Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

TiaraBionca · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 54 Location: Kuala Lumpur

I sent Hugo for his yearly vaccine and deworm. I have reason to be happy today because Hugo was also tested for AIDS and FeLV, the results came out negative. Isn’t it a peace of mind knowing especially your beloved pet is healthy and free of diseases?

Hello Drs, just out of curiosity to know, what is the percentage of pet owners who actually make the point to send their pet for yearly check up and vaccine? I think most pet owners would only visit the vet when their pet is ill. What about emergency calls, especially after clinic hours or during middle of the night? Are there many?

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

Thats nice to know that your pet has been tested negative. However, I think you know it too, it doesn't stop there. That means you have to take care so that he doesn't get infected. But at least now you have a peace of mind :)

This is just my personal opinion about your questions. I think there are still a large percentage of pet owners who are ignorant about the importance of vaccinations and health checks. Many of them, like you said, only bring their pets to the vet at the last minute, when it is really sick or injured. However, I also think there is a growing number of concerned pet owners who are doing a good job taking care of the pets, like you. For emergency calls, not many people are taking advantage of the services available. They would rather wait till the next (working) day, or wait till they have the time.

TiaraBionca · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 54 Location: Kuala Lumpur

You are right. There are growing numbers of concerned pet lovers. Like a friend of mine, she is a BIG no no to pets. Because her daughter begged for a pet, she gave in. From no touching (YiYi her dog) to petting, gradually month by month from stroking to hugging and bathing. Now she couldn’t help talking how smart her baby is. Never fail to see a vet for check up.

I think the Animals Association should have more campaign educating pet owners the important of vaccine and yearly check up for pets. Highlighting the potential of deadly diseases one pet could get in contact. Not just sick only consult doctor. Place shocking graphic all over. The more shocking the better it is. No shocking graphics the moment they get home next morning forget all about it. :lol:

I believe many are still unaware of it. I too at first was unaware of the many possible diseases one pet would get until one day I searched over the internet. I was shocked to learn and now very concern for Hugo's health. Ai Yo... now Hugo eats more vitimins then I do. I religously gives him his daily suppliments then I give myself. I think he'll live a longer live then I would. :lol:

More campaign = more awareness = more business for you guys = more money. :lol: :lol:

psharlene · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 91 Location: Subang Jaya

I got Ginger and Garlic tested for Leukimia, AIDs and FeLV also. Eh, is FeLV and Leukimia the same thing? Actually I do not know about these diseases until my new vet asked me whether I wanna test them for it. I do not know why my previous 2 vets did not mentioned anything to me when I bring my cats for the yearly vaccin.

Also the test are expensive, I paid RM100 per cat for the test, excluding vaccin. Then another RM70 for the vaccin (1 dose and 1 booster for the 1st time). I have not tested Pepper yet as she is still nursing Sesame, her kitten. I need to get her tested as well, maybe in 2 months time. Is that the standard price? I have 4 cats, so that means its RM170 x 4.

I strongly believe that if you have a pet, you should be fully responsible for them. I have a neighbour that owns a black cat. He recently contracted some skin diseases. After much persuasion, she finally bring the cat to see a vet. When the vet said the whole treatment requires about RM200+, she refused to give her cat treatment! She claimed she has no money and yet she lives in a big house. Irresponsible owner! :evil:

TiaraBionca, Hugo is so cute! :lol: What breed is he? What vitamins do you feed him? I give my cats vitamins too, its in a tube form, like colgate, do not remember the brand.

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

FeLV = Feline Leukemia Virus (also commonly called Leukemia, although it is not really the same as the leukemia disease in humans). Another disease called Feline PanLeukopenia (FPL) may sound similar, but is another disease altogether.

There is really no standard price for everything. Although for spaying/neutering and vaccination, it rarely deviates much. It depends on a lot of factors, like what brand of product they are using, overhead of the vet practice, to even consultation charges set by the clinics. If in doubt, try asking them why the price is so. Or you can call up other vets to compare prices, but don't forget to ask them why their price differs from the others. Some places may offer you a more thorough check up before vaccinations, for a higher price. For multiple cats, sometimes you can ask for a "group discount". :)

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

There have been campaigns about vaccinations, but I think there wasn't a big response to it. However, a lot of animal associations are focussing on different priorities right now. For example, on being a responsible pet owner! It also means that a responsible pet owners should get their pets vaccinated, but there are bigger problems to focus on... like getting the pet owner to treat their sick cat (like psharlene's neighbour), dealing with owners who "throws away" pets on the street, preventing animal abuse/neglect, etc. When you look at those conditions, even basic vaccinations may sound like a luxury.

But then again, most vets will advice pet owners about the importance of vaccinations. Its just the first step into the vet clinic that has to be taken by the pet owner. :)

TiaraBionca · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 54 Location: Kuala Lumpur

psharlene wrote: TiaraBionca, Hugo is so cute! :lol: What breed is he? What vitamins do you feed him? I give my cats vitamins too, its in a tube form, like colgate, do not remember the brand.
Thank you for your compliments. So are your cats they are super. I'm giving him "Brewers Yeast" for his skin and coat everyday. Sometimes change it with Pet-F.A Liquid form to mix with his wet food. Also "Feline Urinary Support" supplement for healthy urinary tract.
He has no problem eating his supplements. Infact he loves it.

zealvia · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 245

I brought Smokey to vet last Fri. He has bad sneezing . The Vet told me abt his ulcer and the virus so we decide to use stereiod (not sure the spelling) actually Smokey still under medication (anti- flma...) for his ulcer but we stop that and start with this stereoid since anti- flam doesnt work. I gave his at 3pm, at 6pm i saw him keep on open his mounth to take deep breath that time he was sleep. I woke up him to make sure whether he fine or not. Wondering after woke up he not breathing like that so he continue sleep and start take a ddep breath again. I called Vet and she said just let it be, streid doesnt effect anything. Next tommorow i gave him i more streiod and begin like very hard to breath so i met the Vet to dicuss again abt the streiod. The vet advise me to stop the streiod and just take the anti- infla....for only control the sneezing. I gave him on sunday nite , he still breath that way when he sleep but not so bad. This morning i give him again, hopefully that can help him. He eat and drink well. hat wrong with him..I love him so much i plan to vaksin him after castrate but this thing happen.

Oh..ya actually the doc asked me to do testfor the feline aids/ leukimia but we try with streiod first since Smokey have good quality live.

wenwen · Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

wanted to ask about aids n felv....is there any shots tat can take to prevent tis diseases? n wat cause Feline Leukemia Virus? is it tat all cats is going to infevted or wat? just curious n worry....

psharlene · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 91 Location: Subang Jaya

wenwen, there is yearly vaccinations shots for FeLV. But I heard it could cause cancer in some cats (maybe Dr Nat can elaborate more on this). I decided not to take the risks as my cats have been tested negative and they only stay indoors. If you cat roams outside, they have a higher chance to be infected. For those cases, you can discuss with your vet on the best options for your cats :)