Vaccine
Associated Sarcomas (VAS) or Injection Site Fibrosarcomas -
are a type of cancer caused by vaccines. Vaccines containing
adjuvant, a component to stimulate the immune system, are at least 5
times more likely to cause a VAS.
VAS is 100% fatal if the tumor
is between the shoulder blades. With surgical removal, radiation therapy and
chemotherapy survival time is less than 3 years. If the tumor is in the
distal part of the rear leg, amputation, plus radiation, & chemo may be
curative in 20% of cases.
Non -
Adjuvanted vaccines are available for cats for all
preventable diseases including Rabies, Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calici
virus and Feline Leukemia, and are considered safer.
Intranasal
Vaccines are safer.
The AVMA VAS Task Force recommends,
to reduce the risk of VAS:
#1. reduced vaccination
schedules,
#2. vaccination in the distal hind limb, and
#3 intranasal and non-adjuvanted vaccines.
Core vaccines
recommended for all cats.
*Testing and avoiding exposure of cats less
than 1 year of age is more effective in elimination of FeLv than
vaccination.
Not Recommended
by the American Association
of Feline Practitioners and 22 Schools of Veterinary Medicine
FIV Feline
immuno- suppressive virus the vaccine is adjuvanted and an initial 3 dose
series is recommended. The vaccine contains Clades A & D of the FIV virus.
The predominate Clade causing disease in the US is Clade B. Cross protection is poor. The
AAFP asked the USDA CVM not to license this vaccine. Vaccination will result
in false positive testing.
Cats with FIV can live many years without symptoms, cats with VAS dont.
Kittens can show a false positive test due to maternal antibodies up to 6
months of age.
FIP Feline
Infectious Peritonitis FIP is a very rare
disease.
85% of cats have the non- pathogenic Enteric
corona virus. Rarely this virus mutates to cause FIP. Every mutation is a
unique virus. The vaccine only contains the vicinal virus and cross
protection to each mutation is poor. There is a theory of vaccine-enhanced
disease.
Independent studies have shown
no efficacy for this vaccine.
*There is no test that is specific for FIP. Enteric corona virus will cause a
+ test in 85% of cats
High titers do not correlate with FIP disease.
Bordetella This
is primarily a disease of kittens, found in shelters and associated with
poor sanitation. The vaccine is recommended only in shelters with a problem
and where Bordetella has been shown to be a causative agent. Bordetella has
been shown to be normal flora in adult cats.
Dr Michael Lappin at Colorado
State, an expert in Feline respiratory disease, has not seen a case in 10
years.
Side effects, including
sneezing affect 5%of cats vaccinated.
Chlamydia or
Pnuemonitis- This is a rare disease, and is easily treated. Vaccination
only provides 2 months protection. Vaccination can be useful to stop an
outbreak in a cattery.
Feline Dermatophyte
Infection, or Ringworm Independent
studies have demonstrated no efficacy in the prevention or as an aid in
elimination of ringworm.