If your cat is diagnosed with Feline Leukemia Virus then it's important to know that with the help of your vet your cat can live a normal happy life. Our vets in Seattle talk about the symptoms and treatment options for Feline Leukemia Virus, as well as how you can help prevent it.
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a commonly seen disease in cats of all ages, especially if they are already suffering from the symptoms of other conditions.
FeLV is easily spread from one cat to another through the saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. It is also possible for cats to spread this disease to one another during fights or mutual grooming, and occasionally through shared litter boxes and feeding dishes.
It is also possible for Feline leukemia virus to be passed from mother to kitten while the kitten is still in the womb. However, FeLV does not live long outside of a cat's body and so direct contact is the typical form of transmission. This makes the cat and kitten vaccinations for feline leukemia virus all the more important.
What are the Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus?
In the early stages of being infected with feline leukemia virus, a cat may not show any of the expected symptoms. The longer that they have been infected, the more that a pet parent may see a decline in the health of their beloved feline. Signs of FeLV can include:- Loss of appetite
- 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
- Reproductive failures including the abortion of kittens
How is Feline Leukemia Virus Diagnosed?
When it comes to diagnosing feline leukemia virus there are two types of blood tests that your vet may most likely use, both of which detect a protein in the virus called FeLV P27.
The first test that your vet may utilize is called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and may be used during the initial screening for feline leukemia virus. ELISA-type tests detect free FeLV particles commonly found in the bloodstream during all stages of infection.
What is the Treatment for Feline Leukemia Virus?
The unfortunate truth with FeLV is that there is no known cure. The goal of treatment will be to manage and lower the amount of feline leukemia virus in the bloodstream to help ease symptoms and reduce transmission although this may not be effective in all cats.
It is common for veterinarians treating and managing FeLV-positive cats to treat specific symptoms and conditions that the cat is experiencing due to FeLV, such as infections or anemia.
Can Feline Leukemia Virus be Prevented?
The only guarantee for preventing your cat from coming into contact with cats infected with feline leukemia virus is to keep them indoors at all times. Ensuring that your cat stays inside is one of the best ways to ensure this. If you still choose to allow your cat to play outdoors, provide supervision or keep your cat in an area that will keep them secure and away from other outdoor cats. When you plan on bringing a new cat into your home, you should have them tested for FeLV as well as schedule them for routine vaccinations against feline leukemia virus.
Always ensure that FeLV-infected cats have their own litter boxes and dishes and will not have access to those of the non-infected cats.
A relatively effective vaccination against FeLV is available, although like most vaccinations it is not 100% effective and is an elective vaccination, it is recommended as an easy way to lower the risk of your cat contracting FeLV. Owners contemplating vaccination for their cat or cats against feline leukemia virus should consider the cats' risk of exposure to FeLV-infected cats and discuss the pros and cons with your Seattle vets.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.