Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (F.I.V) Infection CLIENT INFORMATION We now have an effective vaccination to protect your cat from the Feline AIDS Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (F.I.V) causes a potentially fatal viral disease that leads to progressive disruption of normal immune function. As the disease progresses Feline AIDS develops. Feline AIDS is the terminal stages of the disease. F.I.V is transmitted primarily by biting. Cats which are known fighters particularly those with a history of cat bite abscesses have a higher risk of being F.I.V positive. The virus is present in Melbourne. Burke Road Veterinary Clinic has diagnosed numerous cases recently. Common clinical signs of F.I.V infection include: gingivitis/stomatitis (inflammation of gums/mouth) weight loss, poor appetite fever swollen lymph nodes vomiting and diarrhoea recurring infections SOME APPEAR HEALTHY AND SHOW NO CLINICAL SIGNS F.I.V can be diagnosed on a blood test performed at the clinic. Cats infected with F.I.V will remain infected for the rest of their life; however it is not clear if all infected cats become ill. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease in at-risk cats F.I.V VACCINATION PROGRAM Kittens are vaccinated at 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age for F.I.V, then annually in addition to; F3 vaccine. Cats older than 6 months are tested for F.I.V prior to F.I.V vaccination. For cats that fight often, two F.I.V tests may be recommended 3 months apart. All cats that are vaccinated for F.I.V must be microchipped. The vaccination is reported to be at least 82% effective at reducing the risk of F.I.V infection. Vaccination for F.I.V is recommended by Burke Road Veterinary Clinic. Fee Schedule for F.I.V Vaccinations January 2007 Kittens less than 6 months of age: Primary F.I.V course 3 vaccines, given 2 weeks apart     $27.50each Microchip (implantation and lifetime registration)    $55.00 (Please note: owners need to let the Animal Registry know if their cat is vaccinated against F.I.V) Annual F.I.V booster vaccination Given with annual F3 vaccination ($63.80), F.I.V vaccine costs an additional    $27.50 Given without F3 booster                                                                             $74.80        Cats older than 6 months: F.I.V blood test                                                                                           $55.55 Microchip implantation and registration (if not already done)                            $55.00 Primary course 3 vaccines given 2 weeks apart       $27.50 each Annual Booster When given with F3                        $27.50 Given without F3 booster                 $74.80 (includes a full physical examination)   Vaccination for F.I.V is recommended by Burke Road Veterinary Clinic. Please telephone the clinic for an appointment on 9822 3268.

 

Note: The information in this document is supplied for use in combination with Burke Road Veterinarian Clinic consultation only and should not be relied upon as veterinary medical advice applicable to your own circumstances. Accordingly, you should not act on the basis of this information without seeking veterinary medical advice or other expert assistance at Burke Road Veterinary Clinic or other veterinarian clinic.

www.burkeroadvet.com

529 Burke Road
Camberwell Victoria 3124
Telephone: 9822 3268
Facsimile: 9822 6216
Email: theteam@burkeroadvet.com

Dr Cathy Jennings BVSc (Hons) MRCVS
Dr Tina Missen BVSc MRCVS
Dr Donna Pyke BVSc (Hons) MACVS (surg) IVAS
Dr Katrina Lange BVSc

Hours: 8.00 am to 7.30 pm Monday to Friday
8.00 am to 3.00 pm Saturday
9.00 am to 12.00 am Sunday