THE PET CONNECTION By Gina Spadafori Pet Columnist

In recent years, cat lovers have been horrified by reports of deadly tumors caused by something that's supposed to save the lives of their pets -- routine vaccinations. Unfortunately the disease called vaccine-associated feline sarcoma, or feline vaccine-site sarcoma, is more than a rumor, and it has claimed the lives of many cats.

Researchers now believe tumors occur in cats who have been given feline leukemia or rabies vaccines, and not in those who've been given protection against feline panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. (The combination vaccine that protects against these latter illnesses is referred to by the initials FVRCP, and may also include protection against feline chlamydiosis.)

No one is quite sure why the problems occur with leukemia or rabies vaccines, and the cancer risk is low -- about one cat per 10,000 vaccinated. It's important to remember that vaccines remain an important tool of preventive care, especially when compared to the dangers of not vaccinating your cat. After all, not vaccinating risks not only your cat's health, but also, in the case of rabies, your own.

To help protect your cat, you should take the following precautions.

-- At your pet's annual examination, discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines your cat really needs. Because of the number of cats infected with rabies -- since 1981, more cats than dogs in the United States have been diagnosed with rabies -- rabies protection is important, and it is required by law in an increasing number of places. Your cat may not need to be vaccinated against feline leukemia, however, if he's always kept indoors and doesn't interact with other cats.

-- Discuss with your veterinarian the location of the vaccine injections, and ask her to use single-agent vaccines instead of ones that protect against a combination of diseases. Recent recommendations include giving each vaccine in a specific location to help confirm which vaccines are responsible for any problem, and to allow for more treatment options should such a problem develop.

-- Make sure your veterinarian notes the vaccination sites on your pet's health record, as well as information on the vaccines, such as the name of the manufacturer and the serial number.

-- Be aware of any lumps at the vaccine sites. A small lump immediately after vaccination is normal, but call your veterinarian if the lump grows or persists beyond three weeks.

Research is ongoing to speed the development of vaccines that are less likely to cause vaccine-associated sarcomas. The first generation of "less reactive" vaccines is on the market now, but it is too early to know if these vaccines will fulfill their promise of being less likely to cause vaccine-associated cancer. As always, it's essential to consult your veterinarian for the latest information on this and other important preventive health measures.

Date Published: 9/11/2000 12:57:00 PM

    

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of Dogs for Dummies, Cats for Dummies and Birds for Dummies. She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her at petconnection@gmail.com.