|
Feline Immune-Deficiency Viruses (FIV & FeLV)
|
WHAT ARE FELINE IMMUNE-DEFICIENCY VIRUSES?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are feline immune-deficiency viruses and are in the family of viruses known as "retroviruses." The most infamous retroviruse is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS in people. The major characteristic of the immune system is to fight infections.
People and dogs cannot catch FIV or FeLV or develop AIDS through exposure to FIV-positive or FeLV-positive cats. Only cats are susveptible to these viruses and the disease they cause.
HOW DO CATS GET FIV OR FeLV?
Most cats become infected with FIV when they are bitten by another infected cat. The virus, present in saliva of infected cats, passes beneath the skin of the victim. FIV is not spread by casual contact between cats-- it is unusual for cats in the same household to spread the disease to each other unless they fight.
FeLV is spread through contact with saliva, urine, or blood, which means FeLV can be spread among cats in the same household even if they don't fight. Also, an infected mother cat can pass the virus to her kittens before they are born or through her milk while nursing.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT HAS FIV?
The only way to know if your cat has FIV is to have his/her blood tested by your veterinarian. All kittens and cats should be tested to determine if they are infected, even if they show no physical signs of disease.
FIV infection progresses slowly, and cats dignosed with FIV may remain free of signs for years. FIV-positive cats often develop illnesses that are unrelated to the virus itself because their immune systems are compromised.
No one physical sign always means your cat has FIV, but there are several signs commonly associated with the disease. Common health problems reported in cats in the chronic stage of FIV infection include:
*Oral-cavity infections
*Upper-respiratory infections
*Weight loss
*Ear infections
*Skin infections
*Fever of unknown origin
*Enlarged lymph nodes
*Low red- or while-blood cell counts
*Kidney disease
*Eye disease
*Reproductive failure, such as spontaneous abortions or stillbirths.
*Neurologic disease, such as personality changes, tremors, or seizures.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT HAS FeLV?
Cats can carry FeLV without showing any physical signs. The only way to know if your cat has FeLV is to have your verterinarian test his/her blood. All kittens and cats should be tested, even if they show no physical signs of disease.
Like cats with FIV, cats with FeLV often develop illnesses that are unrelated to the virus itself because their immune system is compromised. Health problems commonly associated with FeLV include:
*Anemia, which causes a lack of pink or red color in the gums
*Weight loss
*Recurring or chronic illness
*"Fading Kitten Syndrome," during which a kitten becomes progressively weaker
*A syndrome similar to panleukopenia (feline distemper), with lethargy,fever, and diarrhea
*Persistent or recurring fevers or infections
*Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
*Jaundice, which causes a yellow color in the mouth and/or the whites of the eyes
*Eye infections and disease
*Certain types of cancer
CAN FIV OR FeLV BE TREATED?
To date, no cure has been found for FIV or FeLV infection. FIV-positive cats are considered to be infected for life. Some cats infected with FeLV may revert to a FeLV-negative status, but others remain infected for life. Your veterinaian can provide supportive care for your cat and can treat some of the secondary illnesses that develop as a result of the infection.
Frequently, diagnostic test such as a blood profile, fecal exam, urinalysis, and radiographs (x-rays) are required before your veterinarian can begin supportive treatment. Treatment may include administration of fluids, B vitamins, appetite stimulants and antidiarrheal medications.
No drugs or therapeutic agents have been approved for treatment of feline immune-deficiency viruses at this time, but cats may benefit from certain prescription medication. Other forms of therapy (such as homeopathy, botanical medicine, and nutritional supplementation) are gaining popularity, but no scientific evidence proves that these less conventional forms of therapy are effective.
Cats can live long and relatively healthy lives despite retroviral infection. Some related disorders (including secondary infections) respond well if they are diagnosed early and treated aggressively.
HOW CAN THESE DISEASE BE PREVENTED?
First, consider vaccinating your cat against these viruses. Discuss your cat's potential exposure with your veterinarian so that you can make an informed decision. Second, keep your cat indoors. It is impossible to ensure that your cat will not be exposed to infected cats if you allow him to roam freely outdoors. Most cats currently infected with FIV or FeLV were first exposed to the disease through this kind of contact. Third, have all your cats tested for FIV and FeLV on a regular bases
A feline immune-deficiency virus leaves your cat vulnerable to many diseases and other infections. Talk to your veterinarian about protecting your cat form FIV and FeLV infection.
|
|