LAKE COUNTY VETERINARY CLINICS
FELINE PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE GUIDELINES

1. ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

• This is necessary to monitor any subtle changes that can indicate serious health problems as well as assess dental disease.

o Studies report that between 50-90% of cats older than age of four years of age suffer from some form of dental disease

2. VACCINATIONS GUIDELINES:

• We have vaccinations available to protect your pet against many serious or fatal feline diseases. Vaccines stimulate your pet’s immune system to produce antibodies that will fight disease. As a kitten matures, it should receive a series of vaccinations to simulate its immune system, and as an adult cat your pet should have boosters to keep the antibodies present in order to fight off disease if they are exposed.

• Core Vaccinations

Feline Distemper Series Vaccine: (Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Calicivirus (FHV-1/FCV) – Administration Injectable

2. Rabies – Administration Injectable

• Non-Core Vaccinations: For indoor/outdoor cats, or that live in households with multiple cats

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – Administration Injectable

3. DIAGNOSTICS RECOMMENDED:

• 3DX snap test (Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency, Heart Worm Blood Test): This is a blood test that screens for Heartworm Disease in cats as well as Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

o This is performed on all kittens and cats 8 weeks of age or older to screen for these serious diseases.

• Heartworm test antigen/antibody send out: Cats should be tested before being put on prevention and re-tested as the veterinarian deems appropriate to document continued exposure and risk. (according to American Heartworm Society)

• Fecal Testing: The most common test performed on feces is a fecal flotation which is used to screen for parasites or their eggs. This is recommended to send out annually or any time a kitten/cat is exhibiting any GI symptoms

4. PARASITE CONTROL:

• Ectoparasites:

o Ectoparasites can live on the outside of your pet. Fleas and ticks are the most common and concerning ectoparasites!

• Besides the discomfort from itching and scratching, fleas and ticks can cause many other serious problems

• Fleas can pass on disease to your cat such as Mycoplasma haemofelis. This is a parasite carried by fleas that can cause life-threatening anemia.

• Ticks, most famous in Minnesota for carrying Lyme disease, may hitch a ride indoors on your cat, detach, and then feed on a person, thereby transmitting disease.

o RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Bravecto Plus Topical – Topical Treatment

• Apply topically contents of tube once every 60 days. Treats and prevents feline heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, roundworms & hookworms. Also of-label treats ear mites.

• Intestinal Parasites:

o Parasites: (Roundworms, Whipworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms) they may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in cats such as reluctance to eat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some of the intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, are “zoonotic.” This means that people can become infected through ingestion of fecal contamination. These worms can then wreak havoc in the human body.

o RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Selarid: (Selamectin) Topical Treatment

• Selarid is a monthly topical parasiticide for cats eight weeks or older. It kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month, prevention of feline heartworm disease, and off-label treats ear mites. Selarid is also indicated for the treatment and control of roundworm and intestinal hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme)infections in cats.

2. Bravecto Plus: (Fluralaner & Moxidectin) Topical Treatment

• Apply topically contents of tube once every 60 days. Treats and prevents feline heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, roundworms & hookworms. Also off-label treats ear mites.

Establishing a good parasite control program is just as important for indoor cats as it is for outdoor cats. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have the staff at LCVC’s to help keep your cherished cat, as well as your family, safe from parasites.