My girls are 13, indoor only and last received a distemper shot around age 6-7. My vet at the time agreed since they were strictly indoor only, we could forego their shots, save for rabies.
We have a dental appointment for both girls next week as their teeth are in bad shape. Appointment was made 2-3 months ago. Vet office calls me today and says they don't have distemper shots on record for my cats and would I bring them in for the vaccine prior to the dental appointment. They said there could be some risk if they do not get the shot and there may a be chance of exposure as they will be at the vet office all day. If we don't get the shot, I may be allowed to keep the appointments if I sign a waiver.
What are the risks here? One reason we stopped was because my cats would have a lousy day or two after their vaccine shots. Would having distemper shots for the first half of their lives still confer any protection at age 13?
If we do opt to get the shots, what are the risks for them at this stage of their lives? And also are their risk of getting the shots and then having dental surgery in such a short time period? Would getting the shots only a few days or less before surgery provide them enough protection anyway?
We have a dental appointment for both girls next week as their teeth are in bad shape. Appointment was made 2-3 months ago. Vet office calls me today and says they don't have distemper shots on record for my cats and would I bring them in for the vaccine prior to the dental appointment. They said there could be some risk if they do not get the shot and there may a be chance of exposure as they will be at the vet office all day. If we don't get the shot, I may be allowed to keep the appointments if I sign a waiver.
What are the risks here? One reason we stopped was because my cats would have a lousy day or two after their vaccine shots. Would having distemper shots for the first half of their lives still confer any protection at age 13?
If we do opt to get the shots, what are the risks for them at this stage of their lives? And also are their risk of getting the shots and then having dental surgery in such a short time period? Would getting the shots only a few days or less before surgery provide them enough protection anyway?