Feline leukaemia
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 8:30 pm
Hi all
I recently adopted two cats, age 5 and 4 and thought to be father and son. The owner had died and it is unknown if they were tested for, or had been vaccinated again the leukaemia virus. They had their first vaccine 12 days ago and have both developed a swelling at the site of vaccination. I previously had a cat that this used to happen to and it was a benign reaction. However what is concerning me is that it has occurred to both of them. I have spoken to my vet who said to keep an eye on it and that it is unlucky that it's happened to both of them. I'm now having concerns. I'm figuring it could be a benign reaction but am also worrying its because they are already infected with the virus and hence the antibodies are reacting at the site. I'm also wondering if they have been infected with leukaemia virus but are now immune, which again would result in them having antibodies.
Does anyone have experience of this or have your cats reacted to the vaccine before? I have read about vaccine induced sarcomas but I'm not considering this. They did live in a cattery for a while..
Thanks for any advice. I am going to discuss this further with my vet and get them tested but in the meantime I am stressing a little.
I recently adopted two cats, age 5 and 4 and thought to be father and son. The owner had died and it is unknown if they were tested for, or had been vaccinated again the leukaemia virus. They had their first vaccine 12 days ago and have both developed a swelling at the site of vaccination. I previously had a cat that this used to happen to and it was a benign reaction. However what is concerning me is that it has occurred to both of them. I have spoken to my vet who said to keep an eye on it and that it is unlucky that it's happened to both of them. I'm now having concerns. I'm figuring it could be a benign reaction but am also worrying its because they are already infected with the virus and hence the antibodies are reacting at the site. I'm also wondering if they have been infected with leukaemia virus but are now immune, which again would result in them having antibodies.
Does anyone have experience of this or have your cats reacted to the vaccine before? I have read about vaccine induced sarcomas but I'm not considering this. They did live in a cattery for a while..
Thanks for any advice. I am going to discuss this further with my vet and get them tested but in the meantime I am stressing a little.