Rabies vaccine re: indoor/outdoor cat with heart issues

[DayshaG]

Asking for a friend of mine who has an indoor/outdoor male cat named Eli who is 16 years of age, great BEAM but has dealt with over grooming on his back for many years (to the point of having what looks like a razor back as she refers to it). She is a well versed amateur homeopath for many decades and has tried it all to help that issue with no lasting success. She has a care team set up like I do with Bella and Maya which includes conventional and holistic vets. Eli was coincidentally recently determined via medical tests (not sure if xray or scan) to have an enlarged heart I believe she said, and the topic of rabies vaccination is on her mind. Her holistic vet is pretty adamant about Eli getting it because he does go outside and will hunt and kill animals. The vet suggested perhaps having an enclosure built so he can still be outside but contained. Then she could forego the vaccine. I suggested my animal communicator to have a talk with Eli about all of this, many of you know her, Hana Makinen. My question simply put is about Eli's repercussions of getting vaccinated for rabies with heart issues and his age. My friend is hesitant. Thoughts? Other possibilities to consider?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Daysha!

Thanks so much for helping your friend out with this important decision!

My question simply put is about Eli's repercussions of getting vaccinated for rabies with heart issues and his age

Usually, there is no direct effect on the heart.

Here's the conventional view (in older people):

Effects on Myocytes (Heart Muscle Cells)
The direct impact of vaccine platforms on cardiac myocytes in older individuals is generally minimal compared to younger age groups:

• • The Inflammation Contrast: In young individuals, mRNA vaccines carry a rare risk of triggering localized, immune-mediated myocyte inflammation (myocarditis). However, data from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) demonstrate that this risk is exceptionally low in older adults, who are considered largely unaffected by vaccine-induced myocarditis

Here's what we see if we factor in the possibility of cardiomyopathy and heart dis-ease:

Underlying Subclinical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

• • The Risk: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in senior cats and often remains completely "silent" (asymptomatic) until triggered by stress.
  • The Mechanism: The stress of a veterinary visit, the physical injection, or the subsequent mild fever and systemic immune response can elevate the cat's heart rate (tachycardia). In an elderly cat with pre-existing, undiagnosed HCM, a high heart rate shortens the heart's filling time, which can trigger acute congestive heart failure (CHF) or fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is an exacerbation of an underlying structural disease, not a direct destructive effect of the vaccine on the myocytes.

Rare Anaphylactic Reactions

• • The Mechanism: In the rare event of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to vaccine adjuvants or proteins, the body releases massive amounts of histamine and other vasoactive compounds. [1]
  • The Impact: This causes acute, widespread vasodilation (blood vessel relaxation), leading to a drastic drop in blood pressure (hypotensive shock) and subsequent poor blood perfusion to the heart muscle. [1, 2]

Recommendations for Senior Felines
Because senior and geriatric indoor cats usually maintain long-lasting immunity from younger years, many veterinary groups (such as the AAFP) recommend shifting to a 3-year rotational schedule or utilizing vaccine antibody titers rather than annual shots to minimize unnecessary immune and metabolic stress. Always ensure your veterinarian performs a thorough thoracic auscultation (listening to the heart and lungs) to screen for murmurs or gallop rhythms prior to administering any injectable medication

Since your friend is a gomeopath she know that the risk from any intervention that is seen as a stressor to the life force and mitochondria is secondary to Eli's susceptibility.

With great BEAM and a persistent external symptom (such as the chronic skin/coat issues) I suspect that Eli's susceptibility is low.

o perhaps:

1. Do a rabies titer to see i the vaccine is even indicated

2. Seriously consider the vet's advice to build (or buy) a catio/enclosure.

And above all to continue focusing on fresh food, happiness and joy, activity and a happy life. Especially right before ad after any potential stressor (like a vaccine).