One condition that has been shown to be correlated with vaccination is the occurrence of a particular type of cancer, called sarcoma, in the areas that vaccines have been administered in some cats. The cause is thought to be an over-exuberant immune response to the vaccine that subsequently causes the local tissue to transform into cancer. It is extremely rare, occurring in approximately 1:10,000 vaccinated cats and is also unpredictable but thought to have a genetic component. This association was discovered through the many different surveillance programs in place that monitor disease occurrence and reactions to medications (including vaccines) in pets. By reporting an adverse reaction to your veterinarian, he/she will forward this on to both the product manufacturer as well as the regulatory agency that oversees the pharmaceutical industry thereby ensuring that if problems do occur, they are identified quickly and corrective measures put into place. In the case of feline vaccinations, if you notice a lump in the area that the vaccine was given that lasts longer than 4 to 6 weeks, have your veterinarian examine the area and ensure it is of no concern. Newer generations of vaccines are far safer and more refined and should significantly reduce the occurrence rate of reactions. For cat owners wanting more information on this subject, give your veterinarian a call to discuss it further.
The one significant outcome of all the discussions on vaccines, has been a refocus of the vaccine protocols used to meet the needs of the individual animal. All kittens (and puppies) should have an initial vaccine series that is boostered at one year of age with subsequent, annual visits to your veterinarian. It is during your pet's annual general physical examination and preventative health care visit, that your veterinarian will determine both the health of your pet (therefore the ability to safely administer the vaccines needed) as well as your pet's risk for the various infectious agents that vaccines are available for. In some situations, your veterinarian may recommend a blood test to determine whether antibodies against certain, critical infectious agents are sufficient to prevent infection or a booster vaccination is required. Then a final decision can be made as to the specific vaccine protocol to be used in your pet. The result is that some pets (i.e., indoor, apartment-dwelling cats for instance) may not require yearly vaccinations (unless they are boarded), whereas others (especially the active outdoor types) might still benefit best from annual vaccinations.
Page 2 of 2 -- On page 1, Dr. Walt outlines the benefits of vaccinating your pet.
About Dr. Walt Ingwersen
Dr. Walt Ingwersen is Chief Veterinary Officer at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. He is a 1982 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. Board certified in Internal Medicine, he has the distinction of being the first Canadian editor of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, a position he currently holds.
Involved in many aspects of the national and international veterinary community, "Dr. Walt" is the recipient of the President's Award for outstanding contribution to the veterinary profession awarded by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). He is also Chief Veterinary Officer and Chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Board at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. -- Canada's leading provider of insurance for dogs and cats.
