Hillsdale Veterinary Group is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date approach to preventative and therapeutic medicine. Healthcare recommendations have changed dramatically in the last few years. University teaching hospitals and more progressive private practices are now adopting vaccination guidelines based on science rather than drug company hype.

Please take a few minutes to review our vaccination recommendations. They may be different than those you are used to. We emphasize the aspects of your cat’s care that really matter— dentistry, proper nutrition, wellness laboratory testing, skin care, flea control, and appropriate vaccinations—rather than potentially harmful vaccinations that are unnecessary.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADULT CATS

• Physical Exam
• Fecal Exam
• FVRCP Booster (every 3 years)
• FVRCP Antibody Titre (non-vaccination years)
• FeLV Booster (at-risk cats only)
• Rabies Booster (yearly)
• Dental Cleaning (as needed)

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GERIATRIC CATS

• Physical Exam
• Fecal Exam
• FVRCP Booster (every 3 years)
• FVRCP Antibody Titer (non-vaccination years)
• FeLV Booster (at-risk cats only)
• Rabies Booster (yearly)
• Dental Cleaning (as needed)
• Blood Pressure Measurement
•Geriatric Blood Testing
•Urinalysis

ANTIBODY TITERS

VACCINE-ASSOCIATED TUMORS IN CATS

Vaccine-associated tumors (sarcomas) have been reported to develop with administration of various vaccines. They are more frequently associated with feline leukemia virus and adjuvanted rabies virus vaccines (an adjuvant is a substance added to many vaccines to induce a stronger and more persistent antibody response). These tumors are aggressive and treatment is very expensive, involving surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

We recommend Purvax® rabies vaccine, a non-adjuvanted, canary-pox vaccine. It is the only non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine on the market and is licensed for use in cats on a yearly basis. Feline leukemia vaccine should be administered only to cats at risk, which include outdoor cats, cats residing in open, multiple-cat environments, cats living with FeLV-infected cats, and cats residing in households with unknown FeLV status.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ANNUAL VISIT

Unfortunately, many clients believe that vaccination is the only reason—or at least the most important reason—for the annual visit. It is vital that cat owners understand the importance of all aspects of a comprehensive health care program. Cats with serious disease often appear healthy. Regularly scheduled health evaluations facilitate early detection. Dental care, proper nutrition, appropriate diagnostic testing, and parasite control are all important to maintaining health. Annual examinations (more frequent examinations of older cats) helps us diagnose problems early and gives us the best shot at preventing more serious disease.