What is Feline Leukemia?
(Feline leukemia virus/FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), is a retrovirus. All retroviruses,
including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), produce an enzyme which permits it to
insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected -
reproducing itself. The virus can be found in the cat's saliva, tears,
blood, and other cells in the body (including bone marrow).
Feline leukemia virus is the most common cause of cancer in cats,
various blood disorders, and it can lead to a state of immune
deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other
infections. Viruses and bacteria that do not affect healthy cats can be
life threatening to a feline leukemia patient.
How Is Feline Leukemia Transmitted?
The most common way cats become infected with the feline
leukemia virus is through direct contact with the saliva or nasal
secretions of an infected feline, which often occurs during a fight
when a infected cat bites an unvaccinated cat. The virus cannot
survive in the environment, so urine and feces are not significant
sources of infection to other cats. However, cats that groom each other
and share food and water sources can transmit the virus because the
saliva of an infected cat is contagious. Less commonly, the virus can
be passed from a mother cat to unborn kittens in the uterus. Mother
cats also can transmit the disease while grooming or nursing the
kittens.
What Are the Symptoms?
How Is Feline Leukemia Diagnosed?
A physical examination and history are needed to detect many
conditions associated with a Feline Leukemia Virus infection. A
diagnosis of Feline Leukemia can be confirmed by a blood test
called an ELISA, which detects a protein component of the virus as it
circulates in the bloodstream.
Cats that test positive for feline leukemia should have a blood
profile done to see if the virus is causing diseases of the organ
systems. A complete blood count, or CBC, will determine the number
of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The virus can
significantly reduce the bone marrow's production of these vital cells.
X-rays of the chest and abdomen often are taken to detect the
presence of cancer.
How Do You Care For A Cat with Leukemia Virus?
There are no medications that can eliminate the virus from the cat’s
body, nor is there a cure for Feline Leukemia. However, there are
methods for improving and prolonging a diseased cat’s life. Certain
medications, such as alpha interferon, may improve a cat’s clinical
signs and prolong its survival. Antiviral medications can also be
beneficial. These help to suppress viral replication, although they will
not eliminate it. Such treatments can be expensive and usually are
prescribed for the remainder of the cat’s life.
How Can I Protect My Cat from Feline Leukemia Virus?
The only sure way to protect cats is to prevent their exposure to
FeLV-infected cats.
The best thing you can do for a cat with feline leukemia virus is
to learn all you can about the disease. Understanding how the
virus affects your cat and the other potential health problems
associated with the virus will help you make informed decisions
on behalf of your pet.
For more information about Feline Leukemia Virus:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/resources/brochure/felv.html
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/FeLV.html
http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
(Feline leukemia virus/FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), is a retrovirus. All retroviruses,
including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), produce an enzyme which permits it to
insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected -
reproducing itself. The virus can be found in the cat's saliva, tears,
blood, and other cells in the body (including bone marrow).
Feline leukemia virus is the most common cause of cancer in cats,
various blood disorders, and it can lead to a state of immune
deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other
infections. Viruses and bacteria that do not affect healthy cats can be
life threatening to a feline leukemia patient.
How Is Feline Leukemia Transmitted?
The most common way cats become infected with the feline
leukemia virus is through direct contact with the saliva or nasal
secretions of an infected feline, which often occurs during a fight
when a infected cat bites an unvaccinated cat. The virus cannot
survive in the environment, so urine and feces are not significant
sources of infection to other cats. However, cats that groom each other
and share food and water sources can transmit the virus because the
saliva of an infected cat is contagious. Less commonly, the virus can
be passed from a mother cat to unborn kittens in the uterus. Mother
cats also can transmit the disease while grooming or nursing the
kittens.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Loss of appetite
- Slow but progressive weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums and other mucus membranes
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory
tract - Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
- A variety of eye conditions
How Is Feline Leukemia Diagnosed?
A physical examination and history are needed to detect many
conditions associated with a Feline Leukemia Virus infection. A
diagnosis of Feline Leukemia can be confirmed by a blood test
called an ELISA, which detects a protein component of the virus as it
circulates in the bloodstream.
Cats that test positive for feline leukemia should have a blood
profile done to see if the virus is causing diseases of the organ
systems. A complete blood count, or CBC, will determine the number
of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The virus can
significantly reduce the bone marrow's production of these vital cells.
X-rays of the chest and abdomen often are taken to detect the
presence of cancer.
How Do You Care For A Cat with Leukemia Virus?
There are no medications that can eliminate the virus from the cat’s
body, nor is there a cure for Feline Leukemia. However, there are
methods for improving and prolonging a diseased cat’s life. Certain
medications, such as alpha interferon, may improve a cat’s clinical
signs and prolong its survival. Antiviral medications can also be
beneficial. These help to suppress viral replication, although they will
not eliminate it. Such treatments can be expensive and usually are
prescribed for the remainder of the cat’s life.
How Can I Protect My Cat from Feline Leukemia Virus?
The only sure way to protect cats is to prevent their exposure to
FeLV-infected cats.
- Keep cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats that
might bite them. If you do allow your cats outdoor access,
provide supervision or place them in a secure enclosure to
prevent wandering and fighting. - Adopt only infection-free cats into households with uninfected
cats. Have the adopted cat tested for leukemia before
you bring it home. - Keep infection-free cats separate from infected cats, and
don't allow infected cats to share food and water bowls or litter
boxes with uninfected cats. - Have your cats vaccinated against Feline Leukemia Virus.
FeLV vaccination of infected cats is not beneficial
The best thing you can do for a cat with feline leukemia virus is
to learn all you can about the disease. Understanding how the
virus affects your cat and the other potential health problems
associated with the virus will help you make informed decisions
on behalf of your pet.
For more information about Feline Leukemia Virus:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/resources/brochure/felv.html
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/FeLV.html
http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
 |  |  |  |  |