Feline Wellness Care

We offer the following vaccinations for our feline patients.  As Virginia state law dictates, we require a Rabies vaccine for all feline over the age of 4 months.

---

• Rabies:   A viral disease that can affect all warm blooded mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife, farm animals, and humans.  The virus infects cells of the central nervous system, producing in-coordination and behavioral abnormalities.  Once signs of the Rabies virus appear, the disease is normally fatal.  The Rabies vaccine should be administered at 16 weeks of age and is good for one year.  We carry the Merial "PureVax" Rabies vaccine which is good for one year, as well as the Merial "Imrab3" Rabies vaccine which is good for three years.  We strongly recommend the "PureVax" vaccine due to the decreased possibility of a vaccine site sarcoma as it is nonadjuvanted vaccine.  At the first yearly visit, you have the option of receiving either a one year or three year vaccine. 
• Feline Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Panleukopenia:  Infectious upper respiratory infections are very common in cats. There are a number of infectious agents that can cause and/or contribute to these infections. Two of the most common causes are viruses -- feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus, type 1) and feline calicivirus. Because upper respiratory infections are so common in cats, many pet owners know that the signs include fever, sneezing, runny nose, and loss of appetite. A rather large percentage of cats can become carriers of feline herpesvirus and/or feline calicivirus after they clinically recover from infection. These cats may appear clinically normal, but the virus can become reactivated (and the cat can develop clinical signs again) after some type of stressful event.  The feline panleukopenia virus is a parvovirus. It is found worldwide and is very contagious for cats and some other animals. Panleukopenia is spread when a cat or kitten comes in contact with the virus from an infected animal's feces or other secretions. It can even be spread through contact with items (including bedding, food dishes, and a person's clothing) contaminated by an infected animal. The virus is very resistant and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Once a cat becomes infected, signs can include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, frequent vomiting, and sometimes death. Kittens tend to be the most severely affected.  The FVRCP vaccine is started at 8 weeks of age for all kittens and should be given three times, 3-4 weeks apart.  The vaccine is given again in a year and is good for one year, then after is good for three years.
• Feline Leukemia:  Feline Leukemia occurs worldwide and is a very serious infection in cats. The infection is primarily spread through the saliva or urine of an infected cat following direct contact - mutual grooming, shared food bowls and litter boxes, and less commonly bite wounds. Kittens are especially vulnerable, and can contract the infection before or after birth from an infected mother. Persistently infected cats can appear healthy for extended periods of time before showing signs of illness. The virus attacks the cat's immune system, leading to immune suppression, increased risk of certain cancers, and bone marrow suppression.  The Feline Leukemia vaccine is a series of two vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart, and then performed yearly.  

We offer the following preventative testing for our feline patients.  You will be contacted should your pet be positive for anything.

• Feline Leukemia/AIDS blood test:  We recommend that all kittens be tested for Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS at their first visit.  This is especially important for kittens/cats that were previously stray/farm cats or if the status of the mother is not known.  While there is no cure for either disease, it is important to know their status so that precautions can be taken for all appointments as well as for any future vaccines, medications and surgical procedures.

• Fecal Ovum/Parasite test:  We recommend that a fecal sample be checked at the first kitten visit at 8 weeks, their final kitten visit at 16 weeks, and then yearly.  The fecal test checks for intestinal parasites, many of which can be spread to not only other pets in your household but also you and your children.  The fecal test also checks for Giardia.  All intestinal parasites can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as a "bloated" abdomen.  Severe infestations can cause lethargy, anorexia, pale mucous membranes and sometimes death.  Should your kitten have an intestinal parasite, it can easily be treated in the early stages with an oral or injectable dewormer and sometimes antibiotics if indicated.

---