10 - Feline Vaccines Review

In what decade was vaccine-associated sarcoma first recognized as an issue in cats?

Early 1990s

What is the current estimated risk of Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma (FISS) per vaccine dose?

Below 1/10,000

Which vaccine types were initially linked to the development of sarcomas in cats?

Inactivated (killed) rabies or FeLV vaccines

Which vaccine additive was identified as a potential factor in the development of injection-site sarcomas?

Aluminum-based adjuvants

According to the "3-2-1 Rule," a biopsy is recommended if a post-injection mass persists for at least _____ months.

3

According to the "3-2-1 Rule," a biopsy is recommended if a mass reaches a diameter larger than _____ cm.

2

According to the "3-2-1 Rule," a biopsy is recommended if a mass continues to increase in size _____ month(s) following an injection.

1

What specific type of biopsy is recommended for diagnosing a suspected injection-site sarcoma?

Incisional biopsy

What are the recommended surgical margins for removing a confirmed feline fibrosarcoma?

3−5 cm margins and 2 fascial planes deep

Which types of feline vaccines sold in the US and Canada are currently adjuvant-free?

All recombinant and modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines

According to AAFP 2020 guidelines, where should FPV, FHV-1, and FCV vaccines be administered?

Subcutaneously below the right elbow

According to AAFP 2020 guidelines, where is the recommended site for FeLV vaccine administration?

Subcutaneously below the left stifle

According to AAFP 2020 guidelines, where is the recommended site for Rabies vaccine administration?

Subcutaneously below the right stifle

List the four primary feline core vaccines according to the AAHA/AAFP 2020 guidelines.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Rabies

For which age group is the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine considered a core requirement?

Cats under 1 year of age

Term: Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1)

Definition: A highly contagious infection causing inflammation of the conjunctiva and discharge from the eyes and nose.

What clinical sign is a hallmark of Feline Calicivirus (FCV) compared to other respiratory diseases?

Ulcerations and blisters in the mouth and on the tongue

How long is the incubation period for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV)?

2−6 days

What physical symptom may occur in cats for 4−7 days after receiving an oronasal FVR-FCV vaccine?

Frequent sneezing

What is the common name for Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)?

Feline distemper

How long can Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) survive in the environment at room temperature?

1 year (FPV)

Which type of disinfectant is effective against the resistant Feline Panleukopenia Virus?

Peroxygen disinfectants

Feline Panleukopenia Virus specifically targets and destroys cells that are _____.

Actively dividing (e.g., bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, intestinal epithelium)

What condition occurs in kittens if the queen is infected with FPV late in pregnancy?

Cerebellar hypoplasia

Why should modified-live FPV vaccines be avoided in cats with retrovirus infections?

Theoretical risk of clinical signs due to residual virulence in immunocompromised animals

How is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) most commonly spread between adult cats?

Saliva during mutual grooming or fighting

What stage of FeLV infection occurs 2−4 weeks after inoculation, marked by mild fever and lymphadenopathy?

Viremia

FeLV causes cancer (oncogenesis) when the virus inserts itself into the host's _____.

Cellular genome

What is the most common cause of cancer in cats?

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

What specific test is used to determine if a cat is eligible for the FeLV vaccine?

FeLV antigen testing (p27)

For adult indoor-only cats living alone, FeLV vaccination may not be needed after the first _____ year(s).

2

Term: Bordetella bronchiseptica

Definition: A highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease causing inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.

Which age group is most susceptible to severe or fatal bronchopneumonia from Bordetella?

Kittens

What is the primary clinical manifestation of Chlamydophila felis infection in cats?

Infectious conjunctivitis

What is the incubation period for Chlamydophila felis?

3−10 days

Why is Chlamydophila felis considered a zoonotic risk?

It can occasionally cause follicular conjunctivitis in immunocompromised humans.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is triggered by an immune-mediated response to which virus?

Feline Coronavirus (FCoV)

According to the "internal mutation theory," FIP is caused by FCoV mutating within the _____.

Cat's body

The "wet" form of FIP is caused by immune complexes leading to vasculitis and the accumulation of _____.

Effusive fluid (ascites)

The "dry" form of FIP is characterized by the formation of _____ in organs like the liver, lungs, or CNS.

Granulomas or pyogranulomas

In a Rivalta test for FIP, what does a positive result look like?

The drop of effusion retains its shape or floats slowly to the bottom like a jellyfish.

How is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) primarily transmitted?

Saliva through bite wounds

What is the median survival time for a cat after being diagnosed with FIV?

Approximately 5 years

Why does the FIV vaccine interfere with diagnostic testing?

Vaccinated cats produce antibodies that cause positive results on antibody-based test kits for up to 7 years.

Which fungal pathogen is the most common cause of dermatophytosis (ringworm) in cats?

Microsporum canis

How long can Microsporum canis arthrospores remain infective in the environment?

1 year (Microsporum canis)

Why are FPV and respiratory vaccines administered immediately upon intake in shelters

To provide rapid onset of protection in high-risk, high-density environments.

How frequently should kittens in a shelter be re-vaccinated with FVRCP?

Every 2−3 weeks until they are over 18−20 weeks old

Which vaccines are recommended for cats in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs?

FPV, FHV-1, FCV, and Rabies