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Care of your cat: Vaccinations
At the Box Hill Veterinary Hospital, we recommend that cats are vaccinated against Feline Enteritis and the two viruses which cause Feline Respiratory Disease - this vaccine is known as an F3. For cats that go outdoors at all, we also recommend FIV vaccination. We also have a vaccine against Chlamydia and Feline Leukaemia Virus, however, please discuss with us the suitability of this additional vaccination for your cat.
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Disease
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Clinical
signs
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Characteristics
of disease
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Prevention
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Feline
Enteritis
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May
cause vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes with
blood), depression, loss of appetite, and intense
abdominal pain. Can also cause birth defects and
abortion.
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Highly
contagious and has high death rate, especially cats
under 1 year. Cats that recover continue to carry
and spread the virus.
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Vaccination
recommended
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Feline
Respiratory Disease
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Also
known as "Cat 'Flu". Causes sneezing, coughing,
discharge from the eyes and nose, decreased
appetite, and ulcers about the mouth and
tongue.
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Highly
contagious, but death rate is low except in very
young kittens. The disease may be quite distressing
for both cat and owner. Cats that recover continue
to carry and spread the virus.
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Vaccination
recommended
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Feline
Chlamydia
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Causes a
severe persistent conjunctivitis in up to 30% of
cats. Kittens are more severely affected by
Chlamydia following exposure to "Cat Flu".
NB:
This disease is NOT transmissible to
humans.
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Highly
contagious, but non-fatal. Chlamydial organisms may
also be shed for many months after the initial
infection
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Vaccination
recommended
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Feline
Leukaemia
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Loss of
appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Associated with reproductive problems, leukaemia
and tumours
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Any age
affected. Approximately one third of cats that
recover continue to carry and spread the
virus.
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Vaccination
available
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Feline
Immuno-
deficiency
Virus
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Increased
susceptibility to other diseases, much like human
AIDS.
NB:
This disease is NOT transmissible to
humans.
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Any age
affected. More prevalent in undesexed male
cats.
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Vaccination
recommended
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The recommended vaccination schedule for kittens starts at 6-8 weeks of age (F3 +/- FIV). This first vaccination is then boosted at 12 weeks of age (F3 +/- FIV) and 16 weeks of age (F3 +/- FIV). Because the immunity gained from these initial vaccinations weakens over time, we recommend annual booster vaccinations to provide the best protection throughout the life of your cat.
After receiving a
vaccination, your pet may appear a little "off-colour" for a
day or so, and there may be some swelling and tenderness
around the site of the injection (much like humans after
receiving a tetanus booster!). Occasionally, vaccine
reactions can be more serious. Please contact us immediately
if you are concerned about your cat after
vaccination.
If you are not sure
about your cat's current vaccination status or would like to
discuss vaccination further with one of our staff, please
come in and see
us or give our hospital a call.
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