Feline Panleukopenia

AKA Pan-Leuk, FP (feline panleukopenia)

What is Feline Panleukopenia?

Feline Panleukopenia (FP) is a very contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. Kittens are the most vulnerable to the virus, but adult cats can also be affected. This virus affects their gut, immune system, and nervous system. It is fatal if left untreated, about 90% will die of FP.

symptoms:

Symptoms usually develop in 4-6 after they have come into contact with the virus.these are some of the signs: weight loss, laying around, watery and even bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever of 104 Fahrenheit or more, dehydration, belly pain, discharge from their nose and eyes.

Transmission:

Cats can spread the virus through their urine, stool, and respiratory system. They can even spread it from the fleas of infected animals and humans. The virus can survive for up to a year. It is found in nearly every environment. It is very important to isolate infected cats. The virus that causes FP is difficult to destroy and resistant to many disinfectants. Cats can become infected through oral contact with infected feces.

Treatment:

The best treatment is keeping them hydrated and trying to prevent secondary infection. Antibiotics do not kill the virus but can help prevent other infections. Keep their blood sugar up with honey, their food, wet food, formula, and Pedialyte. Vitamin B supplements are very helpful and iron too. You can treat them with medication to help nausea, IV antibiotics and fluids with electrolytes, vitamin B and even blood transfusion . Infected kittens are not likely to survive but that does not mean give up fight for them! Immediate treatment is important. Older cats have a better chance of surviving if treated early.

prevention:

Quarantine the kitten or cat from other animals. Vaccines are available for Panleukopenia and can be given at 6 weeks old and follow up vaccines are also given. Proper sanitation with Bleach or Rescue. Hand washing is helpful in limiting the spread of the virus. This virus is preventable and treatable, but if left untreated, the kitten/cat will die. Cats that survive and infection develop immunity that should protect them for the rest of their lives.

Facts:

Feline Panleukopenia virus is not contagious for humans or dogs.

This desise can kill cats in less than 24 hours.

The treatment costs range between $400 and $800 depending on size of the cat or kitten.

Feline Panleukopenia is also known as feline distemper.

References: www.kittenlady.org www.wikipedia.org www.avma.org