Feline Leukemia Vaccines
What is feline leukemia?
Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a retrovirus transmitted from one cat to another through bodily secretions like blood, saliva, and sometimes feces or urine. It is the second most common cause of death in cats, which may sound scary to a loving cat parent! However, vaccines are available to keep your cat safe,healthy, and protected from this contagious virus.
What are the symptoms of feline leukemia?
The most common signs of feline leukemia include:
- Trouble breathing
- Stomatitis
- Fever
- Poor coat
- Diarrhea
- Inappetence
- Weight loss
- Worsening lethargy and weakness
- Reproductive issues
- Infections of the upper respiratory system, skin, or bladder
- Yellow eyes and mouth
- Lymph node enlargement
- Pale gums
How is feline leukemia treated?
Sadly, 80% of persistently infected cats will ultimately die within 3 years of diagnosis. Early detection and veterinary care can prolong the lifespan and improve the quality of life of infected cats, so routine veterinarian visits are essential in keeping your cat healthy. There is not a cure for feline leukemia. Infection does typically cause secondary infections, which can typically be treated with antibiotics. Cats with cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. Symptomatic treatment is the only way to treat the signs of feline leukemia. For this reason, prevention is key.
How can I protect my cat against feline leukemia?
There are two ways to best protect your cat against feline leukemia virus infection. The first is to keep your feline friend indoors. Outdoor cats (or those who spend time outside) are most susceptible to infection. The second way to protect your cat is to prevent infection with a feline leukemia virus vaccine.
What feline leukemia vaccine options are available?
Before considering the options for feline leukemia shots, you’ll want to be sure your veterinarian performs a feline leukemia test. Cats with existing infections cannot be vaccinated against feline leukemia. Next, your veterinarian will discuss the different leukemia vaccine options available for your cat. You can also discuss the costs associated with feline leukemia vaccines. If you administer your cat’s vaccines at home, your veterinarian will provide you with a prescription. From there, you’ll want to find the most reliable, affordable, and trustworthy place to get your cat’s prescriptions filled. Luckily, you’ve found Allivet! Allivet carries FeLV vaccines, along with other types of feline vaccines, supplements, prescriptions, and more! You don’t have to buy directly from your veterinarian – choose Allivet for the best price on top-of-the-line cat care products.
Allivet carries several different feline leukemia vaccine options. Choose from:
- Nobivac Feline 1-HCPCh+ FeLV – This vaccine protects against feline leukemia, along with chlamydophila felis, panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis.
- Nobivac Feline 1-HCP+ FeLV – This shot provides two years of protection against feline leukemia, along with feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
- Nobivac Feline 2-FeLV – This vaccine offers two years of lasting protection against feline leukemia and the viremia and diseases associated with it.
- Fel-O-Vax LvK – This product protects cats against the diseases associated with FeLV infection.
- Fel-O-Vax LvK IV + Calicivax – This comprehensive option protects cats against feline leukemia, along with panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and chlamydia psittaci.
- Fel-O-Vax Lv-K III + CaliciVax – This multi-way vaccine for cats protects against feline leukemia, along with panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis.