![]() Other cats that may have been in contact with the infected cat, or in contact with objects or people who were in close contact with the sick cat, should be carefully monitored for any visible signs of illness. Strict isolation from other cats is necessary to prevent spread of the virus. If the cat survives for five days, its chances for recovery are greatly improved. Although antibiotics do not kill the virus, they are often necessary because infected cats are at a higher risk of bacterial infections because their immune systems are not fully functioning (due to the decreased white blood cells) and because bacteria from the damaged gut may enter the cat’s bloodstream and cause infection. Treatment focuses on correcting dehydration, providing nutrients, and preventing secondary infection. Without such supportive care, up to 90% of cats with FP may die. ![]() Since there are no medications capable of killing the virus, intensive care and treatment are critical to support the cat’s health with medications and fluids until its own body and immune system can fight off the virus. Older cats have a greater chance of survival if adequate treatment is provided early. The likelihood of recovery from FP for infected kittens less than eight weeks old is poor. FP is confirmed when the feline parvovirus is found in the cat’s stool, but the results might be falsely positive if the cat was vaccinated for FP within 5-12 days prior to the test. When that history of exposure is combined with blood tests that show severely reduced levels of all white blood cell types, FP is likely the cause of the cat’s illness. These kittens are born with a syndrome called feline cerebellar ataxia, and their movement is accompanied by severe tremors (shaking).įeline panleukopenia may be suspected based on a history of exposure to an infected cat, lack of vaccination, and the visible signs of illness. Pregnant female cats that are infected with the virus and become ill (even if they do not appear seriously ill) may abort or give birth to kittens with severe damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain that coordinates nerves, muscles and bones to produce body movements. In young kittens, the virus can also damage the brain and the eyes. In some cats, the fever will come and go during the illness and abruptly fall to lower-than-normal levels shortly before death. Sick cats may sit for long periods of time in front of their water bowls but not drink much water. The first visible signs an owner might notice include generalized depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration. It also attacks the bone marrow and lymph nodes, resulting in shortages of all types of white blood cells (panleukopenia) and of red blood cells (anemia). The FP virus causes damage to the cells that line the intestines. Infected cats may even show signs that resemble those seen when a cat has been poisoned or has swallowed a foreign object. The signs of FP can vary and may be similar to other illnesses such as Salmonella or Campylobacter infection, pancreatitis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection. Ideally, unvaccinated cats should not be allowed into an area where an infected cat has been - even if the area has been disinfected. The virus that causes FP is difficult to destroy and resistant to many disinfectants. Any materials used on or for infected cats should not be used or allowed to come in contact with other cats, and people handling infected cats should practice proper hygiene to prevent spreading the infection. It is, therefore, very important to isolate infected cats. Bedding, cages, food dishes, and the hands or clothing of people who handle the infected cat may harbor the virus and transmit it to other cats. An infected cat tends to shed the virus for a relatively short period of time (1-2 days), but the virus can survive for up to a year in the environment, so cats may become infected without ever coming into direct contact with an infected cat. American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)Ĭats can shed the virus in their urine, stool, and nasal secretions infection occurs when susceptible cats come in contact with these secretions, or even the fleas from infected cats.American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR).Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation.AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN).Donate to American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).
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