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History
Feline panleukopenia (FP) has also been known as feline distemper, infectious
enteritis, cat fever (not cat scratch fever), and other names. FP is caused by a
virus and is present wherever cats are congregated, especially catteries, breeding
facilities, shelters and feral populations. Young, ill, immunodeficient and unvaccinated
cats are most susceptible. Older outdoor cats have usually been exposed and tend
to resist infection.
Signs
Signs of illness can be very non-specific. Oftentimes, cats have a fever which
will cause them to lose their appetite, they become lethargic, and will sometimes
vomit. Later in the course of the disease, a few days, vomiting worsens and cats
may have diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Complete blood counts will often indicate anemia (low red blood cell counts)
and low white blood cell counts. Panleukopenia translates into "all the white
blood cells are low." Diagnosis is usually based on signs, history of the cat,
and complete blood counts. It is important to be certain other illnesses such as
FeLV, FIV, FIP, FeVRC, Calicivirus and Chlamydia are not present.
Transmission
The FP virus is transmitted between cats through contaminated blood, feces, urine,
respiratory secretions (sneezing) and through indirect contact with contaminated
items. Even litter boxes, food dishes, and humans can serve to transmit the disease.
Since the virus is resistant to many disinfectants and can remain viable for up to
one year, it is difficult to prevent exposure.
Treatment
There are no treatments specifically for the virus. However, supportive care
is provided to aid with secondary problems. Antibiotics are administered to treat
concurrent bacterial infections, fluids given for dehydration, assisted feeding for
patients unwilling to eat, warmth for hypothermic cats, etc. Kittens under 4 months
of age will have heavy mortality but about one-half of older cats will survive. |
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