Vaccines: Cats & Dogs

Question-and-answer style flashcards covering core/non-core concepts, vaccine types, schedules, adverse events, feline/canine specifics (kitten/puppy series), serology, FISS, and handling from the VETM4470 lecture notes.

What defines a core vaccine in dogs and cats?

Vaccines recommended for all patients because they protect against diseases with high morbidity/mortality, significant public health risk, or are easily transmitted.

What defines a non-core vaccine in dogs and cats?

Vaccines recommended based on individual risk factors such as lifestyle, geographic location, and exposure to disease.

Which vaccines are considered canine core vaccines in the DAP schedule, and which vaccine is typically listed separately?

Core vaccines in the DAP group: Distemper (CDV), Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), Parvovirus (CPV). Rabies is core but listed separately from the DAP combination.

What is the canine rabies vaccination guideline in Ontario for puppies/kittens and boosters?

First vaccination at or after 12 weeks of age; boosters as per the vaccine label; rabies certificate must meet regulatory requirements (O. Reg. 567).

Name common canine non-core vaccines and their general rationale for use.

Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Parainfluenza, Canine influenza, Borrelia (Lyme). These are considered non-core and recommended based on exposure risk and lifestyle.

What is the preferred route for Bordetella vaccination and why?

Intranasal (or oral) vaccination is preferred due to faster onset (48–72 hours) and mucosal immunity.

Which canine influenza strains are targeted by vaccines?

H3N8 ± H3N2.

• 2 dose 2-4 weeks apart

• dogs who are traveling to high risk areas

• shelter or boarding

Describe the Lyme borreliosis (Borrelia) vaccination schedule and the rationale for its use.

Two initial doses 2–4 weeks apart; annual revaccination if risk persists; vaccines induce anti-OspA and/or anti-OspC antibodies; tick exposure risk influences use

In endemic areas, what is the role of tick prophylaxis relative to Lyme vaccination?

Tick prophylaxis is the first line of defense; Bb vaccines alone are not consistently effective in preventing disease.

What is the recommended route and frequency for Bordetella and Parainfluenza vaccines in at-risk dogs?

Intranasal Bordetella ± Parainfluenza vaccine; revaccinate yearly if risk persists; intranasal/oral routes preferred over SQ.

What type of vaccine is a ‘monovalent’ vaccine and what is a ‘multivalent’ vaccine?

Monovalent protects against one organism; multivalent protects against multiple organisms in one product.

Give examples of vaccine types (MLV, inactivated, recombinant) and typical examples for dogs and cats.

MLV (attenuated) examples: some distemper vaccines, all parvovirus, some CAV-2; Inactivated (killed) examples: rabies, Leptospira; Recombinant/vectored: FeLV (canarypox), some rabies/distemper components.

What are the key storage and handling guidelines after vaccine reconstitution?

Reconstituted vaccines should be used within 1 hour; store at 2–7°C and protect from light as required; follow the manufacturer’s diluent and handling instructions.

What is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) and how can vaccination practices reduce risk?

A malignant tumor associated with injections; to minimize risk, use fewer injections, choose injection sites that allow easy removal (distal limbs or tail), and consider staggered scheduling when appropriate.

What are the most common vaccine adverse events (VAAEs) and how are they initially managed?

Commonly local injection-site reactions and lethargy; mild cases may be managed with observation, but dexamethasone (0.05–0.1 mg/kg IV/IM) and diphenhydramine (2 mg/kg IM) can be used for reactions; monitor for progression.

How are severe vaccine reactions (anaphylaxis) managed?

Epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IM or slow IV; IV fluids; vasopressors as needed; bronchodilators in cats; hospital monitoring and supportive care.

What is Duration of Immunity (DOI) and how does it influence revaccination intervals?

DOI is how long a vaccine remains protective; many core vaccines have DOIs of about 3 years; some vaccines (e.g., Leptospira, Bordetella) have shorter DOI and may require more frequent revaccination.

What is serologic (titre) testing and which pathogens have correlates to protection?

Testing for antibodies to gauge immune status; correlates of protection are best established for CDV, CAV, CPV, FPV; titres can help guide revaccination decisions in some cases.

Should serology replace vaccination for all vaccines?

Not universally; serology can support decisions in some cases (e.g., history of severe reaction, hesitancy, or serology-guided decisions for core vaccines), but many guidelines still recommend vaccination at standard intervals for core vaccines.

What is the feline kitten core vaccination schedule (FHV-1, FCV, FPV) and when is Rabies added?

Kitten series starts at 6 weeks with at least 3 doses 2–4 weeks apart, continuing to 16 weeks; two-dose schedule for older kittens; Rabies added per local law.

Is FeLV vaccination considered core for cats, and how does age affect this?

FeLV is considered core for kittens (up to 1 year) due to high susceptibility; for adult cats, vaccination is risk-based depending on exposure risk and environment.

What is the recommended feline non-core vaccination strategy in multicat environments?

Bordetella and Chlamydophila felis may be considered in multicat housing with confirmed exposure; they are not routinely given to all cats.

Which feline vaccines are not routinely recommended or available (per notes)?

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) vaccine is not reliably protective; FIV vaccine is no longer available; FIP vaccines are generally not recommended.

Where should vaccines be administered to minimize FISS risk in cats?

Vaccines should be given in distal limbs or tail when possible, to facilitate amputation if a FISS develops at that site.

What is the recommended protocol for FeLV testing in relation to FeLV vaccination?

Test cats for FeLV antigen status prior to vaccination; vaccinate FeLV-negative cats at risk; avoid vaccinating FeLV-positive cats.

What should be documented in the medical record for each vaccination?

Vaccine type, site, route, manufacturer, lot/serial number, date of administration, any adverse events; Rabies certificate is a part of the medical record.

How should a vaccine-hesitant client be approached according to guidelines?

Provide balanced information, share client resources from AAHA/AAFP, discuss risks and benefits, and tailor information to the owner’s situation.

What is an essential step when dealing with a potential vaccine reaction or adverse event in a patient?

Carefully document signs, product, timing, and severity; report to the manufacturer/regulatory bodies as appropriate; consider adjusting future vaccines (e.g., fewer vaccines per visit or pre-treatment).