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Paws in Print

November 2002

Healthier Pets: Vaccinations Do Matter

by Mike Gowen, DVM

As pet owners we take on a great responsibility. Humans have been given the responsibility of overseers for the animals. Just as our precious children depend on and trust in us, so do our four legged friends look to us for their care. One of the most important medical needs we can provide our new puppy or kitten is proper vaccinations. Many animals suffer needlessly because we fail to give shots early enough or often enough. Examples of preventable diseases through vaccination are parvovirus in puppies and leukemia in kittens. There are many others that you can learn about from your veterinarian. Puppies and kittens require three to four vaccinations about three weeks apart starting at about six weeks old. The shots are then boostered once a year by most veterinarians.

A disease of emerging concern and recognition in the veterinary field is feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline AIDS. It is given this name because of its similarities to the human AIDS virus. The virus only affects cats. No human cases have been found. The virus is seen more in cats that do have access to the outdoors and cats that fight such as male cats that are not neutered. It affects cats in a similar manner that HIV does in people by suppressing the immune system. In one study by Dr. Alice Wolf at Texas A&M approximately 16% of feral male cats and 5% of feral female cats were infected. It is transmitted most often by bite wounds, but can also be transmitted from mother to kittens. I have personally experienced the deadly nature of this cat virus with the loss of my cat Huckleberry a few years ago. I felt so helpless with all my training and resources to help my little feline friend.

Until recently no vaccination or cure had been available for feline AIDS. Now we don’t have to feel so helpless because there is a vaccine available. Adult cats should be tested before being vaccinated. Initially three shots are required at three week intervals, then yearly.

Below is an example of a typical vaccination recommendation for puppies and kittens:

DOGS:

6 weeks — Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus

9 weeks — Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus

12 weeks — Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, Bordella

15 weeks — Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, Rabies

CATS:

6 weeks — Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis

9 weeks — Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Leukemia, FIV

12 weeks — Leukemia, FIV

15 weeks — FIV, Rabies

There are other vaccines available that you can discuss with your veterinarian.

Owning a pet means accepting the responsibility of not only feeding and watering but also caring for the social and medical needs of the animal. Please be responsible pet owners. Call your local veterinarian if you have questions concerning your pet’s care or health. Remember that your local animal rescue league needs your support. You can help by giving of your time through monetary or food donations, or by adopting one of these lonely pets.

Dr. Gowen practices at the Brookhaven Animal Hospital.