Drawing from personal experience in veterinary practice, Feline Panleukopenia Virus, often termed Feline Distemper, represents a formidable challenge in feline healthcare. This highly contagious and life-threatening condition strikes at the heart of feline communities, predominantly affecting kittens and unvaccinated cats. Its lethality cannot be overstated; without being appropriately diagnosed and treated, it often proves fatal.
The virus bears a close genetic kinship to canine parvovirus, though, intriguingly, it’s not related to canine distemper virus. Its modus operandi involves assaulting the rapidly growing and dividing cells within the body, notably in the bone marrow, intestines, skin, and even the developing fetus of pregnant cats. This aspect of the disease, witnessed firsthand, emphasizes its cruel efficiency in disrupting the very building blocks of life.
In my years of veterinary experience, I’ve seen Feline Panleukopenia Virus, also known as Feline Distemper, ravage through feline populations with devastating efficiency. This virus uniquely targets the most vulnerable components of a cat’s immune system, striking at the white blood cells and, by extension, suppressing the animal’s ability to fight off infections. The bone marrow, a critical safety barrier, experiences a decreased production of these vital cells, while the virus spreads quickly through the body, particularly affecting the intestines and causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
When a cat is infected, the breakdown of the intestinal barrier can lead to secondary bacterial infections, further complicating the disease and making it fatal if untreated. The loss of appetite and dehydration that ensues not only breaks down the cat’s physical health but also its immune system, making it increasingly vulnerable. This virus affects both infected and unvaccinated cats, leads to a dramatic decrease in white blood cells, and, without prompt and effective treatment, can be fatal.
Reflecting on my time treating feline companions, I’ve observed that Feline distemper virus, also known as Feline Panleukopenia Virus, is an insidious threat lurking in nearly every corner of our environment. Its resilience is astounding; the virus can live and survive in the environment for years, undeterred by freezing temperatures or room temperatures, and is resistant to many common disinfectants, save for iodine and alcohol. It is everywhere, carried inadvertently on shoes, paws, bedding, bowls, and litter boxes.
Once the virus enters the body through the nose or mouth, it wages war against the immune system, deploying viral particles that invade the bone marrow and intestines within two to seven days of contact. Panleukopenia stands as one of the deadliest diseases among the unvaccinated feline population, particularly kittens with depressed immune systems and pregnant cats, who are at high risk. The severe clinical signs of this disease underscore the critical nature of vaccination and immediate care in combating this pervasive threat.
Also Read: How To Cure Heat Stroke in Cats?
Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats (Feline Distemper)
Symptoms of feline distemper can range from mild to severe and may include the following:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Painful abdomen (when touched or may appear tense and distended without touching)
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Rough or unkempt hair coat
- Fever
- Decreased to absent appetite
- Collapse (in severe cases)
- Bruising of the skin or gums (in severe cases)
From firsthand observations, kittens infected with feline panleukopenia during early or mid-pregnancy may be aborted or born with cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition where the virus disrupts the formation of the brain’s cerebellum, essential for balance and movement. In late stages of pregnancy, affected kittens can still develop this condition, highlighting the virus’s impact on neurological development.
Affected kittens exhibit symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including intention tremors, a wide-based stance, and a tendency to fall frequently due to being uncoordinated. Thankfully, this is not a painful condition, and with special-need care in safe environments, they can live long, happy lives.
Causes of Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats (Feline Distemper)
In my years of treating feline diseases, I’ve observed cats can be infected with the virus as kittens, either in utero if the mother is pregnant and exposed to the environment, or through breast milk during feeding. This early exposure underlines the importance of a clean environment for pregnant cats and their litters.
Another way cats become carrying hosts of the feline distemper virus is by shedding viral particles into the environment through feces, urine, saliva, and vomit. Infection occurs when susceptible cats come into contact with these secretions, highlighting the need for rigorous hygiene practices.
An infected cat can shed the virus from day one, and it remains stable in the environment and can live for years, making it a common way for other cats to become infected. This resilience of the virus in various environments necessitates vigilant cleanliness and vaccination efforts.
Also Read: Why Do Cats Like Covered Beds?
How Veterinarians Diagnose Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats (Feline Distemper)
When a kitten starts showing signs like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and decreased appetite, veterinarians begin to suspect Feline panleukopenia. They undertake a thorough medical history to be helpful in diagnosis, especially if the cat is recently adopted, goes outdoors frequently, is unvaccinated, or has been around other cats.
Bloodwork and exposure history are correlated, often revealing a very low white blood cells count, and possibly low red blood cells indicating anemia. Fecal testing may be performed, though it can be falsely positive if the cat received a panleukopenia vaccine within 5-12 days prior to testing. Virus isolation test, antibody levels, and PCR testing are available to help confirm suspicions, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats (Feline Distemper)
Treatment for feline panleukopenia focuses on supportive care, with dehydration being treated through aggressive intravenous fluid therapy. Clinical signs like vomiting and diarrhea are managed with prescription medications, and antibiotic therapy is essential for combating secondary bacterial infections due to low white blood cell counts. In cases of shock or severe infections, kittens and cats may require resuscitation, plasma/blood transfusions, and anti-coagulant therapies.
Luckily, cats that receive and respond to aggressive therapy within the first few days of showing symptoms of feline panleukopenia often have a good prognosis for complete recovery. However, the prognosis decreases with low protein levels, low temperatures, thin body conditions, and severely low white blood cells. Kittens infected in utero during early or middle stages of pregnancy may survive; those in later stages may develop cerebellar hypoplasia but can still lead happy lives with normal survival times depending on the severity of neurological signs.
Recovery and Management of Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats (Feline Distemper)
Luckily, the vaccine for feline panleukopenia virus is a part of the core vaccine series for cats and is highly effective. A cat receiving the appropriate dose can achieve lifelong immunity. It is recommended that the vaccine be administered as part of a series of core vaccines, with most vaccine protocols suggesting doses two to four weeks apart, and the last vaccination being received at 14-16 weeks old, then repeated every one to three years depending on the cat’s lifestyle and protocols recommended by your veterinarian.
Because feline panleukopenia is so hardy, it can remain in an affected environment for a long time. Cages, food/water bowls, toys, and bedding should be replaced or thoroughly disinfected. The virus can live on hands and clothing, so humans who encounter an infected cat can minimize transmission to other cats by washing with soap and water before and after handling. This ensures the safety of unvaccinated cats not yet placed in an environment frequented or suspected to be contaminated.
Also Read: Why is My Cats Stomach Bloated and Hard?
What are the Symptoms of Distemper to Look Out For?
Symptoms of distemper often mimic those of an upper respiratory infection, as noted by Dr. Cathy Alinovi, a veterinarian and owner of Healthy PAWsibilities in Pine Village, Indiana. As the disease progresses, it becomes more severe.
Excessive Sneezing
An infected cat may experience sneezing fits that last for long periods, signaling the onset of the illness.
Runny Nose
A cat with distemper may have a hard time breathing due to a runny nose, further complicating its health.
Discharge from Eyes
Your pet’s eyes becoming runny and watery is another clear indicator of distress and infection.
Presumed Headache
When a cat refuses to be petted, it might be experiencing what can be presumed as a headache, a discomfort they cannot communicate.
Loss of Balance
Affecting the cat’s cerebellum, the disease can cause them to lose their sense of balance, showing as a loss of balance.
Difficulty Walking
Distemper can lead to nerve damage, making a cat struggle to walk, a clear sign of difficulty walking.
Sudden Onset of Diarrhea
An infection in the cat’s intestines and bone marrow can trigger sudden bouts of diarrhea, signaling a deeper issue.
Refusal to Eat
Even when hungry, a cat might refuse to eat, turning away from its bowl in disinterest.
Reduced white Blood Cell Count
A reduced white blood cell count can leave your pet sick often, as they become more susceptible to other viruses.
How Likely is it for a Cat to Contract Distemper?
According to Dr. Alinovi, the likelihood of a cat contracting feline distemper from another cat depends on the strain of the virus. Panleukopenia, the virus responsible, is a real killer, with some years likened to the human flu some strains are really bad and deadly, while others are not so bad. Cat rescue centers and animal shelters often see an influx of feline distemper infections.
How Can You Prevent Your Cat from Contracting Distemper?
To prevent your cat from contracting distemper, it’s crucial they are vaccinated. The American Association of Feline Practitioners considers it a core vaccine and recommends cats be vaccinated against the virus. Dr. Fuller emphasizes that vaccination can reduce the risk, but no vaccine is one hundred percent effective. He warns that new kittens and cats should be evaluated by a veterinarian before bringing them home. Dr. Alinovi suggests to prevent spread by washing hands after touching different groups of animals, and ensuring a cat sitter washes their hands after handling different animals.
Conclusion
Feline distemper is a formidable challenge, yet not insurmountable with informed care and preventive measures. Drawing from years of veterinary experience, I’ve seen first-hand the resilience of cats against this disease when armed with vaccination and vigilant care. The key lies in early detection, immediate treatment, and robust preventive strategies, including vaccination and hygiene practices. By fostering a safe environment and staying informed about the risks and signs of distemper, cat owners can ensure their feline companions lead healthy, vibrant lives.
FAQs
Is Feline Panleukopenia the Same as Feline Distemper?
Yes, feline panleukopenia and feline distemper are terms veterinarians use interchangeably, though it’s a common misconception. Both are caused by the feline parvovirus.
Also Read: Can My Cat Have Asthma?
What are Signs of Feline Distemper?
Clinical signs of feline distemper include diarrhea, often with blood, depression, lethargy, dehydration, painful abdomen, vomiting, and in severe cases, collapse and death.
Can Cat Distemper Be Cured?
Cats can achieve lifelong immunity against distemper if treated during the initial stages of the infection and respond well to therapies.
Can a Cat Survive Panleukopenia?
A cat can survive panleukopenia if treated in the initial stages of the infection.
Is Feline Distemper Contagious?
Feline distemper is contagious among infected cats, but when humans have encountered an environment with the virus, it’s not contagious from cats to humans but can spread from cat to cat.
Can an Indoor Cat Get Distemper?
Indoor cats are not completely guarded against feline distemper, but are less likely to contract the virus. Even so, vaccinated cats are safest, acknowledging no vaccine is 100% effective.
What Kills Feline Distemper Virus?
The feline distemper virus can be killed by new generation disinfectants effective against feline panleukopenia, such as Rescue Disinfectant Cleaner, Animal Facility Disinfectant, and Virkon S, which are key in killing the panleukopenia virus and preventing its spread.
