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