Opinions on FELV vaccine

ondine

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I took the kitten for combo testing (she's negative), worm testing (none) and her first shots.  She weighs 5 pounds.

The vet gave her the first distemper shot and when I saw two needles, I thought at first the other one was rabies. But the vet said, as she gave it to her, that it was an FELV vaccine.

It was too late but I asked her about the possibility of the kitten developing the virus now - I've read there is some concern about that.  The vet sort of brushed me off (she's new to the practice, so I decided to let that slide, for now).

Anyway, she did say it was a killed virus, which made me feel a little better.  Any opinions?  I take her back in two to three weeks for the second distemper and rabies shots.
 

jcat

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I've never heard of a cat developing feline leukemia from the vaccine, though I suppose some cats do despite being vaccinated. I've always had any cats that go outside vaccinated, including Jamie, who went outside on a leash, because he still got into scraps with other cats.
 
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ondine

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This is where I read about the side effects.

http://www.vetinfo.com/feline-leukemia-vaccine-side-effects.html

The cat is not at high risk, as she is an inside-only kitty who will be spayed within the next two weeks or so.  I just wish the vet had said something to me before she stuck her.  I hate getting acquainted with new vets.  In my experience, they tend to think they know everything and treat clients like children.  I know that comes from their own inexperience but it is annoying none-the-less.

I feel its disrespectful, too.  I have, after all, been doing this for longer than she's been able to drive!  I'm just too old to put up with anyone's condescending attitude.
 

jcat

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The vet should have asked whether the kitten was going to be kept inside and whether you agreed to the inoculation. Do you know whether it was the non-adjuvanted feline leukemia vaccine? Jamie and Miezi got the Purevax non-adjuvanted, which supposedly lowers the risk of sarcoma. The risk is very low if it's just a one-time and not an annual thing. Since she's not at high risk of getting FeLV, there's no reason to repeat it.
 
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ondine

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I talked to her about that but she only said it was a killed virus.  I don't think she was familiar with the term  non-adjuvanted.  To be honest, I couldn't remember the term myself, so I was no help.

The cat will not be getting any follow ups to this vaccine.  I am not really worried about her getting the virus; just annoyed at the vet's presumption and reaction to my questions.
 
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