Once again it's time for Khan's annual booster shots and check up, and I'm wondering whether this year I should exclude the leukaemia booster. He's had it twice before and last year 2 or 3 weeks afterwards was very poorly for about 10 days and had to be hospitalised. The diagnosis was fever of unknown origin. Because of the time scale I don't suppose it was related to the leukaemia shot - but I've seen adverse comments on this injection both on this forum and elsewhere regarding its effectiveness and possible side effects.

He's 8 now, and does go outside. Since we' ve only had him for 2 years I have no idea what boosters he received before. I would welcome any advice on this.....

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myfirstbengal

I really don't like to do the one year boosters because I think it's not necessary as mine is an indoor cat. However, I don't know very much on the subject and haven't read anything from official sources. If he would have had outside access, I'd probably do the annual boosters, but more for my peace of mind.
Vaccines take a while to build immunity, kind of 10 days to 2 weeks so it is possible the fever was because of the booster. But then again, it might have been something totally unrelated.

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Dogs have owners, cats have staff.

Thanks for your reply....am thinking that I probably will ask the vet to exclude the leukaemia shot and just have the other two. Apparently there's no problem with that.

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myfirstbengal

i personally would exclude the leukemia to my kittens had there 1st jab a few weeks back which included the leukemia(had i known better they wouldnt of had it) anyway we nearly lost them all they went down on there back legs couldnt walk were sick lost lots of weight, so on the second jab the vet said he would do it in two halves as they had such a bad reaction, i asked if it was needed and he said not for indoor cats and he couldnt garentee it wouldnt happen on the second jab so was up to me, i didnt have it done and they were fine having the 2nd jab the vet also advised me to tell new owners of the bad reaction they had and advised them not to have leukemia part on boosters so this is what we did good luck with whatever you decide x

@trace_matt - thanks for your reply, I've decided not to have the leukaemia jab for Khan - the first time he had it two years ago there seemed to be no adverse effects, but last year he was so ill - admittedly 3 weeks after the injection so it could be just coincidence - but I'm not going to take that chance. He was an outdoor cat before we rehomed him, and I was advised by the rescue centre and the vet to have the leukaemia booster each year. However, I have seen other reports of adverse reactions to this, and wonder if it is really necessary.

Thanks for your comments, hope your kittens are thriving!

Cheers, Chris

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myfirstbengal

Any vaccination can be dangerous - alot of people have reactions in young kittens sadly....I did myself with the normal Tri-cat injection which DIDNT contain Leukaemia. I also spoke to my vets and sought advice and changed to a killed vaccine - imo these are alot safer and have not had any issues with it.

I use pentofel which does cover Leukaemia - but is killed not live.

Im sure with the Bengal breed the idea was the Leukaemia was not needed - due to a level of immunity from the ALC - however being generations away now from the ALC they are domestic cats and as such I doubt this immunity is present.

If I didn't breed and show I would not however booster after the initial jabs as I don't believe in over vaccination and believe it can cause more damage then good, but if I pick any it will always be a killed and not a live one.

http://www.merialvetsite.com/sites/oxfo ... y1534.html

Those are the guidelines followed by my vets. I think they explain the pros and cons very well.

It's also worth keeping in mind that insurance and cattery stays can be affected by which vaccines you give.

Thanks for that link- very interesting and informative. Am taking Khan to the vet next week and shall discuss the options then, but am still thinking of excluding the leukemia jab, for this year anyway.

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myfirstbengal