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Posted by PHDrTobin on February 24, 2003 at 15:46:52:

In Reply to: Distemper Clarified? posted by Midask9 on February 24, 2003 at 14:02:41:

:Alright, I read both posts regarding distemper, one shot is good for a lifetime. Is this distemper only, or a 3-way, 4-way, etc? I read about having titers done on older pets to determine their needs, but if 1 shot is good, then no need for titers. Also, is there any documentation regarding the one shot only information? I would like to share it with my vet if any is available. Thanks for your help.

:Terri

Danny Scott, from the Cornell Vet School, has for years claimed that this is so. The distemper component of the 3 or 4 way vaccine is the only part to be concerned about, as the other components don't provide reliable protection anyway. One shot will not induce an elevated titer, but will prime the immune system and stimulate the memory cells, which will then pour antibodies into the blood if there is ever a re-exposure. That's why a booster will increase the titer. A good reason not to revaccinate is because the distemper virus is grown in cell culture on feline kidney cells, a small amount of which may get into the vaccine, so a vaccination also stimulates antibody production against feline kidney tissue. Older cats seem to die mostly from cancer, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism, the last two most likely related to the distemper vaccine.

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