Cats are often susceptible to fungal diseases and diseases caused by infection with skin parasites. When parasites feed on the blood of an animal, they cause a lot of trouble. Why do cats lose their mood and become nervous? This leads to a decrease in immunity. And bites are not just reddened areas, but also microcracks and wounds through which other infections inevitably penetrate.
A cat's immune system can almost always fight off any disease on its own. But for this to happen, it must be at a fairly high level. Sometimes a cat’s body develops immunity from fungal diseases and lichen over time, but it takes a long time for this to happen and this involves a certain amount of risk for the animal. To do this, the cat needs to get sick with one or another disease at least once. But there is a safer, shorter path to a good immune system. Infection with a harmless dose of the disease, with the help of which the body’s resistance is enhanced. Therefore, various medications have been developed.
Very often, Vakderm is used for this - an effective vaccine that is needed to prevent the occurrence or treatment of dermatophytoses
Indications for use
Ringworm
The drug vacderm was specially developed by scientists in order to prevent the occurrence of fungal infections in pets. Important conditions are compliance with the vaccine administration regimen and annual vaccinations. This boosts the immune system and resists the appearance of diseases in animals and their owners.
The vaccine is intended to prevent the following diseases in cats:
- microsporia (ringworm) - can be acute or chronic. Superficial or internal. There is an asymptomatic course of the disease. The disease is easy to determine by its appearance - bald patches, sores, itching, the formation of a white dry coating, pus;
- trichophytosis - infection of the body by fungi. Transmitted through other animals and rodents. And also may not have any symptoms for a very long time. As a rule, it manifests itself in brittle hair, hyperemia of the skin, and bald spots.
Such infections can occur in any cat, regardless of breed, age or coat.
But they are most dangerous for kittens, old cats and cats with very weak immune systems.
For the treatment of dermatophytoses,
Vakderm is used to treat diseases if the disease is at an initial stage. Otherwise it won’t help, the animal’s condition will only get worse.
Composition, release form and packaging
This drug is both a vaccine and a medicine, that is, it is used for both prevention, treatment and treatment.
The active ingredient in this drug is dead spores of fungi , most often causing skin diseases in cats, dogs and some other domestic animals (so-called dermatophytes). There are three of them:
- Microsporum canis - most often it affects cats;
- Microsporum gypseum - this “reptile” lives in the soil and, although not so often, also causes skin diseases in animals;
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is one of the causative agents of ringworm (another name for this disease, by the way, is trichophytosis, from the name of the causative agent).
Did you know? The word “lichen” is believed to come from the Old Slavonic “likh”, later - “dashing”, that is, evil, bad. In the old days, venereal diseases, in particular syphilis, were called bad diseases. Skin diseases traditionally rank somewhere nearby and are considered almost as “shameful.”
To produce the drug, spores of these fungi are grown in a special nutrient medium that promotes the development of specific microorganisms and prevents the proliferation of all others. To stabilize the process, 0.3% formaldehyde is added to this environment. In one cubic centimeter of the finished preparation, the number of mushrooms should be from thirty to fifty million.
Vakderm is available in two forms - dry and liquid, but both are used exclusively for injection.
In liquid form, the drug is a cloudy but homogeneous yellow-brown substance containing a suspension of mushrooms; in dry form, it is a mass of porous structure of the same color.
The vaccine is packaged in hermetically sealed ampoules with a capacity of one to five “cubes” or vials (penicillin for smaller doses or glass for larger ones) of 1, 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 450 cc. The bottle must be sealed with a rubber stopper with an aluminum cap. Containers for large quantities of injections must be appropriately graduated. In addition, the following information :
- name of the drug;
- serial number;
- Date of issue;
- best before date;
- link to TU.
The drug is sold in boxes containing ampoules or bottles and the corresponding instructions for use. Wholesale sales require additional packaging (boxes or large dense boxes).
Operating principle
If you apply Vakderm 2 times with an interval of 2 weeks, then in about a month the animal will form an immune system and develop protection against dermatophytosis. The protection resulting from the action of the product lasts about a year. The concentration of fungal bacteria in one dose is somewhere around 30-50 million / cm 3. There is no need to worry about the application. It is safe, capable of treating and protecting against the onset of diseases.
If the animal is vaccinated during the incubation period of the disease, its symptoms will appear faster on the skin of cats. And after 10 days, repeat the use of the medication.
Vakderm vaccine for cats and dogs. Application, side effects and price of Vakderm
Vakderm is a veterinary drug, vaccine, immunotherapeutic drug. Prevents and treats trichophytosis and microsporia. The common name for these infections is dermatophytosis. In everyday life, the name “ringworm” was assigned to it.
The infection occurs in cats, dogs, and other domestic and wild animals. Can be transmitted between individuals of different species. Most importantly, people are susceptible to this infection. Most often, a person becomes infected through contact with stray animals, especially stray cats.
Dermatophytes are fungi that have left their natural habitat. From the earth they moved into animal tissues containing keratin. Microsporum and trichophyton have become accustomed not only to the fur and epidermis of animals. They feel good in people's hair and skin.
Dosage and method of administration
Vaccination must be regular.
There are certain vaccination instructions that must be followed.
- A week and a half before introducing Vakderm to an animal, it is necessary to poison the worms. To prevent parasites from reducing the animal’s immunity. Otherwise, the body will not cope with the vaccine and serious complications may occur.
- Take all necessary measures to ensure that excess microbes do not enter the animal’s body through wounds and destroy existing ones.
- Use only sterile medical instruments.
- Each needle is intended for only one animal.
- Treat the area where the syringe will be inserted to administer the medication with alcohol.
- Before administration, warm the container with its contents to the animal’s body temperature.
- Be sure to enter 2 times. Repeat in a year.
- If it was not possible to complete the procedure on time, it must be done as quickly as possible.
In order to vaccinate an animal, it is important to follow the dosage rules. Doses depend on the age of the pet. For small kittens, the dose is 0.5 ml. For adult cats 1 ml.
Instructions for use
Vakderm is intended for the prevention and treatment of microsporia and trichophytosis in cats, other pets and fur-bearing animals.
The vaccine should be used strictly according to the instructions to avoid complications:
It is not allowed to immunize cats:
- with elevated temperature;
- in the second half of pregnancy;
- with an unstable health condition.
Weakened and unhealthy cats should be pre-treated for fixed ailments, and only after complete recovery should they be vaccinated against dermatophytoses.
The vaccine is intended for intramuscular administration twice. Injections are given in the opposite limbs in the thigh area with an interval of 10 - 14 days according to a certain dosage:
- for cats aged 1 – 3 months, the dose is 0.5 ml;
- after 3 months of life - 1 ml for each immunization.
Subsequent preventive revaccination of pets is organized every year, twice with an interval of 10 - 14 days in accordance with the above standards.
Before vaccination (10 days before the procedure), the cat should be dewormed.
Immunization must be carried out in compliance with the requirements of asepsis and antiseptics. An individual needle and syringe should be used. The injection site is treated with 70% alcohol. Before administration, the ampoule or bottle must be warmed in the palm of your hand, bringing the drug to body temperature. The product must be shaken before use to evenly distribute the suspensions.
The dry vaccine must be diluted with saline solution, a special vaccine diluent or distilled water. The medicine must be mixed until smooth.
Violation of the immunization schedule leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy for dermatophytoses.
If for some reason the next vaccination is missed, the procedure should be carried out as soon as possible.
It is strictly prohibited to use Vakderm simultaneously with other medications that can suppress the immune resistance of a vaccinated cat.
How and where to inject?
Place for injection
The ampoule heated in a water bath to a temperature of 36–37 degrees is opened and drawn into a syringe. The medicine is administered intramuscularly. The paws where the injections are given should be different. Inject into the inner back of the thigh. Do it very carefully, bypassing the bone, especially for thin cats. After the area has been treated with alcohol, insert a needle about 1–2 cm. Introduce the solution slowly, gradually.
Precautionary measures
First, it is important to make sure that your animal does not fall into the group of contraindications. We'll talk more about the possibilities below. After this, you should make sure the suitability and quality of the vaccine. You can buy the drug only in a certified pharmacy; the packaging must not be damaged; the bottle must indicate the production date and the name of the drug. The box contains an annotation sheet.
It is important to observe basic safety precautions and personal hygiene when working with injectable medications. During the procedure, the drug must be administered by a specialist dressed in special clothing and who also has the means and skills to provide the necessary assistance to the animal. The vaccination plan should be strictly adhered to. Namely, carry out a second injection no earlier than 10-14 days from the date of administration of the first one. Longer time periods may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the vaccine on the animal’s immunity.
An open bottle cannot be reused. For example, save the second half of the ampoule for the next vaccination. Open ampoules and other containers produced by Vakderma are not stored.
If the medicine gets on the skin, mucous membranes or eyes, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the area of contact with running water. If a little drops on the floor, it also needs to be washed. If the drug was accidentally administered to a person, you need to treat the puncture site with 70% ethyl alcohol and immediately consult a doctor.
If the drug was administered to a seemingly healthy animal, but after some time signs of illness appeared - bald spots, scabs. Most likely, the disease was in its infancy at the time of vaccination or was latent. Don't be afraid of this, just notify your veterinarian, he will take action. Most likely, you will need more repeated vaccinations in doses prescribed by a specialist. In this case, already 2-3 weeks after the second injection, the scabs will begin to come off, in place of which new hairs will begin to appear. If such outbreaks are detected, it is necessary to carefully treat the places where the animal frequently touches in the house, for example, bedding and toilet.
If a healthy animal is vaccinated, signs of the disease will not appear. Instead, the fluffy will receive stable immunity to fungal diseases after just one month.
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Contraindications and side effects
Following the instructions, use is prohibited:
- for kittens under 1 month;
- in the second stage of pregnancy;
- cats with elevated body temperature;
- when the cat is infected with infectious diseases;
- cats with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases.
If the rules for administering the drug are strictly followed, as a rule, there are no complications. But only a veterinarian can correctly assess the expected harm caused by the product. Therefore, there are negative consequences from self-administration. In such cases, the dose may be too high, in the wrong place, or the solution may not be heated enough.
Some cats with hypersensitivity have difficulty with vaccination. Drowsiness, bad mood, and lack of appetite appear. The same symptoms occur with an overdose. In this case, do not do anything special or give any medications. Just provide as much peace as possible to the animal. If after two days the animal’s condition remains abnormal, contact a veterinary hospital.
If your pet becomes lethargic and sleepy, contact your veterinarian
When using the drug, compactions may form at the injection site. Lubricate them with iodine. If the compaction does not go away with treatment over time, you need to contact a veterinary clinic for help from a doctor so that inflammation and other consequences do not occur.
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.
How to properly store the vaccine?
The vaccine must be stored at a certain temperature
- During storage and transportation, observe the temperature regime. Otherwise, the drug cannot be used.
- Also, do not expose to sunlight or freeze.
- Be sure to observe the expiration date.
- Do not open it and leave it for later.
- If the vaccine has permanent residue, it must be discarded.
- Also if the packaging is damaged or the necessary markings are missing.
- Store in a cool place at a temperature of 2 to 10 degrees for no more than 1 year from the date of production.
Description of the drug Vakderm-F
Vacderm-F is a vaccine that is used in veterinary medicine for the prevention and treatment of dermatophytoses (infectious diseases of the skin, claws and coat) in cats. The vaccine formula was developed by the Russian organization NPViZTs "Vetzverotsentr".
Vakderm-F is widely used by veterinarians to vaccinate cats.
Composition of the drug
Vakderm-F consists of the following components:
- cells of dermatophyte cultures (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum);
- stabilizer (inactivator) formalin 0.3%;
- immunomodulator - Ribotan 0.2%.
Release form
The vaccine is a clear injection solution, colored light pink. The liquid is poured into glass containers (bottles or ampoules) with a volume of 1, 2 or 10 cm3. Each bottle is closed with a rubber stopper and a rolled metal cap. Units of the drug are packaged in cardboard boxes (10 pieces each) along with paper instructions for use.
The pharmacy may offer not Vakderm-F, but Vakderm. These are similar drugs with a similar composition, but they are still different. Regular Vakderm is intended for most small animals (rodents, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc.), and the formula of Vakderm-F is designed specifically for cats (F - feline). An ampoule of the vaccine (1 ml) costs from 100 rubles.
If you are forced to replace Vakderm-F with its broad analogue, consult your veterinarian
How to properly store the vaccine
The instructions for use indicate the following storage conditions:
- the vaccine is stored and transported in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 2 to 10°C and out of the reach of children;
- The shelf life of the vaccine is 12 months from the date of release, subject to storage conditions; after the expiration date, the vaccine is not suitable;
- bottles without labels, with an expired expiration date or the integrity of the closure, with a changed color and/or consistency, or with the presence of foreign impurities must be disposed of.
The recommended storage temperature differs from usual conditions. I have had to store vaccine solutions at home many times. For this purpose, there is a separate pocket in the door of my refrigerator. A small bottle will not take up much space, but it is better to put it in the cold in a closed box. An opened box of ampoules can be sealed with tape or adhesive tape. If I have to store the vaccine for a long time, I periodically do an inspection - I inspect the solution for transparency, the presence of sediment and oxidation of the edges of the aluminum cap. The main thing in this case is not to place the drug close to the freezer.
It is not for nothing that the manufacturer mentions transportation rules in the instructions. The vaccine cannot be kept warm, and transportation often provokes violation of this rule. If you purchased the vaccine and are taking it home or to a clinic, use a cooler bag. Even long-term transportation under such conditions will not violate storage rules (ice in such containers does not melt).
If the manufacturer recommends storing the drug at a temperature below 10°C, then the best storage place will be the refrigerator
Analogs of Vakderm F vaccine
There are two taxes that can replace it. But use other drugs only after consulting a veterinarian. Because each of the substitutes has its own characteristics that cannot be ignored.
Microderm consists of a powder and a special solution in which it is diluted. Signs of the drug are visible 2 weeks after administration. The immune system changes from day 20. Shelf life is one and a half years.
Polivak-TM is an already prepared composition. The injection protects against eight types of fungal diseases. Enter two or three times. Shelf life is one and a half years.
How does the vaccine work?
The number of mushrooms in 1 cm 3 of solution can reach 80 million; this concentration is harmless to the cat’s body, but it causes the development of immunity to dermatophytes. Resistance to these fungi appears approximately a month after vaccination and persists for a year.
Some veterinarians believe that the body’s resistance to fungal diseases after vaccination lasts only up to six months, but this may be due to unsuccessful experience with use. The effectiveness of the drug is not always in doubt, and it can only be verified in practice. Consult your veterinarian - if your veterinarian does not trust this vaccine, he will offer you a replacement drug.
Himalayan and Persian cats are especially susceptible to fungal infections of the skin and coat.
Personal prevention measures
The veterinarian must be in a special medical uniform.
It is imperative to follow the hygiene and safety rules that are provided for when interacting with veterinary medications.
- When receiving vaccination, be sure to wear the appropriate medical uniform (protective mask, gloves, gown, headgear).
- It is imperative that you have a set of appropriate medications available from the place where vaccination is being carried out, which can be used before the doctor arrives.
- It is not allowed to eat, drink or smoke in the place where the procedure is performed.
- If the drug gets on the skin or mucous membranes of a person, immediately rinse with running water.
- If the medicine is spilled, immediately rinse everything with plenty of water and destroy the rag after that.
- If the injection accidentally gets into a person, wash the injection site with alcohol and immediately seek help from a doctor.
- When destroying the solution container, follow all disposal rules.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Contraindications to the use of Vakderm-F solution are:
- increased body temperature of the animal;
- pregnancy (second half of term);
- infectious and non-infectious diseases;
- weak condition (the cat must first be cured).
It is impossible to determine “by eye” whether a cat is healthy or not; this can only be confirmed after an examination. I usually go to the veterinary clinic where I plan to vaccinate my cat. I consult with a veterinarian about the choice of vaccine, and at the same time inform that the cat first needs to be checked for diseases. Sometimes our veterinarian prescribes some tests, and when the results are ready, the clinic calls and invites you for a vaccination.
Before vaccination, you need to cure your cat for existing diseases.
Side effects after vaccination may include:
- allergic reaction to the drug (drowsiness that goes away spontaneously after a couple of days);
- compaction at the injection site (can be treated with 5% iodine solution).
If signs of hypersensitivity to vaccine components appear, the animal should be given rest (up to 5 days).
If after vaccination a cat clearly shows signs of dermatophytosis, it means that before vaccination it was in the incubation period of the disease. The fact is that the vaccine provokes an intensified course of the disease. In such cases, re-vaccination cannot be canceled; on the contrary, the second administration of the drug should be twice (in the same dosage and with an interval of 2 weeks).
Owner reviews
Reviews about medications are varied, but many boil down to one thing - that the drug should be used to prevent the disease.
Striped pet
Daria
We often let the cat go outside for a walk. Our cat is a British breed, sterilized, but still fights with other cats. There was a case when he came home badly injured after another cat showdown. The veterinary clinic recommended Vakderm. After use, the cat feels and looks great. I recommend the vaccine to everyone!
Evgeniya
Our “Siberian Forest” cat lived only at home, but one day she slipped away and had a fair walk. We immediately decided to seek advice from specialists. This vaccine was recommended to us along with other means. We did not notice any side effects. The cat remained healthy.
Alla
We picked up our cat on the street, completely sick, flea-ridden and shabby. It took a long time to treat and nurse. After all this she became a real beauty. We administer the vaccine every year. There are no side effects or other consequences. The cat is no longer sick.
Anna
We were discharged when our cat was already suffering from shingles. It helped. The cat recovered, although he was somewhat lethargic. The veterinarian said that they used to euthanize him altogether, but now there is this super vaccine.
Owner reviews about the drug Vakderm-F
I became acquainted with the Vakderm vaccine when my cat caught this infection. I was terribly scared, but the veterinarian reassured me - just three injections and the cat is healthy, not contagious and has immunity for a whole year! The doctor also said, it’s good that such a medicine was invented, otherwise previously it was necessary to treat the animals with smelly ointments or even euthanize them.
akylita, forum user
https://otzovik.com/review_122856.html
Normal prophylactic drug. The animal tolerates it well, at least we did not notice anything unusual in its behavior after vaccination.
Lex-Ta, forum user
https://irecommend.ru/content/khoroshaya-vaktsina-dlya-koshek-ot-lishaya