Feline Panleukopenia

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Feline panleukopenia is also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis. It is also sometimes referred to as feline distemper, but is caused by a different virus than canine distemper and should not be confused. Feline panleukopenia is highly contagious and may cause death. Young, unvaccinated cats are most susceptible to this disease.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Feline panleukopenia is caused by a Parvovirus that is very stable in most environments. It may live in an environment for years. It is transmitted a number of ways, the most common being exposure to an infected cat or its secretions, usually via infected feces. Newly infected cats will shed the virus in all secretions for up to six weeks. Any bedding, dishes, or cage that an infected cat has come in contact with should be cleaned or soaked in bleach, as exposure to these objects may transmit the disease as well. There is evidence that transmission from fleas is also possible. Transmission from a mother cat to her young in utero is also possible.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS 

• Diarrhea, often with mucous or blood
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe dehydration

Due to the dehydration from the combination of vomiting and diarrhea, death may occur in as little as twelve hours.

This virus destroys your pet’s white blood cells at a rapid rate, which may lead to other complications and infections. 

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

There are many diseases of cats that produce the same signs as panleukopenia, so tests may be done to rule out other similar diseases. Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian will be most likely do the following:

• History - Your veterinarian will likely inquire about exposure to sick cats, recent shelter or kennel stays, and vaccination history.
• CBC/Chemistry Panel - These blood tests will evaluate various internal organ functions, including the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, metabolism, and
  electrolyte balance. The CBC (complete blood count) is a measure the amount and different kinds of red and white blood cells are present in the body.
• Fecal Antigen Test - A fecal sample will be mixed a reagent specific for the virus and then introduced to a SNAP ELISA test. This test will indicate positive  (usually within 10 minutes) if the virus is present in your cat’s body. Keep in mind that false positives may occur due to recent exposure to the panleukopenia vaccine. False negativesare more common in this feline test than the dog version of the same test.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

There are no drugs available to treat this virus, so your veterinarian will likely treat your cat for it’s symptoms. They will try to stabilize your pet so that it’s own immune system can fight the virus. They will likely administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, supplement nutrients, and monitor vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotics may be administered to prevent or treat secondary infections that occur due to your cat’s weakened immune system. Your cat will likely be hospitalized and placed in isolation. After your cat returns home, other cats in the household will need to be monitered very closely for signs of panleukopenia.

Cats that survive an infection will typically have lifelong immunity.

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Vaccinations are available and highly recommended for any kitten that is in a shelter setting. An initial vaccine will be given between 4 - 10 weeks of age and then boostered several weeks later. Strict adherence to the vaccine protocol is essential for it to be effective.

Any contaminated objects, or clothing, and hands should be soaked or washed in a bleach solution before leaving an infected animal. Dogs or humans can not get this disease, but transmission to other cats is very likely when dealing with a sick panleukopenic cat.