Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Much like HIV in humans, this virus attacks the immune system, and leaves the infected cat unable to fight off various infections and cancers. It is shed in the saliva and is transmitted by bite wounds. There are three stages to this disease. The initial or acute stage signs include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and susceptibility to skin or intestinal infections. The second stage is a latent stage where we see no signs of disease. This stage can last for many years and the immune system may slowly be destroyed in the process. This is when the third stage infection occurs and is the final or AIDS-like stage. Since the immune system cannot properly fight off infections the organisms, which normally do not cause severve disease, multiply rapidly and cause illness. We also see chronic upper respiratory tract infections, intestinal infections, and skin/ear disease. Certain cancers may also develop as well as anemia. Once a cat is in the late stages of disease, life expectancy is 1 year or less. When starting this vaccine, there is an initial dose given followed by a second dose in 3 weeks. A third dose follows the second in three weeks. After this, the vaccine should be repeated once annually.