Redwood Animal Hospital and Health Center

Education

UPDATE ON FELINE VACCINATION PROTOCOLS

In the past several years, much has been written and debated regarding the current recommended protocols of feline vaccination. Of concern is the disturbing trend of cancerous tumors developing at vaccine injection sites (vaccine induced fibrosarcoma). Though the actual frequency of this phenomena is debatable, it is clear that a small risk does exist. In fact, repeated injections of any type may predispose a feline patient to this risk. It must be emphasized that refereed journal articles have not thoroughly documented this relationship, but that anecdotal evidence suggests that it exists.

At Redwood Animal Hospital, our position is to be as careful as possible in interpreting the data as it presents itself, but also to be proactive in attempting to minimize this risk to our patients. We think it is clear that we will be reducing the number and frequency of vaccinations we will be giving to cats, but to what degree will be determined by further investigation.

Several guidelines are included here:

1. All lumps on cats should be examined and evaluated promptly by a veterinarian who understands the implications of such a finding.
2. All cats that spend any time outside are at a higher risk for infectious diseases and should be vaccinated according to currently accepted protocols. If owners are not willing to vaccinate, their cats would benefit by being kept indoors.
3. All cats should receive a complete physical examination every year, regardless of whether they are being vaccinated. Older cats (greater than 8 years) should be examined twice yearly, especially if they have any chronic geriatric diseases.
4. Surgical oncologists recommend against vaccinating any cats that have had "vaccine induced" fibrosarcomas removed previously, or cats that have developed persistent lumps at vaccination sites.

We are currently anticipating that we will follow the recommendations of the Vaccine Association Feline Sarcoma Task Force within the next few months. It is of course essential that we follow the standard of care when it comes to protecting your pets against infectious diseases, while balancing the apparent small risks of vaccination.

Past education topics are located in the archives section.