Can Cat Vaccines Lead to Cancer?
The Increase in Malignant Feline Tumors is Traced to Innoculations
Jul 22, 2009
A cat owner’s primary objective is keeping his pet healthy. Good food, fresh water, exercise and generous helpings of love can all promote feline well being. But they probably aren’t enough. A conscientious owner also keeps up with his feline’s yearly checkups and vaccination schedule. But with vaccine associated feline sarcomas on the rise, the owner may be confused. Is he putting his treasured pet in danger with yearly vaccination?
What is Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma?
Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma is a tumor that forms at the injection site. This type of tumor begins as a small swelling or lump. This lump will not go away after a few weeks but instead it will grow. This type of tumor is known as a vaccine-related sarcoma and is a tumor of connective tissue. It is a form of cancer.
When these types of cancers became more prevalent, The Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force was formed in November 1996 in response to the increased incidence of soft tissue sarcomas occurring at vaccination sites. "The goals of the VAFSTF are to facilitate investigation of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of these malignancies, as well as to disseminate information to veterinarians and the cat-owning public.”
What Causes Vaccine-Related Feline Sarcoma?
The two most serious reactions to feline vaccines are anaphylaxis, (a life threatening allergic reaction that occurs immediately after the injection), and fibro sarcoma. Studies show that anaphylaxis is most likely a reaction to killed virus vaccines such as those for rabies and feline leukemia. Fibro sarcoma is likely the result of adjuvant, (added chemicals), in these vaccines.
What is the Treatment of Vaccine-Related Feline Sarcoma?
These cancerous tumors are best treated aggressively but often don’t respond to chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. According to James R. Richards, D.V.M. director of the Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “These progressive tumors continue to grow unless surgically removed.” He goes on to say that even surgery may not stop the tumor’s progress.
Prevention of Vaccine-Related Feline Sarcoma
Owners should carefully review their cat’s needs with their veterinarian to determine if their cat needs all the recommended vaccines and if the boosters are necessary. For example, a cat that is under no risk of exposure to feline leukemia may not need the FeLV vaccination against it.
The location of rabies shots and FeLV shots have changed from between the cat’s shoulder blades to the right rear leg for rabies and left rear leg for FeLV. The thought behind this, while somewhat gruesome, is that if a tumor develops the limb can be amputated, a choice some pet owners make rather than having their pet suffer from cancer. According to veterinarians, cats can get around quite well on three legs.
How Prevalent is Vaccine-Related Feline Sarcoma?
Despite the rise in cases of this disease, the chances of a pet owner’s cat contracting it are still quite low. According to the vet info website, “Vaccine-associated feline sarcomas are far rarer than the diseases your cat's vaccine protects them from. “
Ultimately, the decision to vaccine lies with the owner. It behooves him to educate himself on the risks and benefits of feline inoculations and discuss his cat’s case with his veterinarian.
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