Feline Distemper
Feline distemper was once one of the most fear cat viruses. With the invention of immunization, the disease has been greatly controlled in cats. Feline distemper also goes by the names feline panleukopenia, feline infectious enteritis, and panleuk. Feline panleukopenia is caused by the panleukopenia virus. And is not related to the canine form of distemper.
Panleuk is most common in kittens and is thought to be a contributor to the development of fading kitten syndrome and sudden fetal death in queens.
Transmission
Feline distemper is very contagious in animals. It is carried not only in cats but raccoons and other wildlife. Feline panleukopenia is transmitted in body fluids like saliva and other secretions. Unifected animals may exchange saliva with infected animals through eating and drinking from the same bowls.
Queens can also transmit the virus to their offspring while in the womb and also through their milk supply. Shelter cats and other felines living in close quarters are also affected by panleuk.
Once in the body, the panleukopenia virus attacks white blood cells (wbc). White blood cells help the body mount a defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. By destroying and killing wbc’s, the panleukopenia virus can leave affected cat’s vulnerable to contracting secondary infections.
Symptoms
From the time of infection, it may take up to 10 days or more for a kitten to shows signs of panleuk. The virus affects the brain and central nervous system and bone marrow (where wbc’s are made).
Common signs and symptoms of feline distemper are high fevers, gum infections, diarrhea, a poor appetite, tiredness, and vomiting. Brain damage may occur. Owners may notice wobbling and seizures in their affected kittens.
Sadly, over 90% of kittens that contract panleuk during their first four weeks of life, will die of the infection. Some older cats do become infected with the panleukopenia virus and survive. They become asymptomatic carriers of the disease. And can spread the infection to other felines.
Diagnosis
In order to check for the presence of the panleukopenia virus, a veterinarian will take blood samples from cats they believe are infected with the virus. Blood lab results will most likely show a decrease in white blood cells. Infected cats may also show a positive test result for the canine parvovirus which is related to the panleukopenia virus.
Treatment
Once a kitten contracts feline distemper, it is important that a cat gets immediate medical care to save its life. Panleuk can be a very fatal disease. Most vets offer supportive measures for cat with feline distemper.
Survivors of the infection, mostly cats (not young kittens), may have lasting deficits as a result of the disease. Difficulties movement and walking have been noted in survivors of panleuk.
An acutely affected cat may need to be intravenous rehydration if severely dehydrated or antibiotics for secondary infections.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations provide great protections against panleuk. Depending upon a cat’s exposure level to the virus, the panleukopenia virus vaccination schedule varies. Shelter cats may need a different frequency and number of shots than cats that live in less risky environments.
The panleukopenia virus vaccine is usually given with a combo of other common vaccines for cats (FVRCP). The panleuk shot can be given at 6 weeks of age and then may be repeated every 2 to 3 weeks up until a cat is 16 weeks of age.
This allows the kitten’s body to develop immunity to the panleukopenia virus. Cats will then get a panleukopenia booster 1 year after the last shot. Then, they receive a shot every 3 years to keep their immunity up-to-date.
Tips for Panleuk Prevention
The panleukopenia virus is very hard to kill. It can survive over a year on surfaces. Most disinfectants can’t eliminate the virus. Yet, diluted bleach can kill the virus when applied. Separate eating/drinking bowls and thorough hand washing after touching animals can reduce the chances of spreading the virus.
But, the best defense against panleuk is vaccination. See your vet to keep you kitten/cat up to date on its shots.
Remember…feline distemper is usually fatal in kittens. Vaccination is key in stopping the spread of the disease.
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