Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations: How to Identify and Respond?

Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations: How to Identify and Respond

Like most animals, cats can experience adverse reactions after vaccination. These reactions can vary depending on the type of vaccine, the age of the cat being vaccinated, and its breed. Understanding potential side effects and taking necessary precautions can effectively reduce risks and ensure your cat's health.

Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations

Here are some common side effects that cats may experience after vaccination:

1. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions usually occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. The probability of an allergy is generally 1 in 15,000. Symptoms include:

Pale gums
Drooling
Cold extremities
Rapid heart rate, weak pulse
Exhaustion
Vomiting
Sudden diarrhea
Facial swelling
Shock
Seizures
Coma and death

If an allergic reaction is confirmed, epinephrine should be administered immediately. Supportive care should be provided after the crisis has passed. Allergic reactions are often associated with inactivated vaccines because the adjuvants added to inactivated vaccines increase the risk of allergies.

2. Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma

Fibrosarcoma is a type of connective tissue sarcoma. Growing evidence suggests that this tumor is related to local vaccine allergies. The incidence rate is 1 in 5,000. The disease is associated with FeLV vaccine (leukemia vaccine). It is not recommended to vaccinate cats that have not been exposed to the virus. Vaccination can be considered if the benefits outweigh the risks. Generally, if the swelling at the injection site disappears within a few days or weeks, there is no problem. However, if it continues to worsen, it could be fibrosarcoma. Some warning signs:

Lump that persists for more than three months after vaccination
Lump larger than two centimeters in diameter
Lump continues to grow one month after vaccination

The recommended treatment for sarcoma is excision, but the prognosis is generally poor. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are usually required. What is VAS (vaccine-associated sarcoma) caused by cat vaccination? Generally, the leukemia vaccine is injected into the left hind leg muscle. If the tumor cannot be controlled, amputation may be the last resort to save the cat's life. A cat can live well with three legs, so don't give up.

3. Injection Site Discomfort and Swelling

The injection site may experience pain and swelling. These symptoms usually occur within 30 minutes to the following week. Occasionally, an abscess may occur. However, this type of abscess is not caused by infection and should not be confused with sarcoma. Mild fever, decreased appetite, and decreased activity, these three symptoms usually appear within 1-2 days after vaccination. These three symptoms are most common after vaccination with attenuated vaccines. Generally, no treatment is necessary.

4. Feline Vaccination-Associated Paralysis (FVAP)

This problem is prone to occur within 3 weeks after injection of attenuated vaccines. The lameness is caused by muscle pain. Fever is often accompanied. Affected kittens may be sleepy, refuse to eat, and depressed. Full recovery usually takes 24 to 48 hours. It is normal for kittens in the same litter to develop the disease at different times. One kitten may recover, while another may become sick again. Many kittens will refuse to walk. Antibiotics and analgesics are usually used depending on the severity of the condition.

5. Birth Defects

Attenuated vaccines can cause pregnant cats to miscarry or give birth to kittens with defects. Attenuated vaccines should not be given to pregnant cats.

How to Respond to Adverse Reactions After Cat Vaccinations

1. Observe promptly: After vaccination, observe your cat's physical condition closely for any abnormal reactions, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, etc.
2. Record the reaction time: Keep detailed records of the time, symptoms, and duration of any adverse reactions so that you can report them to your veterinarian in a timely manner.
3. Seek veterinary help: If your cat shows any signs of a possible adverse reaction, take it to the veterinarian immediately for a timely diagnosis and treatment.

How to Reduce the Risk of Adverse Reactions to Cat Vaccinations

1. Choose a reputable veterinary clinic: Reputable veterinary clinics use standardized vaccines and will select the appropriate vaccine based on the cat's age, breed, and health status.
2. Choose the right vaccine: Before vaccinating your cat, consult with your veterinarian to select the most suitable vaccine for your cat.
3. Prepare for vaccination: Before vaccination, ensure that your cat is healthy, free from illness, and has been dewormed.
4. Rest after vaccination: After vaccination, let your cat rest sufficiently, avoid excessive exercise, and maintain a quiet environment.
5. Regular checkups: After vaccination, take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccination.

Conclusion

As with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of adverse reactions or side effects when vaccinating a cat. However, the risks associated with vaccination are very small compared to the risks of not vaccinating at all. It is important to monitor for adverse reactions so that you can provide appropriate treatment. It is also recommended that every owner purchase several bottles of transfer factor oral solution before vaccinating their cat. This is very effective in preventing adverse reactions to vaccines.

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