Although a diagnosis of Feline Leukemia Virus can be emotionally devastating, it is important to realize that cats with FeLV can live normal lives for prolonged periods. Our vets in Carrollton share some important information about Feline Leukemia Virus as well as the symptoms and prognosis for cats living with this infectious disease.
Wat is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats in the United States, most commonly affecting cats that are experiencing other conditions.
FeLV spreads easily from one cat to another through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and the milk of infected cats. It’s also possible for cats to spread it to one another during fights or mutual grooming. Occasionally, they can spread it through shared litter boxes and feeding dishes.
Feline leukemia virus can be passed on from the mother cat to her kitten before or after birth. However, FeLV does not live long outside of a cat's body and so direct contact is the typical form of transmission.
What are the symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus?
In the early stages, a cat may not show any of the symptoms listed below. However, the longer they have been infected, the more you may see a decline in the health of their beloved cat. Signs of FeLV can include:- Loss of appetite
- Progressive weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums and other mucus membranes
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
- Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
- A variety of eye conditions
- Reproductive failures including the abortion of kittens
How is Feline Leukemia Virus diagnosed?
When it comes to diagnosing feline leukemia virus there are two types of blood tests that your vet may most likely use, both of which detect a protein in the virus called FeLV P27.
The first test your vet may USE is called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It may be used during the initial screening for feline leukemia virus. ELISA-type tests detect free FeLV particles found in the bloodstream during all stages of infection.
What is the treatment for Feline Leukemia Virus?
The unfortunate truth with FeLV is that there is no cure. The goal of treatment is managing and lowering the amount of feline leukemia virus in the bloodstream. This helps ease symptoms and reduce transmission. However, this may not be effective in all cats.
It is common for veterinarians treating and managing FeLV-positive cats to treat specific symptoms and conditions that the cat is experiencing due to FeLV, such as infections or anemia.
Can Feline Leukemia Virus be prevented?
The only way that you can make sure your cat doesn’t contract feline leukemia virus is by keeping them away from cats that are FeLV-infected. Ensuring your cat stays inside is one of the best ways to do this. If you still choose to let your cat play outdoors, supervise them or keep your cat in an area that will keep them secure and away from other outdoor cats. All cats should be tested for FeLV before introducing them into a home, and infection-free cats should not be allowed contact with infected cats.
Always ensure that FeLV-infected cats have their own litter boxes and dishes and will not have access to those of the non-infected cats.
A relatively effective vaccine against FeLV is available, although like most vaccinations it is not 100% effective and is an elective vaccine, but it is recommended as an easy way to lower the risk of your cat contracting FeLV. Owners contemplating vaccination for their cat or cats against feline leukemia virus should consider the cats' risk of exposure to FeLV-infected cats and discuss the pros and cons with your Carrollton vets.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.