What is panleukopenia in a cat? - briefly
Panleukopenia in cats is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects kittens and young cats. It is characterized by a severe decrease in white blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
What is panleukopenia in a cat? - in detail
Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or feline parvovirus (FPV), is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects cats, particularly kittens. The virus responsible for this condition belongs to the Parvoviridae family and primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and developing fetuses. Panleukopenia is characterized by a severe drop in white blood cell count, which significantly weakens the cat's immune system, making it vulnerable to secondary infections.
The disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected cats or their feces, as well as indirectly via contaminated objects and surfaces. The virus can survive in the environment for extended periods, often up to a year, depending on temperature and humidity conditions. This resilience contributes to its rapid spread within cat populations, especially in crowded environments like shelters and catteries.
Symptoms of panleukopenia typically appear 2-10 days after exposure and can include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and dehydration. In severe cases, cats may exhibit neurological signs such as seizures, ataxia, and paralysis, which are often associated with infection in the developing brain of kittens. The virus can also cause fetal death and resorption in pregnant queens, leading to reproductive failure.
Diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs and a complete blood count (CBC), which reveals severe leukopenia—a significant decrease in white blood cells. Confirmation of the diagnosis often involves fecal or rectal swab testing for the presence of parvovirus DNA. However, early detection can be challenging since symptoms may not appear until several days after infection.
Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral therapy for panleukopenia. Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration, antibiotics to combat secondary infections, and nutritional support are essential components of the treatment plan. Isolation of infected cats is crucial to prevent spread within the cat population.
Prevention through vaccination is highly effective against panleukopenia. Kittens should receive their first vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult cats require regular booster shots to maintain immunity. Proper sanitation and disinfection of contaminated areas are also vital in controlling the spread of the virus.
Panleukopenia is a serious condition that can have devastating effects on both individual cats and cat populations. Early detection, prompt treatment, and rigorous prevention measures are key to mitigating its impact.