Vaccinations in the scruff??

Question

Before I took my then 8 week old kitten for his first vaccinations, I read up on the different vaccinations that he would need. In learning more about them, I came across vaccine associated feline sarcoma. Supposedly, there is a risk associated with the rabies vaccine as well as the feline leukemia vaccine. One of the recommendations in order to reduce the risk of a cat getting this illness, was that no vaccine be administered in the cats scruff. Now, when I took my cat to the vet at 8 weeks, the vet administered his vaccines in his scruff. For the feline leukemia booster, it is recommended that the shot be administered below the right shoulder. I am taking my kitty to the vet for his next round of vaccinations tomorrow. He is now 12 weeks. How do I bring this up with my vet without sounding rude or a know-it-all? The last thing I want to do is anger the vet who is going to put a needle in my kitty. I just want what is best for my kitty and I want him to be safe. How should I bring it up?

Thanks and I apologize for the long-winded question.

Answer 1

Just tell him you have a few questions before your cat is vaccinated.  Explain that you have been reading online and are concerned.  I'm sure that vets get questions like that alot.  At the shelter I work in, we administer the distemper vaccine in the scruff.  We've never had a problem.  Likewise, I've seen the vets do the rabies in the scruff and haven't seen a problem either.  I don't know.  Ask him and see what he says!

Answer 2

Just discuss it in a reasonable manner with your vet. Look, I think people forget that vets have to know about many, many species, unlike Doctors who deal with one species, the human being. There are constant updates in the field of veterinary science, in relation to all manner of illnesses/conditions that affect all manner of species. For a vet to be 100% to date on absolutely everything would mean that vet is nearly super human. By that I mean, don't assume your vet isn't doing his or her job properly because they're not up on absolutely every new protocol. If they were to keep up with absolutely everything as it comes out they wouldn't have time to treat animals.

Answer 3

Most vets love when owners ask questions.  Your vet should be willing to answer your question, and tell you what they are doing and why they are doing it.  If your vet gets mad for you asking a question, maybe you have the wrong vet.  

Answer 4

Vets are trained professionals and will not get angry if you have a question or concern.

Most people who become vets have a deep love for animals, and will understand your concerns. Just tell him or her that you were researching the subject and discovered this information, and then say, "I do not want him to receive the injection in his scruff. Could you please give it to him in another spot?"

There's nothing to worry about - the vet sure won't say, "Heck, no!" and stab poor kitty in the scruff before you can react!!

I've made some requests to my vet about my kitty in the past. I insisted on having another cat with her in the vet's office to calm her down while she received a shot. I also ask about a million questions every time I'm there.

If by some crazy chance the vet refuses, find another vet.  

Answer 5

Not to harp on walk-in clinics, but they usually give cheap vaccines and it is the cheap vaccines that are most frequently causing the vaccine site sarcomas. Not always the case agreed, but it has been my experience with sarcomas in cats. I have seen sarcomas in the scruff, on the leg, on the shoulder and on the chest. Walk-in clinics serve a purpose, but it sounds like it is not the right clinic for you.

The hospital I work for charges a little more for carefully selected brands of vaccinations. I always administer in the lower part of the shoulder or leg just in case. We research our vaccines for low instances of sarcomas and high efficacy. There are veterinarians out there that look for these things. Look for those veterinarians and ask questions about there vaccine protocol. While you have the staff on the phone you are allowed to ask what type of vaccinations they use.

FYI, there is a FeLV vaccine out there that is not administered by injection but instead transdermally by a puff of forced air. We use it and so far no sarcomas and we are hoping this solves the issue. Our protocols for vaccines are also on an every three year schedule after there first year vaccinations have been done. Not to say that this is best or that it is standard, but we are taking steps to avoid the cancer.

Good luck!