Vaccination of Kittens at the Time of Surgery

Reese, M. J., E. V. Patterson, et al. (2008). "Effects of anesthesia and surgery on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 233(1): 116-121.

There are many potential situations where it is desirable to vaccinate kittens at the time of spay or neuter surgery, such as in shelter situations where compliance with post-adoption recommendations is poor. Shelters commonly spay or neuter kittens at or near the time of vaccination. However, the effects of anesthesia and surgery on the immune response of kittens to vaccination is unknown. In this prospective controlled trial, 32 specific-pathogen free kittens were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: neutering at 7, 8, 9 weeks of age, or no neutering. All kittens received a modified live virus vaccine against feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine was administered at 14 weeks of age. Serum antibody titers against FHV, FCV, FPV and rabies were determined at various time points. Serologic responses of kittens spayed or neutered at the time of vaccination were not different from the other groups. Importantly, many kittens that were last vaccinated at 14 weeks of age had inadequate antibody titers at 17 weeks. The researchers conclude that kittens may be vaccinated in the perioperative period when necessary, and the last vaccination should be given no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
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Related articles:
Poulet, H. (2007). "Alternative early life vaccination programs for companion animals." J Comp Pathol 137 Suppl 1: S67-71.
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Richards, J. R., T. H. Elston, et al. (2006). "The 2006 American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel report." J Am Vet Med Assoc 229(9): 1405-41.
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Management of Feline Dystocia

Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Medical management of canine and feline dystocia." Theriogenology 70(3): 332-336.

Dystocia is derived from the Greek "dys" and "tokos", meaning a difficult, painful or abnormal parturition. It is not always easy to differentiate normal labor and delivery from dystocia. There are several potential causes for dystocia in the queen, only some of which are amenable to medical management. Educated and careful decision making is aided by a thorough history and physical examination, as well as certain diagnostic tests. This review article describes the decision making process for instituting medical management for dystocia in the queen, as well as the available therapeutic options.
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Related articles:
Traas, A. M. (2008). "Surgical management of canine and feline dystocia." Theriogenology 70(3): 337-342.
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Care of Neonatal Kittens

Lawler, D. F. (2008). "Neonatal and pediatric care of the puppy and kitten." Theriogenology 70(3): 384-392.


The few weeks from birth to weaning is an intensive period of adjustment to the extrauterine environment and preparation for the stresses of post-weaning development. The first 4 weeks of life are a high-risk time for abnormal developmental problems, environmental stressors, and infectious diseases. This review article covers the most common problems veterinarians may face in kittens from birth to weaning, such as low birth weight, hypoxia, failure of passive transfer, hypoglycemia, dehydration, and nutrition.
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Related articles:
Sparkes, A. H., K. Rogers, et al. (2006). "A questionnaire-based study of gestation, parturition and neonatal mortality in pedigree breeding cats in the UK." J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 145-57.
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More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library