What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus specific to cats.
It breaks down their immune system leaving them susceptible to many diseases.
It's a common cause of illness and death and there is no "cure".
A retrovirus inserts a copy of itself into cells of the infected host.
This way it's continuously replicated for the life of the host.
FeLV is cat-to-cat transmitted primarily through saliva and nasal secretions.
Outdoor cats are at much greater risk because of more contact with other cats.
Kittens with less developed immune systems become infected much easier than adults.
When a cat is exposed to the virus three things can happen: 1.
They can have a strong immune response and not be infected 2.
They can become infected but hold the infection in check and not become symptomatic (they could develop symptoms in the future).
3.
They can become infected and develop FeLV associated diseases generally resulting in death.
Symptoms of infection:
IFA (indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay) needs to be sent to lab.
About 70% of infected cats develop immunity and are able to fight off the virus without becoming symptomatic.
For the 30% of cats who do become symptomatic there is no cure for FeLV.
The treatment options are limited to relieving pain and discomfort and treating secondary infections.
Cancer is sometimes treated with chemotherapy or radiation.
Prevention The only sure prevention is non-exposure.
Outdoor cats are at greater risk as are cats in shelters and kennels.
Because Feline Leukemia virus is infectious any cat that tests positive should be kept indoors and completely separate from any non-infected cats.
That of course is difficult to do in a multi-cat household.
It's also best to wait 30 days before bringing a new cat into a household that had been home to an infected cat.
There are vaccines for FeLV.
They're estimated to have 75-85% effectiveness...
so there's no guarantee a vaccinated cat is protected.
FeLV vaccines do have side effects.
Before vaccination it's important to test for infection as the vaccine shouldn't be given to cats already infected.
It breaks down their immune system leaving them susceptible to many diseases.
It's a common cause of illness and death and there is no "cure".
A retrovirus inserts a copy of itself into cells of the infected host.
This way it's continuously replicated for the life of the host.
FeLV is cat-to-cat transmitted primarily through saliva and nasal secretions.
Outdoor cats are at much greater risk because of more contact with other cats.
Kittens with less developed immune systems become infected much easier than adults.
When a cat is exposed to the virus three things can happen: 1.
They can have a strong immune response and not be infected 2.
They can become infected but hold the infection in check and not become symptomatic (they could develop symptoms in the future).
3.
They can become infected and develop FeLV associated diseases generally resulting in death.
Symptoms of infection:
- Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Diarrhea
- Inflamed gums and mouth
- Anemia
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Cancer
- Respiratory and eye problems
- Seizures and neurological disorders
- Immunodeficiency and infectious diseases
IFA (indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay) needs to be sent to lab.
About 70% of infected cats develop immunity and are able to fight off the virus without becoming symptomatic.
For the 30% of cats who do become symptomatic there is no cure for FeLV.
The treatment options are limited to relieving pain and discomfort and treating secondary infections.
Cancer is sometimes treated with chemotherapy or radiation.
Prevention The only sure prevention is non-exposure.
Outdoor cats are at greater risk as are cats in shelters and kennels.
Because Feline Leukemia virus is infectious any cat that tests positive should be kept indoors and completely separate from any non-infected cats.
That of course is difficult to do in a multi-cat household.
It's also best to wait 30 days before bringing a new cat into a household that had been home to an infected cat.
There are vaccines for FeLV.
They're estimated to have 75-85% effectiveness...
so there's no guarantee a vaccinated cat is protected.
FeLV vaccines do have side effects.
Before vaccination it's important to test for infection as the vaccine shouldn't be given to cats already infected.
Source...