Feline Immunization Information Handout and Consent

Lakeside Animal Clinic

2501 S. Kirkwood

Houston, TX  77077

Immunizing your cat is an important procedure that, in most cases, will provide protection against an illness that may be life threatening.  In past years, veterinarians have followed the vaccine manufacturer’s guidelines and recommended annual revaccination for diseases that were felt to be a threat to our patients.  Recent studies have shown that annual revaccination may not be necessary for some diseases because many pets are protected for three years or longer when vaccinated.  Although most cats do not react adversely to vaccination, some have had allergic or other systemic reactions after receiving a vaccine.  Rarely, the allergic reaction can be so profound that it may be life threatening.  Certain immune mediated diseases such as hemolytic anemia (anemia caused by red blood cell destruction), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet numbers), and polyarthritis (joint inflammation and pain)  may be triggered by the body’s immune response to a vaccine.  A serious additional concern has been a “lump” forming at the site of the vaccination.  Why this occurs in cats is controversial at best but it is considered extremely rare.    In some cats, if these lumps persist, a tumor known as a fibrosarcoma may form which may have grave consequences if ignored.  If your cat develops a lump under the skin following a vaccination that persists for longer than four weeks, you should have it examined as soon as possible.  ).

Vaccinating your cat should not be taken lightly.  Failure to vaccinate could result in your pet contracting a serious preventable disease. However, unnecessary vaccinations should be avoided. A decision to vaccinate should only come after your cat’s age and the risk of exposure to disease are considered by you and your veterinarian.  Vaccinations given at the appropriate age and at the appropriate intervals will greatly benefit your pet and protect it against some life threatening diseases.

The following vaccines listed are considered “core” and “non-core” by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Association of Feline Practitioners, and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.  The University of California at Davis and North CarolinaStateUniversityColleges of Veterinary Medicine also recommend vaccine protocols that consider core and non-core vaccinations.  All cats should receive core vaccinations with boosters at appropriate intervals to be determined by exposure risk related to your pet’s life style. Non-core vaccinations should not be used routinely and are only administered if your pet’s exposure risk warrants it.  

Core vaccinations for cats:                             Non-core vaccinations for cats: 

·          Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes)                        - FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus

·          Calici virus                                                       - FIV -Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

·          Panleukopenia (Feline parvovirus)                 - FIP -Feline Infectious Peritonitis

·          Rabies

Kitten vaccination series: Kittens receive a series of vaccinations at 3-week intervals in order to insure that they are developing a protective immune response on their own.  Maternal antibodies derived from the first few days of milk while nursing their mother will give the kitten a temporary immunity that may interfere with development of a protective immune response to the vaccine.  This temporary immunity when present will persist in some kittens for as long as 20 weeks.

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici virus, Panleukopenia)

6 weeks        9 weeks       12 weeks    16 weeks         One year, then  boosters every 3 years based on risk assessment.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) if  kitten has exposure risk.

9 weeks        12 weeks          One year      Annual Boosters        

Rabies at 3-4 months.  Boosters annually.  (There is a 3 year vaccine approved for cats but is not recommended.)

Please check all of the statements that apply to your pet.

__ always indoors        __ primarily indoors         __ equally indoors-outdoors      __ primarily outdoors     __ always outdoors

__ visits a boarding kennel frequently    __ is groomed frequently   __ travels out of the immediate area   ___ has exposure to wildlife (raccoon, opossums, skunks, snakes, etc.)

 __ (Has) __ (Has not) had a reaction to previous vaccinations. If occurred, describe reaction; __ listlessness/fever, __ local tenderness/swelling, __ mild allergic reaction, __ severe allergic reaction,     
      __ injection site abscess.

Your pet’s vaccinations are an important part of our overall wellness care program. Thank you for taking the time to review this information and for giving us valuable information about your pets life style so that we may tailor a vaccination program to meet your pets individual needs.

Your pet will be thoroughly examined prior to vaccination.  If any illness is identified, your pet's vaccines may be delayed until the illness is addressed.

CONSENT

I have read and understand the above information.  I consent to having my cat _________________ vaccinated as directed by the veterinarian.  I understand the inherent risk of vaccinations, and I understand that any complications following vaccination should be reported immediately and any treatment required will incur additional expense.

Signature____________________________________________________________________   Date____________________

Please notify us immediately if your cat has any vomiting, facial or limb swelling, hives, labored breathing, a lump at the injection site, or any other symptoms within 48 hours of vaccination.