New Info (and personal experience) on FeLV Vaccine

lionessrampant

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Dr. Brenda Griffin (NMHP) writes:
"Regarding FeLV vaccination: I was fortunate enough to recently attend an exclusive conference on vaccines where some of the leading researchers in the field presented their most recent findings (which are not yet published). The new feline leukemia vaccine by Merial was shown to be very effective and to have improved safety over the market leader. This is based on demonstration that the vaccine produces absolutely no inflammatory response at the injection site. Inflammation at the injection site is the precursor of tumor formation and feline leukemia vaccines have been associated with malignant tumor formation (sarcomas). While the incidence of this is rare (1 in 3,000 to 1 in 10,000 cats), when it is your cat or your patient: well, that is 100% for that animal. In short, I am using and recommending Merial's FeLV vaccine and I am very excited about this new technology. Vaccinating kittens is most important since they very, very susceptible-- the virus is only spread via direct contact or from mother to kittens. I agree with Dr. Hurley, in the shelter, spend your money on testing and adoption programs. An exception would be if young cats are group housed, and then consider vaccination prior to such housing, realizing they need 2 vaccines before they are protected. And, do be sure to protect your own cats with the Merial vaccine!"

I was forunate enough to be able to vaccinate Leo with this method and I'm going ahead with Gracie on Monday. It's a better vaccine and it's administered through the "vet jet" which is a high-pressure device similar to what a lot of diabetics use.

Just wanted to let everyone know and add my $.02
 
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