Save the article:
Infections that affect the skin, fur and claws of a cat 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.
global $ads_google; //data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?>
$ads_google = true; ?> } ?>
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.
Is it possible to develop immunity to fungus?
Cats do not develop resistance to fungal forms of lichen after an illness. General immunity is produced exclusively by blood cells when a foreign agent penetrates the bloodstream.
Lichen fungi do not penetrate blood vessels and live on the surface of the skin and in the animal’s fur. Accordingly, a cat that has once had shingles can become infected again.
There is a theory about the presence of local (skin) immunity in the body of living beings. That is, skin leukocytes recognize antigens (in this case, fungi) and produce antibodies to them. Moreover, lichen fungi come into contact with the surface of the skin. It is on this fact that the assumption about the effectiveness of vaccinations against lichen is based.
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
Storage conditions
Storage rules comply with the federal law on the circulation of medicines. Vakderm can be stored in cabinets, on racks, shelves, and in refrigerators. Unpacked vials and ampoules should not be exposed to light.
Storage conditions and periods are indicated in the instructions accompanying the medicine. Typically, the temperature should not be lower than 2 °C, higher than 10 °C. The vaccine cannot be stored for longer than a year. Drugs that have expired or were stored in inappropriate conditions are destroyed.
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.
global $ads_google; //data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?>
$ads_google = true; ?> } ?>
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.
Contraindications
Vaccination is not given to the elderly, pregnant, malnourished, dehydrated or those with a fever. The veterinarian must be aware of whether the animal has undergone any treatment. When was deworming carried out? Are there any allergies to foods and medications? Based on these data and an assessment of the general condition, the issue of using Vakderm .
In addition, a cat, dog, or other pet may currently be treated for any diseases. They may be given medications. In this case, consultation with the treating veterinarian is necessary. To avoid an unpredictable reaction to the vaccine.
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.
Is vaccinating cats against lichen effective?
Today, only Russian vaccines for the prevention of lichen in animals are available in veterinary pharmacies. Abroad, such remedies have disappeared and are not used due to the low prevalence of the disease.
Since in Russia lichen is very often registered in agriculture, fur farming and among domestic pets, there is a demand for preventive biological products. However, to date, no pharmaceutical company has published reliable data or studies that support the effectiveness of vaccinating animals against zoster.
Science has not proven that antifungal vaccines can protect against possible infection. Even if you repeatedly vaccinate kittens or rabbits against lichen, upon contact with the pathogen, the animals still get sick and go through all stages of clinical development on a par with those who were not vaccinated.
The effectiveness of the vaccine was studied on a small group of experimental animals, the result was positive, so a vaccine against lichen exists.
In fact, biological products (such as vaccines) require larger studies and many animals with lichen (and pets are selected based on similar physiological parameters and the same stage of development of the disease), which is extremely difficult and financially expensive. Therefore, many experienced veterinary specialists are convinced that vaccinations against lichen are not a preventive measure. However, vaccine manufacturers have their own point of view on this matter.
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.
global $ads_google; //data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?>
$ads_google = true; ?> } ?>
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.
Side effects
Vaccination carried out in accordance with the dosage usually does not cause side effects. Rarely, lumps may occur at the injection site. Over time, the seals dissolve. Animals may sleep more than usual. Drowsiness goes away in 2-3 days.
The drug is used to treat dogs, cats and rabbits
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.
Reviews about the medicine
Owners
Larisa, 36 years old, Mozhaisk:
“My son and I picked up a kitten on the street. He was very thin and had patches of lichen all over his torso. I immediately took the foundling to the veterinarian. He prescribed the drug Vakderm in the form of injections and Zoomikol solution externally. Vakderm was administered at the veterinary clinic twice with a 2-week interval. The injections are painful, so I had to hold the cat tightly.
After the procedure he felt well. The bald areas began to grow over with hair after the second injection. 3 months have passed since the end of treatment, not a trace of lichen remains.”
Vera, 27 years old, Yelabuga:
“I have 2 cats at home. One day I noticed dark dots on one of her nose and around her mouth. The doctor said that this was a sign of ringworm and advised using Vakderm for treatment. It was also prescribed to a healthy pet to prevent infection.
The drug helped both in treatment and prevention. The only thing I didn’t like was that it comes in a solution for injections. I didn’t dare do them myself; I took my pets to the veterinarian for procedures.”
Veterinarians
Anna, veterinarian, Tobolsk:
“In my practice, when treating dermatophytoses, I often use the Vakderm vaccine. It is indicated for adult cats and kittens over 1 month old; it is effective even in difficult cases when other means do not help.
The only negative thing I can note is that the drug has a detrimental effect on the liver. In order not to harm the animal, it is important to accurately calculate the dosage. Only a specialist can do this, so do not treat your pets at home, consult a doctor.”
Gennady, veterinarian, St. Petersburg:
“When cats with dermatophytosis are brought to my appointment, in addition to external remedies, I recommend giving them the Vakderm vaccine. It not only increases the effectiveness of treatment, but also provides immunity for 12 months.
It is especially important to immunize cats that their owners let outside for walks, since it is not difficult to catch dermatophytosis there. There have never been any complaints from animal owners about adverse reactions from the drug, although I have been using it for several years.”
