Feline leukemia

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. If not defeated by the animal's immune system, the virus can cause diseases which can be lethal.

Transmission

Feline Leukemia Virus is transmitted through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Feline Leukemia can be quite varied and include loss of appetite, slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process, 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.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of Feline Leukemia is often made based on clinical signs, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and specific diagnostic tests. The most common test for FeLV, the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, looks for FeLV antigens in the blood.

Treatment

There is no cure for Feline Leukemia. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This can include antibiotics for infections, steroids for inflammation, and medications to manage symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention

The best prevention is to prevent exposure to infected cats. In multi-cat households, new cats should be tested for the virus before being introduced to cats in the household. There is a vaccine available, but it is not 100% effective.

See also

• Feline immunodeficiency virus
• Feline infectious peritonitis
• Feline vaccination

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