Vaccinations are given to prevent the development of serious infections diseases.

Kittens and Vaccinations: 

Kittens require a series of vaccinations to develop adequate immunity.  Initial breeder or pet store vaccines are often temporary vaccines or initial boosters only.  A 3 month old kitten is too young to have “all of its shots,” which the new kitten owner’s are sometimes told.

·        Annual Physical Examination

§         Annual physical examinations provide for early detection and treatment of problems. The importance of the annual exam is stressed at Saint Francis Animal Hospital because a lot transpires in the life of an animal over the course of a year. To put it in perspective, the annual examination for your pet is like a physical every seven years for you, so a great deal needs to be addressed during the exam.

§         Vaccinations, parasite detection and dispensing of preventative medications are handled at each annual visit. In order to focus on the problems of our senior companions, geriatric exams may include diagnostic procedures such as blood work and x-rays.

Annual Vaccination Boosters include FVCP and FVCP.

FVCP Combination Vaccination (commonly known as the “Feline Distemper Vaccination” protects against:

PANLEUKOPENIA (FPL):   A widespread and potentially fatal disease which may cause a sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhea.  It is especially dangerous in kittens, but fatalities can occur in adult cats.  This is what caused the outbreak at the Humane League in Lancaster.

VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS (FVR):  A common respiratory infection of kittens and cats, which can be fatal in kittens.  Sneezing, decreased appetite and fever, followed by a thick discharge from the eyes and nose, are often observed.

CALICIVIRUS (FCV):   An upper respiratory infection with signs similar to FVR.  In addition, ulcers may be seen on the tongue and in the mouth.  FVR and FCV account for 90% of all respiratory infections in kittens and cats.

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV):     Infection with this virus can cause serious disease and death.  The virus decreases the ability of the immune system to respond to infection and may lead to development of different types of cancer.  FeLV is passed from cat to cat by direct contact, so outside cats and cats in multi-cat households are at especially high risk.  It is not contagious to humans.

§         The first Rabies vaccination is good for 1 year; Booster Vaccinations are good for 3 years.

§         State Law requires this vaccine for all cats and all cats (cats that are exposed to people).

§         Cats that are high risk, for example hunting our outside cats should receive annual boosters for added protection.

§         A fatal viral infection if the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, including humans.  The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

§         Rabies is in Lancaster County

·        Annual Stool (Fecal) Checks:

§         Your cat’s feces (stool) should be checked at least once a year for internal parasites

§         Most worms you cannot see by looking at the stool. The stool requires special processing and viewing under a microscope.

§         Kittens should have stool checked at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd check up the veterinarian. Puppies are wormed at monthly intervals until they are put on heartworm preventative. 

§         Adults should be checked at least once a year by bring in a stool sample to the clinic that is within 24hours old.

§         Tapeworms may be seen around your pet’s rectum or tail, or on the feces.  They look like pieces of rice.  Let us know if you see them, since the eggs or segments may not be present when we process and examine the feces.  If you see them, special wormers are required to kill them since regular wormers do not work against tapeworms.

·        Tick Prevention:

§         Ticks can transmit serious diseases to cats and people.  Throughout the United States there are numerous types of ticks, all with a disease carrying potential, though the kind of disease each may carry differs among the types of ticks. 

§         Frontline Plus:  Protect against Fleas and Ticks.

·        Flea Prevention:

§         Fleas are small, brown or black, wingless insects with flattened bodies.  Several types of fleas infect the hair coat of the cat or kitten.  These blood-sucking insects cause considerable irritation and distress to the infested cat. 

§         The best place to check for fleas on your cat is the hindquarters, base of tail, stomach, and groin regions.  Sometimes no fleas are found but only tiny, black granules that resemble black pepper.  This material is flea feces and consists of digested blood.  To distinguish this material from dirt, smudge it on white paper or add a drop of water to it.  If you see a reddish-brown color, your cat has fleas, even if you cannot find them.

·        Over-the counter products are usually ineffective or may cause severe reactions. 

·        Over the counter "Frontline Plus like products" have caused serious side effects and are strong insecticides.

·        Prescription Frontline Plus Products are very safe without side effects.

·        Frontline Plus:  Protects against Fleas and Ticks. 

·        Best Product Available to treat ticks and fleas.

·        We no longer carry tablet flea products like sentinel and program because:

§        The flea has to bite the cat to become infertile or die. 

§        These products do not work against ticks.

§        These products are absorbed into the cat. 

·        We prefer Frontline Plus since:

·        it is not absorbed into the cat

·        is very safe and proven effective

·        is 100 % guaranteed

·        Microchip for Permanent Identification

The Microchip is the preferred method of Identification and Lost Pet Prevention.

·        Dental Care

Dental care is very important for your pet. If unmanaged, dental problems can lead to bad breath, mouth pain, and loss of teeth. Ultimately, chronic dental disease can result in heart and kidney disease. At Saint Francis Animal Hospital, we offer dental prophylaxis including cleaning, polishing, radiographs, and treating the teeth with fluoride.