Delta
Lansing,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, April 21, 2003
Donna: I'm really sorry to hear that your cat had Feline Leukemia (FeLV). This is truly a terrible disease, and I think that veterinarians would prevent it if they could. In an attempt to cut down on the number of cats who suffer from this disease, manay veterinarians routinely offer a vaccination. Unfortunately, it is well known in the industry that this vaccine is only approximately 85% effective - that means that 15% of cats that are properly vaccinated will contract the disease if they are exposed to it. This vaccine is widely used in spite of this problem, because it is the most effective vaccine that has been developed to date. The best prevention for Feline Leukemia is to keep cats away from other cats of unknown FeLV status, since this disease can be transmitted by direct nose-to-nose contact. It is also important to remember that vaccines are not always completely benign. Always ask your vet what side effects are known to occur with a vaccination, and how often they happen. If you'd like more information about cat vaccines, I suggest you refer to the Cornell University web site. The Cornell Center for Feline Health has a very complete and informative web presence.
Delta
Lansing,#3Consumer Comment
Mon, April 21, 2003
Donna: I'm really sorry to hear that your cat had Feline Leukemia (FeLV). This is truly a terrible disease, and I think that veterinarians would prevent it if they could. In an attempt to cut down on the number of cats who suffer from this disease, manay veterinarians routinely offer a vaccination. Unfortunately, it is well known in the industry that this vaccine is only approximately 85% effective - that means that 15% of cats that are properly vaccinated will contract the disease if they are exposed to it. This vaccine is widely used in spite of this problem, because it is the most effective vaccine that has been developed to date. The best prevention for Feline Leukemia is to keep cats away from other cats of unknown FeLV status, since this disease can be transmitted by direct nose-to-nose contact. It is also important to remember that vaccines are not always completely benign. Always ask your vet what side effects are known to occur with a vaccination, and how often they happen. If you'd like more information about cat vaccines, I suggest you refer to the Cornell University web site. The Cornell Center for Feline Health has a very complete and informative web presence.
Delta
Lansing,#4Consumer Comment
Mon, April 21, 2003
Donna: I'm really sorry to hear that your cat had Feline Leukemia (FeLV). This is truly a terrible disease, and I think that veterinarians would prevent it if they could. In an attempt to cut down on the number of cats who suffer from this disease, manay veterinarians routinely offer a vaccination. Unfortunately, it is well known in the industry that this vaccine is only approximately 85% effective - that means that 15% of cats that are properly vaccinated will contract the disease if they are exposed to it. This vaccine is widely used in spite of this problem, because it is the most effective vaccine that has been developed to date. The best prevention for Feline Leukemia is to keep cats away from other cats of unknown FeLV status, since this disease can be transmitted by direct nose-to-nose contact. It is also important to remember that vaccines are not always completely benign. Always ask your vet what side effects are known to occur with a vaccination, and how often they happen. If you'd like more information about cat vaccines, I suggest you refer to the Cornell University web site. The Cornell Center for Feline Health has a very complete and informative web presence.