Feline Panleukopenia Virus
We were discussing on chat last night Panleukopenia regarding an animal control facility that was fighting with this horrible disease and the question was asked about more info. This is a life threatening disease to your cat that can be prevented with proper vaccinations! We hope you will read the whole thing! Thank you Jill Sparapany for getting this for us :)
Feline
Panleukopenia Virus
This is an extremely
dangerous, life-threatening virus to cats! It is a highly contagious viral
disease in the parvovirus group and has a very high mortality rate.
After exposure, within 24 hours, the virus is in the cat’s bloodstream. Within
48 hours, the cat’s body tissue is infected. Between 2 to 4 days, the white
blood cell count begins to fall. This is known as feline distemper and lesser
known as cat typhoid or cat fever. Frequently, diarrhea is present and this
disease is also called Feline “Infectious Enteritis.”
**
This is NOT the same virus as
the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)!! Totally different virus and totally
different disease!
**
This is NOT the same disease
as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Enteritis refers to a gastro-intestinal
illness, inside the GI tract. Peritonitis is an infection in the abdomen and
may affect other organs.
**
The feline parvovirus is related to the canine parvovirus only by genus, Parvoviridae, but it is
not the same viral species;
therefore, it is not communicable to dogs and feline distemper is NOT related to canine distemper.
The virus affects the
rapidly dividing cells in the body – the blood cells in the bone marrow, the
intestinal tract and the stem cells of the developing fetus. With decreased
white blood cells, the cat is at high risk for infections from other viruses or
bacteria. The lower red blood cell count, resulting from bone marrow infection,
leads to anemia. Lower WBC’s and RBC’s compromise the health of the cat, making
recovery very difficult, contributing to the high mortality rate.
Symptoms
·
Diarrhea,
which may have blood
·
Vomiting
·
Loss
of appetite, complete loss of interest in food
·
Dehydration
·
Anemia
and weakness
·
Fever
·
Nasal
or eye discharge
·
Rough
hair coat
·
Skin
elasticity is decreased with dehydration
·
Depression,
hiding for a day or two
·
Hanging
their head over water or food bowl, but does not drink or eat
·
Feet
tucked under body or chin resting on floor for long periods
·
Neurological
symptoms with viral infection in the brain (i.e. lack of coordination)
·
Sudden
death, in kittens with severe infection
Transmission
The
best way to prevent transmission of this deadly virus is by vaccination. Incubation time from infection to
clinical signs is usually 3 to 5 days.
It is passed by contact
with an infected cat’s saliva, urine, feces, fleas, blood, nasal discharge,
food and water dishes, bedding and cages. Since diarrhea is a major symptom,
the most common transmission vehicle is through the feces. The parvovirus is
resistant to disinfectants and can remain in the environment for one year.
If your cat has been
diagnosed with panleukopenia disease, clean and disinfect all the areas the cat
has been using bleach or disinfectant recommended by your vet since this virus
is very resilient. Wear gloves when caring for an infected cat. Dispose of all
litter boxes and food and water bowls safely.
Shelters and boarding
facilities may harbor the virus, increasing your pet’s risk when you board them
while you are on vacation.
Pregnant cats transmit
the disease to kittens in utero. When this occurs, kittens can be born with
severe birth defects which include still births, brain damage, blindness and
muscle or nerve damage. Infected kittens usually do not show signs of being ill
but the disease is fatal within the first five days of infection.
Kittens can also acquire
this deadly disease via breast milk.
Unvaccinated kittens and
feral cats are the most common victims of the disease. All cat breeds are
susceptible.
Diagnosis
Medical and exposure
risk history will be taken. Feline Panleukopenia disease mimics many other
disease conditions – poisoning, feline leukemia disease (FeLV), feline
immunodeficiency disease (FIV) and pancreatitis – are just a few. The
importance of a very detailed history cannot be stressed enough so appropriate
treatment can be initiated ASAP.
Lab work includes a CBC,
biochemistry panel and urinalysis. Typically, there will be decreased white and
red blood cells. A fecal specimen may show microscopic remnants of the
parvovirus. The SNAP parvo test is not as reliable for diagnosis in cats as it
is in other pets.
Treatment
Dehydration and shock
are life-threatening and require intensive care and IV fluid therapy.
Restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance is critical.
If your cat is treated
promptly and effectively and survives the first 48 hours, it is likely your cat
will recover. Once a cat has had FP disease, it has lifetime immunity.
There is no specific
treatment for FPV. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses but may be
prescribed prophylactically to prevent secondary opportunistic bacterial
infections that are common with low WBC’s and lower immunity.
With aggressive
supportive care, if the cat survives the acute illness phase, prognosis for
full recovery is good.
Your cat will still need
good supportive care at home. Provide a quiet, warm place for your pet to
recover, away from active areas in the home, other animals and active children.
Place food and water dishes close by to reduce unnecessary exertion. Also have
the litter box close. Your cat will need to be isolated from other cats during
the acute illness phase.
Your cat will need extra
attention from you during recovery. This infection has a depressing effect on a
cat’s physical and mental health so affection and comfort will help your pet during
the recovery time.
After contact with your
sick cat, practice strict hygiene and hand washing. Make sure to clean surfaces
that your sick cat comes in contact with.
It may take several
weeks for your cat to feel completely back to normal.
Once your cat has been
exposed to this virus and had the immune response to it, your cat will be
immune from acquiring it again. Also, your cat will not pass the virus after
the initial episode.
If your other cats have
not been vaccinated, you will need to have them vaccinated to prevent them from
becoming ill.
Unvaccinated pregnant
cats are at highest risk for fatal complications due to pregnancy related
immune compromise. The developing fetuses are very like to be born with severe
developmental dysfunctions.
Vaccination Schedule
Kittens need to be
vaccinated when they receive the other core vaccines. The first vaccine should
be given at 8-10 weeks of age. The first booster is given four weeks later. The
second booster vaccination is recommended around 16 weeks of age.
Vaccinations every one
to three years is strongly recommended.
Amazon never gives us your contact info, they often do not give us packing slips. Please forgive us for not personally contacting you and thanking you. We are so grateful to you for your support!!
This is from several days!
This is from several days!
Molly liking all the box with gifts in them!
| Thank you A. Mark Carlin for the fortiflora, cleaner and cat food! |
| Thank you Adam Shadbolt for the cat food! |
| Thank you David Smith for the trash bags and cat toys! |
| Thank you Elizabeth Dickman for the cat food! |
| Thank you Eric Michaelson for the cat toy and cat cave! |
| Thank you Gayle Blackham for the bath towels! |
| Thank you H.A. Sparks-van Duffelen for the cat food! |
| Thank you James Dvorak for the cat litter! |
Pixie and Charity playing with their toys!
| Thank you Leslie Czarnecki for the cat toys! | ||||||
| ||||||
Lily like all the toys from amazon!
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