pfizer, "a protective immune response may not be elicited" in immuno-compromised animals. Since prednisone suppresses an immune response, says Barbara Forney, DVM, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, vaccinating during steroid therapy is not advised. Many adverse side effects can follow vaccination immediately or up to 45 days after the shot, says Jean Dodds, DVM, and can cause minor symptoms, such…
Rabies is a fast-progressing disease of the central nervous system that can be contracted through contact with infected animals. There is no treatment, and cases in both humans and animals are almost always fatal. Vaccinating cats against rabies can ensure that they don't contract this deadly disease.
Cataracts in cats are a fairly rare occurrence. However, being familiar with the appearance of cataracts can help provide prompt and proper care. There is no known vaccine for cataracts in cats.
While cat flu is common in cats of all ages, it tends to affect kittens and young adult cats more frequently. Cat flu symptoms are similar to human cold of flu symptoms, and usually go away on their own. However, depending on the cause of the disease, the cat may require medication or even hospitalization.
Rabies is one of the oldest recognized diseases of humans and animals and is one of the most feared, which makes people willing to comply with laws requiring immunization for cats. Because of this compliance, rabies is uncommon in cats and dogs, although more cats become infected than dogs.
Just like with most vaccines, the rabies vaccine has the potential to create side effects in some felines. Generally, the side effects are mild and do not cause much discomfort. The risks of not being vaccinated for this deadly disease far outweigh the risk of side effects. Many states mandate that cats are vaccinated for rabies, as it is a zoonotic disease. If you are concerned about any potential side effects as a result from the rabies vaccine, consult with your cat's veterinarian.
Administering your cat's vaccines is an alternative if you want to save money or if your cat does not tolerate trips to the vet. By giving your cat's vaccines yourself, you do not have to pay the inflated cost of the vaccines. Nor do you have to pay the vet. In addition, if your cat becomes extremely stressed out when at or on the way to the veterinarian's office, giving the vaccines yourself may be more relaxing for both you and your pet. However, if your cat has a history of vaccine reactions, always allow a vet to give the…
Most cat owners have heard of feline distemper, also known as panleukopenia. Annual vaccinations can prevent the disease. The disease enters the cat through its mouth or nose.
There are two "core" vaccinations that cats should receive during their life. The American Association of Feline Practitioners defines vaccinations as "core" vaccines, "non-core" vaccines and "not generally recommended".
Feline vaccines are grouped into two types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are considered essential for all cats, as they protect against the most common and highly communicable diseases affecting felines. Non-core vaccines are recommended based upon specific risk or need. The four core vaccines for cats are feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, feline herpes virus and rabies.
Cats require different vaccinations depending on their situations: Are they primarily indoor or outdoor pets? Are they young or old? There are two primary types of vaccinations for adult cats, core and non-core, while kittens have their own set of vaccinations.
Many, though not all, municipalities in the United States require that all domestic cats be vaccinated for rabies, otherwise known as a "core vaccine." If a cat develops rabies--almost always by contact with another animal--it is generally fatal, as there is no known cure. So even if your local area doesn't require this by law, it's always a good idea for cat owners to ensure their pet's safety by having her vaccinated. There are risks involved in vaccinating kittens too soon after birth, however.
Regular vaccination shots contribute to keeping your cat healthy and disease free. Diseases such as feline leukemia, rabies and FIV (the feline equivalent of HIV) can be avoided by having your vet keep your cat up-to-date on its shots. As with human medicine, feline vaccinations can have side effects or cause allergic reactions in certain cats.
The cat distemper combination vaccine comes in either a three-way or four-way injection which helps prevent common diseases in healthy cats. It contains dead virus strains to boost immunity.
Generally, cat vaccinations are safe. But in some rare instances, your cat might suffer an adverse reaction to the shots. Feline vaccination risks can range from extremely mild to life-threatening. Before you have your cat vaccinated, it's best to fully understand the risks, so you can be prepared should an emergency occur.
Just as with people, cats go through several life stages. The frequency with which your indoor cat needs to see the veterinarian changes with each life stage. For vaccinations, an indoor kitten needs to see the veterinarian more often than an adult or senior cat. However, an indoor senior cat needs to see the veterinarian for physical examinations and monitoring more often than a kitten or adult cat. While vaccination frequency recommendations have been reduced in recent years for adult cats, it's still important that your house cat visit the veterinarian regularly for monitoring of overall health.
Cat vaccinations, usually administered as injections, are given to produce immunity against certain diseases. Some vaccines available to cats help prevent diseases such as panleukopenia, feline calici virus, chlamydia, feline leukemia and rabies. While vaccinations are important, they may involve pain.
Keeping your cat healthy is important for a number of reasons. First, cats are like family. It's sad to see the cat you care about suffering with an illness, especially one you could have prevented. Second, when you keep your cat healthy, you help to prevent the spread of disease to other cats. Finally, preventing your cat from getting sick in the first place is easier financially than treating illnesses after they develop. Knowing what vaccinations your cat needs is part of taking good care of your feline friend. Unfortunately, there's quite a bit of confusion over what vaccination schedule…
The rhinotracheitis virus is one of the two most common causes of respiratory illnesses in cats. According to veterinarian Holly Nash, the rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus account for 80%-90% of respiratory infections in cats. While the virus cannot be cured, outbreaks can often be mitigated, allowing infected cats to live a full lifespan.
Ringworm, also called dermatophytosis, is not a worm; it is an infection caused by a contagious fungus that affects skin, nails and hair in cats. Microsporum canis, the species of ringworm most common in cats, can be prevented by vaccination.
The immune system of a cat comprises a group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and diseases. A healthy immune system is especially important for cats that do not go outdoors on a regular basis. These cats do not have the opportunity to benefit from plants, which provide natural healing. However, there are things you can do to improve your cat's immune system.
Novartis' Neoral or oral cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug many veterinarians prescribe to treat asthmatic cats. Neoral will prevent a cat's immune system from releasing the histamines that lead to respiratory problems from allergies. Neoral's side effects become more serious with prolonged use.
Feline leg amputation may be more devastating for the owner than for the cat. Fortunately, cats quickly adapt to becoming three-legged, and often the amputation is more beneficial to the cat than keeping the limb.
Distemper is a very serious viral disease that affects many species of wildlife, though it is commonly associated with cats and dogs. It is a major disease in canines despite massive efforts to vaccinate dogs in many regions.
An adverse reaction to the calicivirus vaccine is rare but can occur. It is important to be aware of potential side effects, but it is also important to remember the benefits of the vaccine might outweigh the risk. You should discuss your cat's vaccination needs with your veterinarian.
Having your cat vaccinated is a responsible part of pet ownership. After the vaccination however, you may find your feline friend avoiding his food bowl. Loss of appetite after vaccinations is a common side effect. Although it can be distressing to both you and your cat, generally there is no reason to panic. If your cat is experiencing loss of appetite, observing him closely is the best thing you can do.
Cats need vaccines to remain happy and healthy. Vaccines prevent diseases that will make your cat feel bad and can even be fatal. By following a proper vaccination protocol, you can ensure that your cat does not contract a potentially life-threatening disease.
Anaphylactic shock is a life threatening situation that should never be underestimated. Cats exhibiting symptoms of anaphylactic shock should be reported immediately to their veterinarian or closest animal emergency center. This is a condition where seconds really count. Failure to treat a cat in anaphylactic shock may cause shock, respiratory distress, cardiac failure and ultimately, death.
Cats are the most popular pets in the United States. These sociable animals can become pleasant members of almost any household. New cat owners should strive to understand their cat's needs, particularly concerning socialization, health and environment. While cats are stoic creatures and will tolerate even a less than ideal environment, they live longer and remain pleasant pets when they are happy and healthy.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is given to cats for a wide variety of reasons. The dosage depends upon the weight of the cat and the condition it is trying to cure. Prednisone can be found in several name-brand veterinary medicines such as Delta-Corftef, Prednis-Tab, Meticorten, Sterisol and Cortisate-20. It is also available in generic form.
Vaccines are shots administered by a qualified veterinarian to give cats a measure of protection against several common illnesses. Many feline diseases can hinder life quality and, in some cases, lead to death. Vaccination is not a cure, rather a prevention that can either reduce symptoms or eliminate contraction of the disease altogether. As with human vaccines, cat vaccines have their downside.
To cat lovers, felines are much more than mere pets. While few things are more worrisome than seeing that your cat is under the weather, with an early diagnosis the two most dangerous causes of a runny nose can be treated successfully. While it's always possible that your cat's runny nose is not due to a serious illness, it's best to be sure by taking your cat to the veterinarian for a thorough exam.
Cats can transmit a variety of infectious diseases from one to another as well as to other animals and even humans. Most contagious diseases in cats are transmitted by contact with feces or bodily secretions, while others are airborne as a result of germs that contaminate the air. A smaller number of infectious cat diseases are transmitted during the act of mating, while still others are contagions that are passed as a result of breakages in the skin or through respiration.
Cats are cute, and kittens are cuter, but if brought into a house containing other cats incorrectly, many problems can arise, including introduction of diseases into healthy cats who are already 'family'. By following a few simple tips, all members of your feline family, old and new, can be happy, healthy and integrate safely with your human family.
When you get a new kitten, you need to ensure that it stays healthy for many years to come. To keep your kitten healthy, you should make an appointment to vaccinate the animal against common feline diseases. Vaccinations for cats typically begin at six weeks of age and should not be delayed more than 12 weeks. Read on to learn how to vaccinate a kitten.
Vaccinating your cat is not difficult, but there are certain procedures to follow so that the cat is not injured. Learn how to give a cat a shot by following these steps.
