CATscratches.NET

WELCOME - About VAS

home

VAS Menu

~About VAS~
~Tripods~

~More~ Information About VAS

~VAS~ Merchandise

Vas Home

My Site Menu

~My Stores~
Cafe Press
Other

Contact CAT
~Links~
~About Us~

~Credits~
will work for tuna
About VAS   More Information   Tripods   Awareness Items

PawPrint icon
VAS
You think you do everything you can to protect your cats,
and give them a long healthy life?
Wonderful. :)
Unfortunately, one thing we do out of love for our beloved pets can cause a horrible condition that, if left unchecked, will cut your pets life very short.

That condition is a cancer called Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAS), Also known as Injection Site Sarcoma (ISS).
Even if detected and aggressively treated, it will remain a threat thereafter...
But with knowledge, you can reduce your pets risks of contracting VAS...
and if your pet DOES contract it, knowledge can help you get the right help quickly enough to give the best chance of recovery.

VAS is a cancer that pets, usually cats, contract at the site of an injection... mainly vaccinations.

Does that mean you shouldn't vaccinate your pets?
Well, some vaccinations are required by law. The others are your personal choice.
However, vaccinate only with knowledge!
Please confer with your vet to develop a customized vaccination program based on your individual cat's lifestyle, age and risks or exposure. Some diseases are not much of a threat, or no threat at all, to indoor cats; some diseases are lethal to kittens but not really dangerous to adults; not all diseases are present in all localities; all those factors need to be considered.

There are ways of making vaccinations safer:

  • First and foremost, be sure your vet is knowledgable about the dangers and treatment of VAS.. Some say, the word out to the medical community is that VAS is no longer an issue, however the prevalence of new cases of the cancer seem to prove that is not so.
  • Only give vaccines as needed. If your pet has had a multi-year vaccination, don't let the vet give it annually "Just to be sure".
  • Use NEW needles only - no sterilized re-use.
  • Vaccinations should be given at room temperature, not straight from the fridge.
  • Ask your vet for Non-Adjuvanted vaccines, to reduce the risk of VAS.
  • Give vaccination in a limb, not in the scruff of the neck.
  • Do not give vaccinations at the site of a previous injury.

If your pet DOES develop a lump at the site of an injection, Again, be SURE your Vet is familiar with VAS diagnosis. If the determination is made that your pet has VAS, ask your vet to help find a specialist for VAS treatment. Quick and Aggressive treatment is a MUST for survival and recovery.
PawPrint icon
CAT image