Advances in Feline Medicine

Several FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccines are available which prevent the transmission of this immunosuppressive and fatal disease which affects 2-3% of cats in the United States and is the most common cause of cancer in cats.

Feline distemper (panleukopenia) is a highly contagious virus that causes severe damage to rapidly dividing cells, especially in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. Without the use of one of the many available vaccinations, 75% of kittens who are infected with Feline distemper are likely to die.

The Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus vaccine severely limits the chronic disease caused by Feline Herpesviruses and Coronaviruses which are responsible for 70-80% of Feline Upper Respiratory Diseases.

Rabies is a fatal neurologic disease that affects humans and animals alike. By vaccinating your pet against rabies, you are not only protecting your pet but helping to prevent a serious public health risk which accounts for more than 55,000 deaths per year worldwide, 30-60% of those fatalities are children under the age of 15.

The FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) comes from the same family as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and cats who are infected will exhibit many of the same symptoms. While cats infected with FIV can lead a good quality life with proper care, eventually this disease will lead to severe immunosupression. The FIV vaccine is important for those cats who are at risk to exposure to FIV.

Monthly heartworm chemoprophylaxis helps prevent infection with Dirofilaria immitis, a roundworm which can cause severe respiratory disease and sudden death in cats.

Insulin which has been developed specifically for use in cats and dogs helps control Diabetes mellitus which affects between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 cats.

Advances in the treatment of hyperthyroidism have helped significantly improve the quality of life and longevity of the up to 1 in 300 middle-aged to older cats which are affected with this disease