Cat feline panleukopenia virus

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or feline parvovirus, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects cats. It is caused by the feline parvovirus (FPV), which targets rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in the intestines, bone marrow, and developing fetuses.

Key Features of Feline Panleukopenia:

• Symptoms:
  • High fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (often bloody)
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration
  • Sudden death (especially in young kittens)
• Transmission:
  • Direct contact with an infected cat or its bodily secretions (saliva, feces, urine).
  • Indirect contact via contaminated objects (food bowls, bedding, litter boxes) or environments.
  • The virus is highly resilient and can survive in the environment for months.
• Risk Groups:
  • Unvaccinated cats, especially kittens between 2-6 months old, are most susceptible.
  • Cats in crowded environments (shelters, catteries) face higher exposure risks.
• Diagnosis:
  • Clinical signs and history.
  • Laboratory tests such as blood tests (showing low white blood cell count) and fecal tests to detect the virus.

Treatment:

There is no specific antiviral treatment for feline panleukopenia. Care focuses on supportive therapy, including:

• Intravenous fluids to combat dehydration.
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
• Anti-nausea medication.
• Nutritional support.

Prevention:

• Vaccination: The feline panleukopenia vaccine is highly effective and is part of the core vaccination protocol for cats.
• Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfection with a suitable disinfectant (e.g., bleach) to eliminate the virus from the environment.
• Isolation: Infected cats should be kept separate from healthy cats to prevent the spread of the virus.

Early veterinary intervention is critical if panleukopenia is suspected, as the disease progresses rapidly.

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