Harley and Pattie
Member Since 2010
I either heard or read that the rabies shot that is given in the scruff of the neck can cause cancer in a cat. Is this true or a rumor. If true, is there a rabies shot that is ok.
Pattie
Pattie
Rabies shot - is this one ok?
- Thread starter Harley and Pattie
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SHK
Member Since 2012
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
I don't know if that's true or not. However, here's my story and you can take it with a grain of salt. My cat had a malignant tumor removed from his side (not his scruff) last year. He was lucky in that they were able to get it all with the first surgery, and did not have to undergo treatment. He is an older cat (not sure how old - btwn 8-12 yrs?) and was adopted a few years ago, and we don't know if he ever got a vaccine before, but he did get one when he came to the shelter. When I asked what could have caused his cancer, the vet told me about a study he read that some cats are predisposed to getting tumors, both malignant and benign, at or around the rabies vaccination site. The study documented low grade rabies vaccinations in cats over a certain age - I think it was five years old (I'm also probably using the wrong words, but basically the cheap-o rabies vaccine vendors?). Some of the cats in the study were immune compromised too, so honestly - it could have been anything that made those cats develop a tumor.
I took this information at face value, and was already leaning toward not getting his rabies booster. He's just hasn't ever been a very healthy cat, and now... with diabetes added to his plate... My vet agreed with me, and supported my decision against vaccinating him further. If I can find a link to where this particular study was published, I'll post it for you. I do want to stress that my vet never said there was proof that the rabies vaccine causes cancer, especially in the general feline population. But it was information that seemed to have a lot of factors related to my cat.
My state requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies, but it allows for your vet to waive the vaccine in writing if your pet's health would be affected. If you get more answers from other posters, and you are concerned, maybe your state has this same rule? My cat does not have contact with other un-vaccinated animals, nor is he allowed outdoors. Have you asked your vet yet? Do you trust him/her?
I don't know if that's true or not. However, here's my story and you can take it with a grain of salt. My cat had a malignant tumor removed from his side (not his scruff) last year. He was lucky in that they were able to get it all with the first surgery, and did not have to undergo treatment. He is an older cat (not sure how old - btwn 8-12 yrs?) and was adopted a few years ago, and we don't know if he ever got a vaccine before, but he did get one when he came to the shelter. When I asked what could have caused his cancer, the vet told me about a study he read that some cats are predisposed to getting tumors, both malignant and benign, at or around the rabies vaccination site. The study documented low grade rabies vaccinations in cats over a certain age - I think it was five years old (I'm also probably using the wrong words, but basically the cheap-o rabies vaccine vendors?). Some of the cats in the study were immune compromised too, so honestly - it could have been anything that made those cats develop a tumor.
I took this information at face value, and was already leaning toward not getting his rabies booster. He's just hasn't ever been a very healthy cat, and now... with diabetes added to his plate... My vet agreed with me, and supported my decision against vaccinating him further. If I can find a link to where this particular study was published, I'll post it for you. I do want to stress that my vet never said there was proof that the rabies vaccine causes cancer, especially in the general feline population. But it was information that seemed to have a lot of factors related to my cat.
My state requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies, but it allows for your vet to waive the vaccine in writing if your pet's health would be affected. If you get more answers from other posters, and you are concerned, maybe your state has this same rule? My cat does not have contact with other un-vaccinated animals, nor is he allowed outdoors. Have you asked your vet yet? Do you trust him/her?
Dyana
Member Since 2009
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
I found lumps on both of my cats about 3 weeks after getting their rabies shots in the scruff.
I googled and found stuff like this: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pets/msg102055462985.html?11
That was years ago. I now, only let my vet give vaccines in the leg, and I ask for the live 1 year vaccine, now.
I found lumps on both of my cats about 3 weeks after getting their rabies shots in the scruff.
I googled and found stuff like this: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pets/msg102055462985.html?11
That was years ago. I now, only let my vet give vaccines in the leg, and I ask for the live 1 year vaccine, now.
Hope + (((Baby)))GA
Member Since 2009
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
Most vets know to give FeLeuk vaccine in left hind leg and rabies in right hind leg.
Most vets know to give FeLeuk vaccine in left hind leg and rabies in right hind leg.
squeem3
Member Since 2009
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
The adjuvant containing rabies vaccine can cause what is called a vaccine associated sarcoma. I don't recall if this particular type of rabies vaccine is given in the scruff or leg. If it is given in the scruff and a sarcoma develops, it is hard to treat. If it is given in the leg, at least the leg can be amputed if necessary to prevent the spread of the sarcoma.
Purevax makes a non-adjuant containing rabies vaccine that is safer. It is a 1 year vaccine and is given in the leg. Ask your vet for speficially for the Purevax rabies vaccine. Some vets may not keep this in stock and will have to order it.
Many states require by law for all pet cats and dogs to be rabies vaccinated. There may be a waiver your vet can fill out if your pet cannot receive the vaccination.
The adjuvant containing rabies vaccine can cause what is called a vaccine associated sarcoma. I don't recall if this particular type of rabies vaccine is given in the scruff or leg. If it is given in the scruff and a sarcoma develops, it is hard to treat. If it is given in the leg, at least the leg can be amputed if necessary to prevent the spread of the sarcoma.
Purevax makes a non-adjuant containing rabies vaccine that is safer. It is a 1 year vaccine and is given in the leg. Ask your vet for speficially for the Purevax rabies vaccine. Some vets may not keep this in stock and will have to order it.
Many states require by law for all pet cats and dogs to be rabies vaccinated. There may be a waiver your vet can fill out if your pet cannot receive the vaccination.
Linda and Bear Man
Member Since 2009
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
Dr. Lisa's site has a very good section on vaccines.
http://catinfo.org/
Dr. Lisa's site has a very good section on vaccines.
http://catinfo.org/
arozeboom
Member Since 2011
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
I've run across a lot of sites mentioning vaccine-associated sarcomas while researching feline cancers lately.
http://www.avma.org/vafstf/
I've run across a lot of sites mentioning vaccine-associated sarcomas while researching feline cancers lately.
http://www.avma.org/vafstf/
PeterDevonMocha
Member Since 2009
Re: Is this a fact - rabies shot
We just got mocha her rabies shot vaccine .. We had to call nearly 20 vets to find one that carried the Purevax vaccine .. but even the vet said while the outcome is small with the other vaccine, why take the risk? We agreed.
We just got mocha her rabies shot vaccine .. We had to call nearly 20 vets to find one that carried the Purevax vaccine .. but even the vet said while the outcome is small with the other vaccine, why take the risk? We agreed.
Harley and Pattie
Member Since 2010
Talked with vet about rabies shot for Harley. They use pure vaccine from Merial, given every year and canary pox. Can anyone tell me if this one is ok.
Pattie
Pattie
squeem3
Member Since 2009
Harley and Pattie said:
Yes, that is the one you want. Here is the product info: http://us.merial.com/pdf/labels/purevaxfelinerabies.pdf
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