FIV: For some time, veterinarians have faced a tragic disease known as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).  This disease complex has been nicknamed "feline AIDS" for many years, although the disease has no immunological link to the human counterpart.  However, just as in the human HIV infections or feline leukemia infections, there are no sure-fire cures once a cat has been deemed FIV positive.

Recently Fort Dodge released the first FIV vaccine, Felo-Vax FIV which has been marketed to protect FIV negative cats from the FIV disease process should they be exposed to it.  The vaccine does not provide a cure from the disease, only protection against it.  For informational purposes, Fort Dodge is the enterprising veterinary pharmaceutical company which introduced the West Nile Virus vaccine for our equine patients.

Veterinarians have tested cats for some time utilizing the combination feline leukemia/FIV test kits.  Therefore pre-testing (of kittens in most cases) paves the way for vaccination protection for both feline leukemia and FIV disease complexes once this negative carrier status is proven.  Kittens should receive three doses of the vaccine beginning at eight weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.

Felo-Vax FIV by Fort Dodge is the first and only such vaccine for protection against the FIV virus in cats.  Like most vaccines it is not perfect, but showed about an 85 per cent protection rating in challenge studies prior to its release.  Side effects and shedding rates of the vaccine look minimal.  Cats vaccinated with Felo-Vax FIV will show a light positive on the antigen test post vaccine, but this indicates a protective status.

See the veterinarians at Bienville Animal Medical Center regarding other questions concerning the new FIV vaccine.  Particularly for outdoor cats, the vaccine has its place in protecting our feline companions against one of the most devastating infectious disease processes we see as veterinarians.  Protection needs to be where emphasis is placed, as active treatment of clinical FIV in cats is quite expensive and in many cases disappointing when attempting to extend the life of the FIV-infected cat.

Feline leukemia(FeLV): A virus that attacks and weakens a cat's immune system. FeLV can follow two pathways. The first attacks the immune system, leaving the cat susceptible to a wide variety of infectious diseases. The second causes cancer to form in the cat's body. Two initial doses are given three weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster. A blood test is available to test for this disease, and is recommended before initial vaccinations are given.

Feline panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, is a virus that can affect many parts of a cat's body, causing fever, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, tremors, and incoordination. Death can occur within a week. This vaccination should be given at 8 weeks of age, and every three weeks for a series of three shots, then every year.

Rabies: All warm blooded animals (dogs, cats, livestock, wild animals, and humans) can become infected with rabies. Mississippi State Law recomends the three-year rabies vaccine. Yet, in accordance with AAHA,s recommendations of regional flexibility as well as that of the AVMA's NRC panel, we are continuing to recommend annual rabies boosters due to the active cases of rabies in our region(active rabies in both Mobile and Pascagoula in 2003). Therefore, Bienville AMC uses a three-year vaccine for added protection for our dogs and cats (at no additional charge as opposed to the one-year vaccine), but still recommends annual boosting of both dogs and cats for optimal protection.

A virus that attacks the nervous tissue is responsible for rabies. It is spread by bites or saliva of infected animals. Cats should be vaccinated at 16 weeks of age, and yearly thereafter.

Feline respiratory disease: These diseases are easily spread from one cat to another by coughing and sneezing. Affected cats may have runny eyes, discharge from the nose, inflamed eyes, fever, and sores on the nose or mouth. Two viruses are responsible for the majority of respiratory diseases- feline rhinotracheitis (a herpes virus), and feline calicivirus. Chlamydia psittaci is another organism that may also cause respiratory diseases. Cats are vaccinated beginning at 8 weeks of age, and receive boosters every three weeks to age 16 weeks, then every year.

Feline infectious peritonitis: FIP is caused by a virus. The risk of this disease is low, with cats in catteries and shelters being at higher risk. Instead of a shot, nasal drops are instilled into a cat's nose for the vaccine. The first dose is given at 16 weeks of age, with a booster 3 weeks later. It is then administered once a year.

Nutrition and parasite control are very important for cats as well. Cats should only be fed cat food, since dog foods do not offer cats the essential amino acids they need. A fecal exam should be done on kittens at each visit and annually for older cats to check for intestinal worms. Cats can get heartworm disease, too! It is important to start your kitten or older cat on a heartworm prevention program.

It is very important to have your cat spayed or neutered. It lessens the chance of them catching diseases, lessens their chances for some types of cancer, and lowers the excess cat population, as well as making them healthier overall.

Geriatrics: Older pets ( <6 years for cats) are prone to age related diseases. They can experience heart disease, arthritis, poorly functioning liver and kidneys, metabolic changes, and weight problems. It is particularly important that older cats receive an annual geriatric exam in conjuction with their annual vaccinations. We offer complete bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, ECG's, and ultrasound for the evaluation of your geriatric cat. We will discuss with you what your pet may need, and offer special packages for our geriatric patients.