What is feline panleukopenia? - briefly
Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cats and kittens. It is characterized by a severe drop in white blood cells, leading to a weakened immune system and various symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal issues.
What is feline panleukopenia? - in detail
Feline Panleukopenia, also known as Feline Distemper or Feline Infectious Enteritis, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic cats and wild felids worldwide. The causative agent of this disease is the Feline Parvovirus (FPV), a member of the family Parvoviridae.
The virus primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, with a particular affinity for those in the intestinal crypts, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissue. This leads to a significant depletion of white blood cells, a condition known as leukopenia, which is responsible for the disease's name. The virus can also infect the developing fetus, causing congenital defects or death in utero.
Feline Panleukopenia is characterized by several clinical manifestations, including severe diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, dehydration, and fever. In some cases, neurological symptoms such as seizures, tremors, and ataxia may also occur, particularly in kittens. The disease progresses rapidly, with the mortality rate being especially high among young, unvaccinated cats.
The virus is highly resilient and can survive in the environment for extended periods, making it difficult to eradicate once it has been introduced into a population. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected feces or indirectly via contaminated objects such as food bowls, bedding, or the hands of caretakers.
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs and laboratory findings, including complete blood count (CBC) showing leukopenia, and serological tests detecting virus-specific antibodies. Treatment primarily involves supportive care, such as fluid therapy to combat dehydration, administration of antiemetics to control vomiting, and broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention against Feline Panleukopenia. Modern vaccines are highly effective in providing immunity against the virus. They are commonly administered as part of a core vaccine protocol for kittens and adult cats, along with vaccines against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus.
In conclusion, Feline Panleukopenia is a serious disease that poses significant threats to feline populations. Understanding its transmission routes, clinical signs, and prevention strategies is crucial for veterinary professionals and pet owners alike in maintaining the health and well-being of cats.