Feline Vaccinations and Laboratory Tests
 
Feline Rabies Vaccination 
·         Rabies can infect most mammals including humans. The disease affects the central nervous system and is fatal. A rabies vaccination protects your cat and the rest of your family. The Texas Department of Health requires this vaccination. Upon vaccination, we supply your pet with a rabies tag that can help identify him or her using our computer. 
Feline Distemper Vaccination 
·         The viruses that contribute to this disease complex affect the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. These vaccinations are combined in one injection to minimize discomfort. 
Feline Leukemia Vaccination 
·         FeLV is transmitted primarily through saliva and blood. This disease is highly contagious and even indoor cats that are exposed briefly to hissing, biting, or other close contact are susceptible.   This disease may also be transmitted from mother to kitten prior to birth or while nursing.  
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
·         FIV is transmitted by biting. Secondary infections are responsible for most of the clinical signs associated with FIV infection, and are the major cause of death in FIV–positive cats.
 
Laboratory Tests
 
Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Test Screening can detect these fatal viruses before or while symptoms are present. This screen is especially important for new additions to the household, before vaccination, and before surgery. 
 
Complete Blood Count can indicate infection, problems with liver or spleen, bone disease, blood disease, or blood clotting ability
 
Blood Chemistries The relative amounts of certain chemicals in the blood give indication of organ function.   
 
Intestinal Parasite Exam Many kittens are born with intestinal parasites. Many of these parasites can be passed to humans; particularly to children who play with kittens. The Texas Department of Health recommends that all kittens be dewormed with two doses of hook and roundworm medicine two weeks apart. A stool exam should be performed to detect any of the more exotic parasites such as coccidia or giardia. The presence of intestinal parasites may cause vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, poor appetite, and general debilitation. 
 
Tapeworms Tapeworms are less harmful than other intestinal parasites. These parasites are contracted when a cat consumes an infected flea. Infected cats typically shed tapeworm segments in their stool. Use of flea control (such as that provided by Advantage Multi and Advantage) will reduce the chances of tapeworm infestation. Medication is available to eliminate existing tapeworm infestation. 
 
Urinalysis In cats, testing of the urine can help diagnose conditions that lead to lower urinary tract blockage. Blockage of the urinary tract is not uncommon in male cats and can quickly become life threatening. Urine tests also indicate kidney function as well as the presence of bladder infections. 
 
Skin Scraping Exam or Fungus Culture Sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, and various bacterial infections are detected by microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Ringworm (a skin fungus) is detected by growing the fungus on specialized media. This culturing gives results in approximately one week.