Kitten Cat Rabies Shots include booster shots.

In this video, (filmed here at the Harvard Veterinary Clinic), Dr. Costello talks about the subject of getting immunizations for kittens. Dr. Costello recommends that kittens be tested for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the immunodeficiency virus (FIV) generally at around the age of 12 weeks. He also recommends that kittens have booster shots (usually in a series of three) at around the time of 6 to 8 weeks of age. Thereafter, those shots should be done on a monthly basis (up until the point of when the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age). At that time, he encourages the administration of rabies injections.

The boosters are given to the kittens for different reasons. For example, each of the fractions of the vaccine stands alone. There are different viruses that are floating around out there. Each vaccine responds (within the animals) at different times and in different manners. Dr. Costello follows a regimented approach (particularly with young kittens) of following through with kitten immunization patterns on a monthly basis (until the kitten reaches about 16 weeks of age).

Kitten Cat Rabies Shots includes kitten deworming.

Here at the Harvard Veterinary Clinic, we routinely do dewormings for kittens that suffer from kitten roundworms and kitten hookworms. We run routine fecal examinations in order to see if there are other types of kitten parasites that have appeared. The physical exam will show us if there are any infestations that include fleas, kitten ringworm, or any other types of kitten diseases that may be present. We also examine them to see if there could be any potential defects with regards to their growth and development. We maintain good monitoring in the areas of body weight, growth patterns, bone structure, and other critical components because we want to make sure that the kittens are able to grow up to be nice and healthy like Colada the cat (appearing in this video).

Kitten Cat Rabies Shots include a veterinary wellness exam.

It’s time for Colada the cat to be given a kitten wellness exam. These exams are given before administering kitten vaccine injections. Dr. Costello does these exams in order to make sure that the animals have normal bodily functions. He wants to make sure that they do not have heart murmurs or any lumps, bumps, or evidence of cancer. A good circulatory system means that there is no coughing, sneezing, or signs of any other types of infectious diseases. Dr. Costello likes to speak with the pet owner during this exam in order to see how the animal has been progressing throughout the year. The doctor wants to know if any abnormalities may have developed over time (including vomiting). For example, he may ask the pet owner if the animal has been having issues that could possibly be related to increases in water consumption, urination, itching, or scratching. This is because Dr. Costello is concerned with being aware of anything that could “red flag” the potential for a pet to develop diabetes, kidney failure, or any other types of disease situations that are often connected to the aging process of an animal. Dr. Costello wants to keep a “close eye” on these situations.

During this particular exam video, Dr. Costello checks Colada’s tummy in order to make sure that there is no evidence of lumps, bumps, or pain. It is also important to check the spleen and liver for any possible abdominal masses. If Colada is not spayed, it is necessary to check for the increased potential for her to have babies (or tumors) in the uterus. The doctor checks her “all over”. This includes her urethra, her anal openings, her teeth (in case she needs a teeth cleaning), her feet, her back, and her legs (checking to make sure that there are no lumps or bumps and that she is walking properly). Additionally, a nail trim may be performed.

Dr. Costello takes a listen to Colada’s heart in order to make sure that the rhythm is normal. The doctor is checking to see if there could possibly be heart murmurs or arrhythmias. He is checking to see if the sounds are appropriate, and he is checking to see if there could be any enlargements. He also checks the rest of the chest in order to see if there are any indications of wheezing or coughing (possible indicators of infections, early forms of heart disease, or even parasitism).