modified live vaccines????

[admin]

I'm glad that things worked out for the majority of you, but IMO, if I'm going to err, I'd rather it be on the side of caution. At least if something goes wrong (which it shouldn't with a dead virus, correct?) it won't be because I didn't follow my breeder's advise. I can't imagine the pain it causes a breeder to entrust their kitten to someone who goes against their instruction, and God forbid, loses the kitten for whatever reason. We all have a huge emotional investment in our SVs and face it, monetary too, when you think about vet bills, entertainment, comfort, etc. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if a decision of mine caused me to lose my beautiful boy. I'm not saying that other breeders aren't giving sound advice to new owners; I'm just saying that this is what my breeder told me, and I will follow her instruction to the letter, as any breeder would want their purchaser to do.

You need to follow your breeder's advice...you will probably not get any consensus on the MLV vs Killed question anyway

 

[John Popp]

You're definitely right MrsCC as it makes it impossible not to have the conversation. If something were to happen, and sometimes it does regardless of the type of vaccine, it would be really difficult thinking that you could have done something differently. That hanging over our head is why this persists and we just don't want to risk fate despite there being nothing that actually supports the claims. Pretty much just like stepping on a crack, breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder or my personal favorite having a black cat cross your path as that's part of my daily routine.

 

[admin]

As for the killed virus, because of the adjuvants being linked to sarcomas at the injection site...the MLV rabies vaccine, in particular, is being used by more and more vets because it is a recombinant.

Killed vaccines cannot stimulate as effective a response as MLV and so adjuvants are added to help do that...

So each breeder has their own opinion and advises their buyers accordingly...nothing right or wrong about it...

 

[Wyldthingz]

As for the killed virus, because of the adjuvants being linked to sarcomas at the injection site...the MLV rabies vaccine, in particular, is being used by more and more vets because it is a recombinant.

Killed vaccines cannot stimulate as effective a response as MLV and so adjuvants are added to help do that...

So each breeder has their own opinion and advises their buyers accordingly...nothing right or wrong about it...

I think it is easier for you to understand that Paige, as a science person. Some people see "LIVE" and run the other way. They don't know that LIVE has been altered to a "modified" live or what an adjuvent is and how it works on the immune system.

I agree that if your breeder puts in contract that you HAVE to use Killed, then do it. It is just unfortunate that they really don't understand the concepts behind the vaccines. The vaccine companies are there to be called for any of these explainations. There is no excuse to play ignorant in this day and age.

Bottom line, it is a rare cat that will have an issue to either vaccine.

 

[admin]

Yes, you are probably right Kelly and I guess maybe I will take the time later to explain the terminology...thanks for the reminder!

 

[Mrs.CC]

You need to follow your breeder's advice...you will probably not get any consensus on the MLV vs Killed question anyway

I wasn't looking for one. I'm just saying that I'm following my breeder's advice, as I would expect any purchaser to do. I'm not well versed in the world of vaccines. If a breeder uses MLVs for his/her cats without problems, it's probably safe to assume that the offspring will have no problems. If a breeder only uses dead viruses, I imagine it best to stick with dead virus vaccines for those offspring. Some human children end up with autism after certain vaccinations, and I know this because it happened to my friend's child; a beautiful little girl who was normal in every way until she received her 2nd series of shots. I'm not going to tell that mother she's wrong. Who should know the child better than her mother? Just as you breeders know your cats, and what works for you. I'm not trying to sway anyone into using one vaccine or the other. Anytime a virus is introduced to your system, there's a risk. FOLLOW YOUR BREEDER'S ADVISE, period.

 

[Wyldthingz]

It isn't that simple, Mrs. CC. It is not about what works for who it is more about what is safest and WHY. If you agree to a contract, then you have to abide by it. If you don't have a contract that is specific in vaccines, then I want to do what is safest according to documented studies and anecdotal breed myth. Vaccines and children are a totally different concept because you are speaking of protecting the public vs. protecting your child. If I give LIVE vs. Mod live isn't isn't an ethical choice, both provide immunity but the question is which is best in the long run.

 

[Mrs.CC]

It isn't that simple, Mrs. CC. It is not about what works for who it is more about what is safest and WHY. If you agree to a contract, then you have to abide by it. If you don't have a contract that is specific in vaccines, then I want to do what is safest according to documented studies and anecdotal breed myth. Vaccines and children are a totally different concept because you are speaking of protecting the public vs. protecting your child. If I give LIVE vs. Mod live isn't isn't an ethical choice, both provide immunity but the question is which is best in the long run.

So do the majority of veterinarians believe that MLV is the best? Do most animals who receive the dead virus come down with sarcoma? I'm just trying to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each. I don't know that I always trust drug companies. As with most huge companies, I imagine their bottom line is to make money. People travel to other countries for proven treatments not allowed in the USA, as they aren't approved by the FDA, AMA, etc., so I tend to question things. I know comparing human need to animal, is like apples to oranges, but the underlying principle is the same. Forgive me if I seem argumentative...my mother always said it was one of my worse traits; and it's not my intention.

 

[John Popp]

From my perspective, we have breeders who don't know enough about science to be making a judgement and veterinarians who don't know enough about the breed to tell SV owners anything with a degree of certainty. I'm sure she doesn't want this heaped on her shoulders, but when Paige says something on the subject, I take note as she has her hands in both worlds. When I see mention on an FAQ at a breeders site, it rings of herd mentality and a derivative of logical fallacy.

Ask your vet! If your vet can deliver a statement with a level of conviction and understanding on the subject you should follow their lead. Most won't as there is a degree of uncertainty with their understanding of hybrid cats and your left with following the advice of the breeder. Also, as Kelly stated, if it's in your contract you should abide by it.

We all want to do what's best for our pets and despite going through a ton of data you aren't going to come up with a definitive answer, as has been illustrated in this thread. Either way you travel there is a very small chance of your cat or kitten having an adverse reaction which is the case with all vaccines. Ask the questions of your vet and breeder, make your decision with confidence and don't lose sleep over it. Easier said than done, just keep in mind that all involved have the best interest of your pet at heart.

 

[Mrs.CC]

My vet has been very accommodating. One thing that did give me pause, was a suggestion that we get his booster at the time of neuter. I didn't like the idea, as Triton would already be receiving a shock to his system. I was also previously told by my breeder that Triton was good until he turned a year old. I doubled checked with my breeder, and found out I was correct about both points. I figure as long as I keep the lines of communication going between myself, the breeder, and the vet, it will all work out just fine.