Infections that affect a cat's skin, fur, and claws are much easier to prevent than to treat. For these purposes, practice-tested vaccines are used. Veterinarians often recommend Vacderm F (Vacderm-F) for cats. It is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of various types of lichen. Compliance with all points of the instructions for use of the vaccine guarantees a minimum number of side effects and the effectiveness of the product.
Purpose of the drug
Vakderm F is a vaccine intended for the prevention and treatment of various forms of dermatophytosis in animals. The formula was developed by Moscow, which is also the manufacturer of this medication.
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Dermatophytosis is a contagious disease that is classified as zoonotic. Sick cats are sources of infection for other animals and humans. The causative agent is microscopic pathogenic fungi of several types. Dermatophytoses in cats manifest themselves in the form of single or multiple scaly inflammations on the skin and integument.
Under the influence of Vakderm F, the cat’s protection against ringworm and other types of lichen is enhanced.
Pets with weakened immune systems and kittens whose age has not yet reached 12 months are most susceptible to dermatophytosis. To prevent infection or stop the development of microsporia and trichophytosis, the Vakderm F vaccine is used.
Methods of infection
Many owners think that they can become infected through direct contact with a sick or stray animal, but:
- You can also become infected with lichen at exhibitions; sometimes your pet may not have significant symptoms of the disease. He is a carrier, due to his excellent immunity, he infects others, and he himself remains outwardly healthy and well-groomed.
- It is also possible for a pet that has never gone outside to “catch” this skin disease. The owner can bring fungal spores on shoes or hands.
- A pet walking on the street or in the countryside in the summer can easily become infected by walking on grass or soil, which may contain spores of this fungus, which causes a complex skin disease.
- A predisposition to lichen can be inherited.
Release form and composition
Vakderm F is marketed as a liquid for injection. The sterile solution has a pink tint and a uniform consistency without additional inclusions. The vaccine is bottled in hermetically sealed glass bottles of various capacities. One ampoule can contain different amounts of the drug: 1 ml, 2 ml or 10 ml. Each glass container is closed with a rubber stopper, which is secured with an aluminum cap. Vials of the Vakderm F vaccine are arranged in cardboard packs of 10 pieces.
It is important to remember that Vakderm F for lichen should be used within 30 minutes after opening the ampoule
The shelf life of the drug against dermatophytosis is limited to 12 months. After this time, the liquid must be disposed of. This can be done without the use of special measures (heating the vaccine or other inactivation method). After purchase, the medication must be kept out of the reach of small children. The vaccine deteriorates in light and at room temperature, so it is stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2 to +10 degrees.
The fresh vaccine contains pure cultures of three microscopic fungi, which are specially grown in a nutrient medium. Biological components include species:
- Microsporum
- Trichophyton
- Epidermophyton
The concentration of fungal cells in one ampoule is 50-80 million/cm3. During the vaccine production process, fungi are inactivated with formalin taken at a concentration of 0.3%. The same substance serves as a stabilizer in the composition of the drug. The medicinal properties of the vaccine are reinforced by the addition of the immunomodulator Ribotan at a working concentration of 0.2%. This substance enhances the immune response in the cat’s body when infected with lichen.
The Vacderm vaccine, which is similar in composition (without the “F” suffix), is intended for a wide range of domestic animals, while Vacderm-F is specifically for cats
Reviews
Let's look at a few reviews about Vakderma for cats:
- One housewife does not recommend Vakderm F to those who are inclined to self-medicate four-legged animals, as she did. Last year she adopted two kittens from the yard, then took them to the vet the next day. The doctor suspected they had ringworm, collected tests and asked them to come back for conclusions later. But she wanted to force things, purchased a Vakderm F kit and gave injections on the same day, without reading the instructions, and didn’t even bother to remove the worms. As a result, one kitten died after 3 days, and the other was saved without the help of a veterinarian. She concluded that it is better to carry out such treatment in a clinic and after a doctor’s prescription. The kittens had dermatitis and not lichen at all.
- The woman has 10 years of experience working in a pet supply store. There is a positive opinion about the Vakderm F vaccine - a reliable manufacturer, low price, the product has proven itself to be effective and provides good protection for cats against shingles. Some owners are worried that after vaccination with the vaccine, the cat will begin to develop lichen and do not dare to get another injection. It’s in vain, because the symptoms will disappear after 1-3 days, and the cat’s immunity will be activated to fight lichen. She administers this drug to her pets – a dog and a cat – once a year as a precaution. I did not notice any adverse effects.
- A cat living in a woman’s house became infected with trichophytosis. The owner was very scared, because the child was half a year old at home, and the disease is known to be contagious. The doctor prescribed Vakderm F ointments and injections. She was afraid to give injections and therefore took her to the veterinary hospital several times. The doctor warned that the remedy was effective, but not easy on the liver and the side effect would be lethargy.
After two injections, the cat’s hair grew back on her receding hairline and her appearance became noticeably more beautiful. He believes that the vaccine, together with sulfur ointments, helped overcome the disease.
Instructions for use Vakderma F
Vaccinating a cat against parasitic fungi requires adherence to the schedule and dosage. The vaccine against dermatophytosis is used twice, taking a break of 10-14 days. After about a month (25-30 days), the cat develops its own immunity against lichen pathogens. The acquired immune reaction remains in the pet’s body for up to one year.
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10-12 days before the scheduled vaccination, the cat must undergo deworming and treatment against ectoparasites with suitable drugs. The anthelmintic and insecticide are given to the pet on different days to reduce the risk of intoxication. For vaccination with Vakderm F, the dosage is chosen based on the age of the cat. For three-month-old and younger kittens, a single dose is 0.5 ml. For older pets – 1 ml of product.
It is important to follow the prescribed immunization schedule. If the appointed date is missed, it is necessary to inject the vaccine as soon as possible
How and where to inject
Before drawing the vaccine into the syringe, the bottle is heated to 36-37 degrees. This is done by holding the ampoule in the palm of your hand or placing it in a water bath. The vaccine must be administered intramuscularly. In this case, the first and second injections are given in different paws of the cat. A suitable injection site is the inner or back of the thigh. The bone on the limb is felt so as not to hit it. This is especially important if the vaccine is given to a skinny cat. According to the instructions, the site chosen for the injection is treated with a cotton pad soaked in 70% alcohol. The needle is inserted to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and the solution is slowly injected.
Possible complications
The vaccine manufacturer warns that after administration of Vakderm-F, the cat may become drowsy or have a fever. This state lasts a maximum of three days. Some owners note that a swelling forms at the injection site after vaccination. To speed up the resorption of the seal, it is recommended to lubricate the problem area once with an alcohol solution of iodine.
If a cat begins to noticeably show signs of lichen after vaccination, it means that the animal has already been infected and the incubation period has passed. In such a situation, after two weeks it is also necessary to re-inject the vaccine, maintaining the dosage according to the instructions for use. There are no more serious complications after Vakderm F.
Treat or vaccinate for ringworm?
Many owners are wondering whether it is worth vaccinating their cat, why expose it to unnecessary stress and exposure to the vaccine. If a cat gets sick, then we will treat it, and what if it overcomes such an illness, it will not have contact with sick and stray animals. Let's try to figure out this difficult issue.
As you know, if a cat gets sick, not only the animal is at risk, but the whole family is at risk. In humans, lichen is difficult to treat and takes a long time, because the fungus that causes the skin disease is quite tenacious; it can withstand direct sunlight, frost, and some antifungal medications and disinfectants.
After lichen, the following complications may occur in cats: meningitis, complex skin infections, blindness, pneumonia, neuralgia. If a vaccinated cat gets shingles, the disease will go away with milder symptoms and it will take much less time to fully recover. When the injection takes place against a healthy background, in accordance with the established schedule, then there is nothing to fear, the vaccine will only bring benefits.
Pros and cons of the drug
The widespread use of Vakderm F is explained by several advantages. These include:
- prolonged action;
- ease of use;
- possibility of prevention and treatment.
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When choosing Vacderm-F for cat vaccination, you should also remember about the existing disadvantages that either limit its use or impose certain requirements. The disadvantages include:
- Specific storage conditions for the product and a relatively short shelf life.
- Incompatibility of the drug for lichen with other medications of similar action.
- Presence of contraindications and side effects after vaccination.
Preparing a cat for shingles vaccination
In order for the animal to be vaccinated successfully, it needs to be prepared to receive the injection. Firstly, it is necessary to comply with the scheme and deadline accepted by veterinary medicine. Secondly, if the cat was treated with antibiotics, then the injection is given only 2 weeks after the end of taking the last tablet. If your cat is planning to be vaccinated against lichen, then you need to try to avoid stress, which can be caused by moving to a new place of residence, the arrival of guests, traveling on public transport, or visiting exhibitions. If there was contact with a suspicious animal the day before, it is better to postpone vaccination for a week.
Analogs
The Vakderm F vaccine has two analogues that can replace it. You can use another medication only after consulting a veterinarian. Since only a specialist is able to assess the cat’s health, the feasibility and possibility of replacement. Each of the alternative means has its own characteristics.
Microderm is a combination of dry matter and dilution solution. The therapeutic effect in cats begins to appear 10-15 days after the injection. Immunity is formed from 20-30 days. The shelf life of this vaccine is one and a half times higher than that of Vakderma-F
Polivak-TM is a ready-made injection solution containing eight types of inactivated fungi. To achieve the effect, it is recommended to administer the vaccine twice or three times. The shelf life is 18 months.
