Q: What is
feline panleukopenia?
A: Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a highly contagious viral disease of
cats caused by the feline parvovirus. Over the years, FP has been known by a
variety of names including feline distemper, feline infectious enteritis, cat fever and cat typhoid. Feline distemper should not be
confused with canine distemper—although their names are similar, they are
caused by different viruses.
The feline parvovirus
infects and kills cells that are rapidly dividing, such as those in the bone
marrow, intestines, and the developing fetus. Infected cats usually develop
bloody diarrhea. Because red blood cells and white blood cells are produced in
the bone marrow, infected cats develop anemia (due to loss of red blood cells)
and are more likely to be infected with other illness (due to the loss of white
blood cells, which play critical roles in the immune system). People cannot
develop FP if they come in contact with an infected cat because the virus does
not infect people.
Q: How can
you tell if a cat has FP?
A: The signs of
FP can vary and may be similar to other illnesses such as Salmonella or Campylobacter
infection, pancreatitis, feline immunodeficiency
virus (FIV) infection, or feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
infection. Infected cats may even show signs that resemble those seen when a
cat has been poisoned or has swallowed a foreign object.
The first visible signs
an owner might notice include generalized depression, loss of appetite, high
fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration.
Sick cats may sit for long periods of time in front of their water bowls but
not drink much water. Normally, the sickness may go on for three or four days
after the first fever. In some cats, the fever will come and go during the illness
and abruptly fall to lower-than-normal levels shortly before death.
Cats are very good at
hiding disease and by the time a cat displays the signs of illness, it may be
severely ill. Therefore, if any abnormal behaviors or signs of illness are
observed, it is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon
as possible. FP may be suspected based on a history of exposure to an infected
cat, lack of vaccination, and the visible signs of illness. FP is confirmed
when the feline parvovirus is found in the blood or stool.
Q: How do
cats become infected with the virus that causes FP?
A: Infection
occurs when cats come in contact with the blood, urine, stool, nasal
secretions, or even the fleas from infected cats. A cat can also become infected
without ever coming in direct contact with an infected cat. Bedding, cages,
food dishes and the hands or clothing of people who handle the infected cat may
harbor the virus and transmit it to other cats. It is, therefore, very
important to isolate infected cats. Any materials used on or for infected cats
should not be used or allowed to come in contact with other cats, and people
handling infected cats should practice proper hygiene to prevent spreading the
infection.
The virus that causes FP
is difficult to destroy and resistant to many disinfectants. At room
temperatures, virus present in a cats' environment can still infect other cats
for up to one year. Ideally, unvaccinated cats should not be allowed into an
area where an infected cat has been — even if the area has been disinfected.
Pregnant female cats
that are infected with the virus and become ill (even if they do not appear
seriously ill) may give birth to kittens with severe brain damage. In most
cases, if a cat recovers from FP, it will not infect other cats through direct
contact.
Q: Which
cats are susceptible to the virus?
A: While cats
of any age may be infected with the feline parvovirus that causes FP, young
kittens, sick cats, and unvaccinated cats are most susceptible. It is most
commonly seen in cats 3-5 months of age with about 75% of kittens less than 16
weeks of age likely to die if infected.
The virus has appeared
in all parts of the
Q: How is
FP treated?
A: The
likelihood of recovery from FP for infected kittens less than eight weeks old
is poor. Older cats have a greater chance of survival if adequate treatment is
provided early. Since there are no medications capable of killing the virus,
treatment is limited to supporting the cat's health with medications and fluids
until its own body and immune system can fight off the virus. Without such
supportive care, up to 90% of cats with FP may die.
Once a cat is diagnosed
with FP, treatment may be required to correct dehydration, provide nutrients,
and prevent secondary infection. If the cat survives for 48 hours, its chances
for recovery are greatly improved. Once home, the area where the infected cat
is kept should be warm, free of drafts, and very clean. Strict isolation from
other cats in the home is essential to prevent spread of the virus. Other cats
that may have been in contact with the infected cat, or in contact with objects
or people who were in close contact with the ill cat, should be carefully
monitored for any visible signs of illness. Sadly, some cats may lose the will
to live when they are very sick, so frequent petting, hand feeding, and good
nursing care are essential to promote healing.
Q: How can
FP be prevented?
A: Cats that survive
an infection develop immunity that protects them for the rest of their lives.
Mild cases that go unnoticed will also produce immunity from future infection.
It is also possible for
kittens to receive temporary immunity through the transfer of antibodies in the
colostrum — the first milk produced by the mother.
How long this passive immunity protects the kittens from infection depends upon
the levels of protective antibodies produced by the mother. It rarely lasts
longer than 12 weeks.
"An ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure" definitely rings true for FP—preventing
infection is more effective than treating an infected cat. Today, there are
vaccines that offer the best protection from feline parvovirus infection. The
vaccines stimulate the cat's body to produce protective antibodies. Later, if
the vaccinated cat comes in contact with an infected cat, its body will fight
off the infection because of those same antibodies produced in response to the
vaccine.
The vaccines are
effective for prevention of FP but they cannot treat or cure an unvaccinated
cat once it becomes ill. Vaccines must be given before the cat is exposed and
infected. Most young kittens receive their first vaccination between six and
eight weeks of age and follow-up vaccines are given until the kitten is around
16 weeks of age. Adult vaccination schedules vary with the age and health of
the cat, as well as the risk of FP in the area. Cat owners should consult a
veterinarian for advice on a vaccination schedule appropriate for their cats.
And Now A Note On Your Pet's General Good Health
A healthy pet is a happy
companion. Your pet's daily well being requires regular care and close
attention to any hint of ill health. The American Veterinary Medical
Association suggests that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows any
of the following signs:
This information has
been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
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