Question:
I got this email from Joanne (some of the older members may remember her).
I'm in Madrid and all is well. I'm now helping Dr.
Richards to get the word about the benefits and risks
about vaccines and proper vaccine protocols to all cat
lovers. I hope you can share his letter broadly &
will put it on the site so more people can learn and
we can help our animals!!! Thanks! Joanne
_________________________
Please share the information below with your readers as it provides important information about feline vaccines. Dr. Richards is the offical spokesperson for the Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force. Thank you.

Important: Information about vaccines that can save your cat's life!
Many pet owners have their cats vaccinated regularly but don't always know the benefits and risks associated with vaccines.

Over the years, feline vaccines have done much more good than harm but it is vital that you know and discuss the proper vaccine protocol with your veterinarian as some side effects can be deadly.
Feline vaccines have been associated with an aggressive cancer known as "vaccine associated sarcoma", or "VAS", that can appear at the vaccine site weeks, months or even years after being administered. VAS is known to be more common in cats than in dogs.
There is a simple protocol recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners for administering vaccines, that, if followed, can reduce the chances of contracting VAS. Here are some basic guidelines:
- No injection, vaccine or otherwise, should ever be given in the scruff (between the shoulder blades) of the cat's neck.
- Discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of using intranasal vaccines, thereby reducing the risk of vaccine associated sarcomas.
- Make sure your cat is given only the vaccines it truly needs based on its age, lifestyle and environment, and make sure the vaccines are given no more frequently than necessary.
- Rabies vaccines should be administered in the right rear leg, as distally as possible.
- FeLV vaccines should be administered in the left rear leg, as distally as possible.
- FVRCP or "upper respiratory vaccines" should be administered intranasally or over the front right leg, as distally as possible.
The Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (VAFSTF) is an organization dedicated to raising the awareness of VAS so that people can work with their veterinarians to make informed choices about the vaccination program that is best for their animals.
Be informed. Make the best choices for your pet.
You can learn more about the American Association of Feline
Practitioners, VAS and the Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force at:
www.aafponline.org
www.avma.org/vafstf
www.catshots.com
www.shorti-online.org
James R. Richards, DVM
American Association of Feline Practitioners
Spokesperson, VAFSTF


Answer:
Why is it that receiving a vaccinating at the 'scruff' of the neck is so bad?


Answer:
Thanks for posting that, Candice - very interesting. So that's why suddenly now the vet gives the shot in the hind leg.
Make sure your cat is given only the vaccines it truly needs based on its age, lifestyle and environment, and make sure the vaccines are given no more frequently than necessary
When I brought Bruce and Isobel to the vet the last time I was unsure whether or not I wanted them to have any shots. My vet was really great - we discussed just those things - age, lifestyle and environment, and reached an agreement that they would get the very basic vaccine


Answer:
Thank you so much for that. Hank has been getting sruff-vaccinated in the past, so now I will bring this to her new vet's attention.


Answer:
Shots in the scruff are dangerous because if, in fact, a tumor does develop, it is very hard to treat given its proximity to other vital organs. Joanne


Answer:
Hi Joanne! Thanks for the clarification.
I know that the first time Sydney had her vaccinations, she developed a fibrous lump between her shoulder blades. It scared the crap out of me!


Answer:
Thank you for the explanation!


Answer:
Making this a sticky