FELINE LEUKEMIA DISEASE
Feline Leukemia Disease is a serious Viral
problem effecting cats, all over the world, resulting in illness and may lead
to death. Unfortunately, problem is not curable but can be prevented if proper
measures are taken in time.
HOW THE VIRUS
SPREADS?
Persistently infected, apparently
healthy cats serve as major store house for the virus and can spread infection
to other healthy cats. When pets are fighting or grooming each other, they can
spread infection through saliva. Tears, feces, urine and nasal secretions are
other sources for the spread of infection. Pregnant queens can transfer the
infection to kitten before birth or after birth through milk.
WHAT SIGN AND
SYMPTOMS WILL BE SEEN?
Sign and symptoms depend upon stage of
disease and vary from none to serious illness.
At early stages you may not notice any
signs but when disease advances to next stages, virus may cause severe
immunosuppression, loss of blood, and cats become more susceptible to secondary
infections and parasites.
Signs may include fever, cats may stop
eating properly, lymph nodes may become enlarged, can loose weight, become
lethargic with rough or dull hair coat, can suffer from gum problems with soreness
in the mouth and may show eye problems. Vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures can also
be seen. Pregnant queens may abort.
Cancers like Feline Lymphoma,
Lymphosarcoma and Leukemia could happen due to this virus.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE
THE PROBLEM?
Blood test can be performed on cats
and kitten to detect if the pet is positive for virus
TREATMENT FOR
THE DISEASE
There is no proven cure or treatment
for Feline Leukemia Disease, but infected cats can survive and stay healthy for
several years if secondary infections, parasites and stress factors are kept under
control
Such cats may need more aggressive and
prolonged treatment for any secondary infections as their own defense system is
not able to fight against infections like other healthy cats
HOW TO PREVENT
THE PROBLEM?
As there is no proper treatment or
cure for this disease, prevention is a major and important factor for this
problem. A blood test should be run to detect early stages of the infection. It
is recommended to:
Test all the kittens at early stages
of life
Test a new cat or kitten before
introducing to existing healthy cats in the house
Test all cats living in a house before
adding a new cat to the same house
Test all cats before giving them first
Leukemia Vaccine
Test uninfected cats in a house living
with infected cat and vaccinate them accordingly. Two doses of vaccine are given
3-4 wks apart, then annual revaccination is recommended.
If a cat is found positive for the
infection, keep him or her completely indoor to avoid further spread of
infection to other cats. Keep this cat separate from other ones, keep up to
date on routine preventive healthcare including all other vaccines and regular
de-worming (every 6 months) and other external parasite control measures.
Rabies vaccines should be given to all cat regardless they are indoor or
outdoor to follow the Government Laws.
House hold cats should be spayed or
neutered to minimize chances for aggression and fighting and mating to lessen
the chances of infection
Please feel free to call at clinic
number if you have any questions regarding Feline Leukemia Virus or Disease in
cats and kitten.
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RIVARD Animal Hospital 5635 Tecumseh
Rd East, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 1C8:
