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Herpes/calici infected - Do they need Distemper shot?
I have one indoor only cat (7 y/o) that is healthy and is in the
process of getting updated on his FVRCP vaccination. But, I've decide to bring in a few very friendly strays (11 months old) that were abandoned. They're in the process of getting their vaccinations, various tests, and spayed/neutered. The doctor informed me that these stray cats were infected with the herpes virus as well as calicivirus but have already had their very first FVRCP vaccination several days ago. If they're going to be inside only cats and have already been infected with herpes and calicivirus, do they really need a booster shot in a few weeks? I was told that the FVRCP vaccination doesn't prevent infection from herpes and calici but helps prevent the sypmtoms from being so severe. So if they're already infected and will always be carriers of these diseases, do they really need the vaccination for it if they're going to be inside only? I'd hate to subject them to getting another shot if they really don't need it. Will getting them vaccinated help prevent my other cat from getting infected or getting the symptoms? |
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"Mike" wrote in message om... I was told that the FVRCP vaccination doesn't prevent infection from herpes and calici but helps prevent the sypmtoms from being so severe. So if they're already infected and will always be carriers of these diseases, do they really need the vaccination for it if they're going to be inside only? Unfortunately, yes. In fact, all your cats' should be current with their FHV/FCV vaccines because FCV is shed continuously and FHV is shed intermittently. Also, contaminated objects such as food and water bowls, as well as the hands, feet, and clothing, can spread the virus to susceptible cats. So keeping all your cats' FHV/FCV vaccinations current should help a great deal. I suggest speaking to your vet about the Heska Feline UltraNasal FHV/FCV vaccine - especially for your resident cats. This intranasal vaccine produces almost instant immunity (72 hours). FPV (distemper) vaccines confer solid immunity for 8 years and probably for life, but FHV and FCV aren't as efficacious - titers start to decline to about 50-60% after 3 years. So in the face of carriers/shedders, I'd probably go with the bivalent intranasal vaccine every 2 years. Will getting them vaccinated help prevent my other cat from getting infected or getting the symptoms? Vaccinations don't prevent infection but tend to reduce the severity of the disease and clinical signs. You might want to speak to your vet about Lysine therapy (250 mg, PO, b.i.d. to t.i.d.). Lysine helps reduce the severity of FVR infection because it interferes with viral replication. Best of luck. Phil |
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