Ask Dr. Kaia

for Aug. 20, 2003

 

Q: I have read about a tumor that cats get from vaccines and that vaccines should not be given every year. What do you think? A: It is true that there is a chance that a cat can develop a rare tumor at a vaccination site. In fact, there is a movement inside the veterinary community and in the lay culture, that is pretty much anti-yearly vaccination of all kinds.

A: My personal experience over 20 years is that I have seen lots of animals sicken and die from preventable diseases. I have yet to see even one of the supposed side effects from yearly vaccinations. I still vaccinate my own animals yearly, and feel good about it. It is up to the individual owner, but science has eradicated many diseases with vaccination, and I would hate to see them return because of fear of side effects.

Most recently, there are claims of problems related to the West Nile Vaccine. I have vaccinated hundreds of horses and have so far not seen a problem. People claim that there are around 25 cases of problems that have been reported. These cases are out of hundreds of thousands that were vaccinated and there is no proven connection to the vaccine. I am still vaccinating horses including my own.

Send your questions to:
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108

 

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