Feline Leukemia Vaccination Side Effects

According to the PetMD website, the feline leukemia virus is "responsible for a majority of deaths in household cats." This virus affects males more than females and most often strikes cats between the ages of one and six. While the virus itself is easily killed by household detergents and bleach, current vaccinations do not offer 100 percent protection against the virus when a vaccinated cat comes into contact with and shares bodily fluids, such as saliva, with an infected cat. Veterinarians have several different tests available to identify infected cats. Testing should be done prior to vaccination.

  1. Fibrosarcoma

    • This is tumor attaching itself to the connective tissue at the injection site. This tumor can become cancerous. In the 1980's, veterinarians began to notice an increase of these tumors in cats receiving the feline leukemia vaccination that used an irritating chemical called an adjuvant to stimulate the immune response. It was determined that the biological pathogen in the vaccination was not the cause of the tumor. Today, manufacturers produce both versions of the vaccination as veterinary opinion is split regarding the associated risk versus potential benefit.

    Swelling

    • As in humans, sticking a needle into a cat's skin can cause swelling. This is the body's natural response to invasion and usually dissipates within a few days as the body heals at the injection site.

    Fever

    • Again, as with humans, cats receiving vaccinations are gaining immunity to a specific disease by having a small dose of it injected into their blood system. Fever is a natural response to fighting disease and low-grade fever is one of the symptoms of feline leukemia. Therefore it only makes sense that a cat receiving this vaccination may have an elevated temperature. Follow your veterinarian's advice regarding monitoring this side effect.

    Lethargy

    • Decreased stamina, loss of interest and fatigue are all symptoms a cat with feline leukemia will exhibit. It should not be alarming if a cat receiving a vaccination is a bit lethargic and tired for a day or two. Remember how you felt after getting a flu vaccine? Your cat is feeling the same way. Pamper him or her and again, follow your veterinarian's advice in monitoring this side effect.