Vakderm for cats

Vakderm is a vaccine against fungal infections used in cats for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Provided simple instructions and the manufacturer's recommendations are followed, the product is safe for animals as it does not contain live microorganisms. The drug was developed by the Russian company Vetzverotsentr, whose production facilities are located in Moscow.

Features and differences

The manufacturer produces several versions of the vaccine: Vakderm and Vakderm F. Their main difference lies in their intended use. The first version is universal and can be used for cats, dogs, and other fur-bearing pets. Since cats, including those who live indoors and are confined to the outdoors, are particularly susceptible to fungal infections, VetZveroCenter developed a separate vaccine for them: Vakderm F. It is intended exclusively for cats and is considered more effective for this species.

Another difference lies in the composition. Vakderm F contains the immunomodulator Ribotan, which helps cats tolerate vaccinations more easily. The two medications can be distinguished by their color. The generic version has a yellowish tint, while the one intended for cats is pink. In both cases, the medicinal liquid is slightly cloudy but uniform. Clear glass bottles are used for packaging. Because airtight packaging is important, the bottles are sealed with rubber stoppers. Each bottle contains 1 ml of medicinal liquid.

What does it contain and how does it work?

The basis of the preparation is made up of dermatophyte cells of the following types:

• Microsporum canis;
• Trichphyton mentagrophytes;
• Microsporum gypseum.

The fungi are grown in a special nutrient medium. The manufacturer also includes 0.3% formalin, which acts as a stabilizer or inactivator. After two administrations of the medicinal solution, two weeks apart, the animal develops a strong immunity against fungal infections. This immunity lasts for 12 months, so when using the vaccine prophylactically, it is administered annually.

The drug has therapeutic properties and can prevent the development of dermatophytosis. At the same time, the vaccine is considered harmless, as it cannot provoke the development of a fungal infection in a healthy animal.

Storage and use features

The medicinal liquid does not contain live microorganisms, but it should only be stored at a temperature of 2 to 10˚C. It should be stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Freezing causes the vaccine to lose its potency. These storage conditions must also be observed during transportation.

The medicine should not be used in the following cases:

• the expiration date has expired;
• the liquid has changed consistency or color;
• mold appeared in the bottle;
• The packaging does not have a label with information about expiration dates, composition and purpose.

If the contents of the bottle are not used within 30 minutes, it is discarded.

Please note: Since the vaccine does not contain live pathogens, it does not require disinfection.

When and how to use

The drug's primary purpose is to prevent fungal infections in cats. Annual vaccinations are important, as ringworm and other fungal infections can be transmitted from animals to humans. These infections pose a particular risk to young children, who have weakened immune systems.

The instructions for use state that Vacderm F can be used to treat microsporia and trichophytosis in cats. Experts recommend using the drug only in cases where the disease is in its early stages. Otherwise, it may worsen the pet's health. Read on for instructions on how and where to administer Vacderm.

Vakderm is administered intramuscularly twice. The first injection is administered into one hind leg thigh, and the second injection is administered 10-14 days later, but into the opposite thigh. Sterile or disposable syringes are used for injections. For small kittens, insulin syringes are best. They have thinner needles, making the procedure less painful.

A single dose of the drug is calculated simply:

• for kittens from 1 to 3 months – 0.5 ml;
• for pets over 3 months old – 1 ml (one bottle).

When administering a vaccination, it's important to follow general aseptic and antiseptic precautions. The injection site must be disinfected. Rubbing alcohol is used for this purpose. The person administering the injection must wear gloves and protective clothing. This will help prevent bacteria from entering the injection site.

Important! Before administering the injection, warm the contents of the vial to room temperature. These simple measures help reduce the pain of the procedure.

Deworming is required 10 days before vaccination. The waste products of parasites living in the animal's body weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system cannot cope with the effects of the vaccine, leading to complications.

If the medication is used prophylactically, it's important to follow the dosage schedule and administer injections regularly once a year. Otherwise, its effectiveness decreases as immunity to fungal infections weakens. If for some reason the fungal vaccination was not administered on time, this should be corrected as soon as possible.

When administering Vakderm to cats in the early stages of ringworm, symptoms may worsen. The fungal lesions may become larger or appear in other locations. However, it is important to repeat the injection in 10-14 days, as immunity develops after two doses. After 3-4 weeks, the dry crusts will begin to fall off, and the coat will gradually regenerate. If your animal is showing symptoms of ringworm, in addition to the vaccine, topical treatment is used.

Please note: Do not use Vakderm to treat a fungal infection unless prescribed by a doctor.

Contraindications and side effects

According to the instructions, Vakderm for cats cannot be used in the following cases:

• for kittens under 1 month of age;
• in the second half of pregnancy;
• in case of hyperthermia (high temperature);
• for infectious diseases.

The drug should not be used on weakened animals or cats with chronic conditions. In such cases, primary treatment should be administered first, followed by vaccination.

Please note! It is strictly forbidden to use Vakderm in combination with other vaccines or medications that suppress the animal's immune system.

Some animals may develop hypersensitivity to the drug. Symptoms may include:

• drowsiness;
• apathy;
• loss of appetite.

Drowsiness may also occur with overdose. Special measures are usually not required in such cases, as the symptoms resolve on their own. If your pet's condition does not improve within two days, be sure to consult a veterinarian.

Sometimes, a lump may develop at the injection site. This lump should be treated with iodine tincture. If the lump does not resolve, consult a doctor. Otherwise, inflammation and even tissue necrosis may occur.

Price

When purchasing a cat vaccine, please note that the price may vary slightly depending on the variation:

• Vakderm 1 ml costs about 100 rubles;
• Vakderm F 1 ml will cost 120 rubles.

Prices may vary not only across regions but also between pharmacies within a city. When purchasing, pay attention to storage conditions.

Owner reviews

Lesya, owner of a 2-year-old cat:

"My son brought a small kitten home from the street. When we noticed a small bald spot on his head, we took him to the clinic. Tests showed it wasn't ringworm, but simply marks from a combat injury. The doctor recommended a Vakderm injection as a preventative measure. The vaccine is inexpensive and has had no side effects. We now use it regularly for prevention. It works great."

Nadezhda, the owner of several cats:

"Our cat was having kittens when we found two more 'little ones' on the street. When we got home, we noticed they had ringworm. At the pharmacy, they recommended Vakderm. We gave it to all the animals, including the family pets. The kittens became very ill. We couldn't save two of them; they died two days after the injection. I later learned that you need to deworm your pets first. I can't recommend the medication because I don't think it's safe, even though I'm to blame for what happened."

Veterinarian Reviews

Marina, a veterinarian with 9 years of experience:

"I've seen a lot of negative reviews about this vaccine online. I can confidently say that it's an excellent preventative for fungal infections in cats, but I rarely prescribe it for treatment. If the disease has already manifested itself, the medication's effect can only worsen the situation. For weakened animals, I also prescribe an immunostimulant. I always prescribe topical ointments. Over several years of using the medication, I have had no fatalities."

Vera, veterinarian and volunteer:

"An inexpensive but effective vaccine that protects animals from fungus. I usually use it to treat ringworm in the early stages (its effectiveness has been repeatedly tested on stray kittens), but I don't recommend using it as a preventative measure. I believe there's no need to expose an animal's body to such unnecessary stress."

Read also:

• Dermatitis in cats
• Ringworm in cats
• Ribotan for cats