Why does my pet need so many vaccinations?
Puppies and kittens need vaccinations for common diseases just like people need childhood vaccinations. Young animals receive immunity from their mother which is called "passive immunity". This form of immunity wears off somewhere between 6-16 weeks of age. We do not know exactly when this protection is gone. So we begin vaccinations at 6 weeks of age and repeat them at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. We like the last vaccine to be given at 16 weeks because we know mom's immunity is no longer present and that the vaccination given at that time will be protective. Other vaccinations such as Rabies is given once at 6 months of age then repeated a year later. In Michigan, this is then given every 3 years while the other vaccinations (Distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, leptospirosis, adenovirus for dogs and distemper, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, feline leukemia and calici virus for cats) are given annually.

What is vaccine induced Fibrosarcoma in cats?
Vaccine induced fibrosarcoma is a very aggressive form of cancer that can happen at injection sites of certain vaccines and medications. We utilize the vaccination protocol set forth by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to help determine the exact incidence and risk of this problem.

To date, it is estimated that 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated with the feline leukemia vaccine is at risk of developing the fibrosarcoma. Recent news has shown a strong genetic predisposition for this as several cats in the same line have developed the cancer. It is important to determine the risk of your cat to these diseases and discuss with us the need to customize your pets vaccination protocol based on their individual risks.

What is the new FIV vaccine in cats?
FIV or Feline ImmunoVirus is a virus closely associated with HIV in people, although you cannot get this from your cat. It is a disease of cats only and is transmittable by close contact or exchange of body fluids such as bite wounds. The new vaccine is available and is an initial 3 shot protocol. Each booster is given 2-4 weeks apart and then a once annual booster after the initial 3 shots. Studies show that this vaccine is very safe and effective.