- Facts
1. Problem Definition:
Feline distemper, or Feline Panleukopenia, is a highly contagious and serious virus spread among cats.
2. Symptoms:
Symptoms may vary but
the most frequent signs of this disease are loss of appetite, lethargy,
vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and depression.
3. Duration of Problem:
Very young cats can show symptoms of feline distemper suddenly, and the illness can progress very quickly. Cats who survive for five days often survive, although it may take several weeks for full recovery. Feline distemper can be fatal, especially for kittens.
4. Exposure:
Feline distemper is caused by contact with an infected cat or his secretions. This includes contact with the food or water dishes, litter box, or bedding of an infected cat, as well as contact with infected feces or urine. The virus can still be present in the feces and urine of a cat for up to six weeks after the cat has recovered.
- Prevention & Treatment
1. The Treatment:
There is no treatment for the virus itself, but your vet can treat the symptoms to try to prevent secondary infections. This treatment may include fluid replacement and antibiotics.
2. Prevention:
Feline distemper can be prevented through routine vaccination. You need to discuss with your veterinarian how frequently your cat needs to be vaccinated.
3. Precautions:
Vaccinating your cat and keeping him indoors and minimizing their exposure to potentially infected cats will help keep him from becoming infected.
4. Helpful Supplies:
A bleach solution should be used to wash any bowls, litter boxes, etc., which may have been exposed to feline distemper. It is important to note that the virus can live for years at room temperature, so any potentially infected item should be treated with extreme care.
- Concerns
1. Level of Seriousness:
Feline distemper is extremely serious and can be fatal.
2. Lasting Consequences:
Cats who survive feline distemper are frequently fine, although the recovery may take several weeks. Kittens that are exposed in utero, or shortly after birth, may have nervous system or vision problems.
3. Genetics:
Genetics does not appear to play a role in feline distemper.
4.
Lifestyle Accommodations:
There are no accommodations necessary for a cat who survives feline distemper.
5. Expense:
Veterinary care may be extensive and could include intravenous or subcutaneous fluid replacement. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be required. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to protect the cat from secondary infections.
