6/2 Rusty AMPS 169, +5.5 73, return from vet: +9 96, PMPS 258, +4.5 215

Yesterday

Good Morning, Everyone, and Happy Full Strawberry Moon! (see the separate Full Strawberry Moon Condo for details about tonight's party),

Rusty had a good night and ate most of his nighttime food. This morning he wanted us up early, but I convinced him to go back to sleep! It's still in the 40s and raining, but tomorrow it is supposed to be a bit more spring-like with some sun. I'm glad I postponed the bike ride to next Tuesday!

My question:
Rusty has his semi-annual "wellness" check-up this afternoon. According to the vet's records, he is due for the 3-year FVRCP vaccine, but after reading Dr. Pierson's chapter on vaccines ( Catinfo.org), I am apprehensive about submitting him to this. 3 years ago he was titered for Panleukopenia and tested 1:256, which I gather means he is well protected (anything above 1:8 = protected and the higher the number the better). Nonetheless, for a reason I don't recall, he was given the vaccine anyway at that time (perhaps for the herpes and calici components?). Anyway, I will discuss the vaccination question with the vet. Rusty is older now (16?) and the drawbacks (sarcoma; increased chance of kidney disease) seem to outweigh the benefit. I think I will ask the vet to postpone giving the vaccine and instead have him titered for Panleukopenia again. What would any of you do?

bbl,

Ella & Rusty

I'm glad Rusty had a good night! Sending along good vetty vines for today, too. I'm not sure what to say about the vaccine. Personally I'm also apprehensive about over-vaccinating, too, (I think vaccines are important, but I also think there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing") and I don't vaccinate my guys (especially Trix), but at the same time, they never go out. Of course they could GET out, but we take extra precautions to prevent that (and they don't seem too interesting making a big escape). Since Rusty does go outside at times, that is something to consider. Titering is a good idea...something worth talking to the vetty about, and that is probably where I would start, too.

I'm sure others will have more "technical" answer than mine!

I'm not sure about the vaccine either. I only get the rabies vaccine for my kitties because it's required by WV law. I'm leery of getting something that's not necessary and may cause more harm than good. Since Rusty goes outside, you may want to consider it. Sending good vetty vines.

Morning Ella

Looking good today Rusty. Lagoon next? What's with the early wake-up call? Us beans need our sleep.

A bit of rain here today too! At least fr a couple of days then back to some sunshine for us too. Nice move on postponing the bike ride.

I have reached the point with Elsa where we will not vaccinate going forward. at 18 yrs old, I just don't think she needs them, especially with her health beginning to decline. Titering is a good idea...something worth talking to the vetty about, and that is probably where I would start, too. It can eliminate what isn't needed. Good luck with your decision. And Rusty, you have a good vetty appt!

Have a great day Ella.

My vet stops vaccinations at 10 years. He might even stop them earlier now. He was one of the first to go to every 3 years when my cats were not even 10. At that point Tiffany had early CRF and he stopped vaccinating both of them.

Hi Ella! want to add my 2 cents on vaccinations. I stopped them 7/8 years ago for all my fur babies. I have read too many negative things about them. Of course, mine dont go outside at all, so Im not concerned. I dont even give them the state required rabies either, and it hasnt been an issue, with the groomers or vets so far.My clan are all seniors..15, 15, and 14. I witnessed a senior dog at the vets last month who had a bad reaction to the rabies shot, and he got them regularly with no reaction until that last one..it was scary! Thats just my personal opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks, guys! I'll let you know what happens this afternoon. Rusty is unhappy because I told him he was going to the vettybean!

Good vett vines for Rusty. Tess doesn't get vaccinated any more either. Emma and Izzy do because they have more outdoor exposure and you have to have a certain amount of time before you can do the 3 year. when they do get vaccinated we only allow PureVac.

Good vetty vines coming your way! Tarragon hasn't been vaccinated in 12 years, since he had a reaction to the rabies vaccine. He also rarely goes outside. I hope you have a good vet visit. Have a great day Ella!

My three don't get vaccinated, they are strictly indoor cats, so the vet doesn't think it's necessary. However, my kitten did get her booster after I adopted her. I go with my vet's recommendations, and so far she says not needed.

Aw, Rusty, I's sorry you gots to go to vettybean, but cheer up -- there's a pawty tonight!!!
Wuv,
Lulu

Retroactive vetty vines for the Rusty-boy. (I don't vaccinate anymore, either. Ran titers for a while and always discovered my guys were still protected. Now, don't even do the titers.) My vet doesn't have a problem with it.

Marilyn and Polly

Hi again,
We're back from the vet and all went well. She agreed that Rusty doesn't need the FVRCP vaccine. So we did all the blood tests, urinalysis, etc. and the bloodwork can be picked up tomorrow, the urinalysis when it gets back from the lab. The vet thought Rusty looked wonderful. He gained 1/2 pound since his last weigh-in there (he now is 15 lbs. on the vet's analog scale; several days ago he was 14 lbs., 12.5 oz on our digital scale).
Now he's busy trying to get the vetty smell off.
@Ann & Tess : Yo Tess, it's a good thing you've got the spa treatment in the kittybus this evening: I reek of vetty smell!
~ Rusty

BG was 96 when we got home, but I expect a vetty bounce to begin soon.

Thank you all for your thoughts on vaccines.

Ella & Rusty

Yo Kitties! I'm ready for the PARTY!!
~ Rusty

Late to the party, as usual. My Vet does the three year plan, and uses the Pure Vac for rabies. However, she does not vaccinate cats that have had cancer unless there is a compelling reason (another cat in the household with the disease, etc.), therefore, none of my kitties will be vaccinated in the future. She said if I ever run into a problem with boarding, she will write me a letter. No worries there - Dawn cares for mostly special needs kitties so she knows most don't get vaccinated anymore and she keeps them separate.

I'm glad all went well at the vet. Sending good vines for the lab results.

Cinco keeps asking if the bus is here yet!

I'm glad it all looked good. More good vines for the labs....

Rusty, way to rock the vet visit!

Glad to hear Sir Rusty had a good vetty visit- hooray on the weight gain!! Vines for good labwork being sent too!

We have the post-vetty-visit bounce this evening. But Rusty left for the Full Strawberry Moon Party in good spirits. I'm sure the kitties are having a wonderful time. We have an amazing full moon here in the Adirondacks: it is surrounded in mist.

Thanks for all the help and visits today,

Ella & Rusty