Vaccines

Most vaccines for dogs and cats have been of two types, depending on the infectious agent- "live" or "killed' vaccines. Live vacines have been modified to reduce their ability to cause the disease but they can still multiply inside the body just like the virus. That stimulates the immune system to fight back more effectively. Extremely virulent agents like rabies are difficult to inactivate to the point where they won't cause the disease that they are trying to prevent. Killed vaccines offer a safer alternative but they need an an additive that helps to stimulate immunity to be sure they get the attention of the immune system.

Pets often suffer from slight swelling or soreness at the site of injection, and sometimes lethargy or fever for a day or so after the vaccines are given. More severe allergic reactions can develop within ten to fifteen minutes after the injection are rare, but they can cause anything from facial swelling or hives to difficulty breathing, collapse, and death. These instances are very rare. If your pet shows any signs of a reaction after having vaccinations, you should call your vet to see what remedies you can administer.

There are some who have expressed concern over the amount of vaccinations of pet owners. It is debated that the excessive vaccination of pets are causing immune problems in some of the pets. Cats have been known to develop cancer at the site of the vaccination, usually right between the shoulder blades. The tumors developed in about 20 of every 100,000 cats vaccinated, and it seemed to be associated primarily with the feline leukemia virus and rabies vaccinations- but not a particular brand of vaccine.

No vaccine gives 100 percent protection. Some vaccinations are designed to reduce or treat the symptoms of the disease but not necessarily to prevent the illness. The health of the pet's immune system, how often it is exposed and the virulence of the agent, as well as the type of vaccine all influence how effective the vaccine will be. Immunity against viruses last longer than bacterial immunity. Killed vaccines don't protect nearly as long as the modified live vaccine.

Vaccination schedules vary from state to state. Some states offer a 5 year, 3 year, or a 1 year rabies vaccination. It is very important that your pets are vaccinated!