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Back to the Basics
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV is a virus specific to cats and is often erroneously referred to as "cat AIDS." It is similar to AIDS in that it attacks and weakens the immune system and there is no cure. Reliable information about FIV is plentiful on the internet. We encourage you to learn more about it.
Here are some quick facts:
FIV is transmitted through deep bite wounds.
FIV is NOT transmissible to humans or dogs.
Cats with FIV can live long, healthy, happy and normal lives!
Intact males with outdoor access are most likely to be infected.
Kittens may be infected before, during, or after birth (while nursing).
FIV is quickly diagnosed through a blood test.
If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, you risk its FIV status every time it goes outdoors.
FIV+ cats CAN live with non-infected cats as long as they can co-exist peacefully. (Remember, this virus is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds. If the cats don't fight, there's little worry about transmission.)
In the U.S., approximately 2.5-5% percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV.
EDUCATION IS KEY!!!!! FIV+ cats have a VERY difficult time getting adopted because of their status. In the past, they were immediately euthanized instead of put up for adoption. Help CHANGE THE PARADIGM! Educate others about the virus and how cats can live a long, healthy, normal life with FIV. Manage expectations. Let's get these cats in homes!
If you're in rescue or doing TNR, please note:
Before you place a cat for adoption (or send it to foster in a home with other cats), it should be tested for FIV. Adopt that cat out with full disclosure about its FIV status.
Beware of false positives in kittens under 6 months of age!
You can place FIV+ cats in homes with other cats that are not FIV+. Educate the adopter and make sure the cats are not likely to fight with each other.
We don't FIV test the cats we TNR. Alley Cat Allies also holds this position.
#TNR
#FIV
Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis
Let’s talk about mycoplasma .., another silent killer in cats. About as deadly as panleukopenia, especially when you don’t know they have it, and get to them too late.
Feline hemotrophic mycoplasmosis (FHM) is the name of a relatively uncommon infection of cats. (Although now it’s becoming more and more common) In the past, this disease was called feline infectious anemia or hemobartonellosis. With this disease, the cat's red blood cells are infected by a microscopic blood bacterial parasite.
mycoplasma infection is a medical condition that affects cats, dogs, farm animals, and people. The bacteria are present in most environments and are often commensals. Most healthy animals will experience little to no symptoms, but the very young or old or those with immune disorders may have severe anemia and other signs of infection. Mycoplasma commonly causes respiratory symptoms like bronchitis and pneumonia, but can cause infection in other parts of the body as well.
Causes of Mycoplasma Infection in Cats
Mycoplasma infection is caused by exposure to the bacteria. This happens mostly from
Fleas. This can occur in almost any setting, as this type of bacteria is very common. It can spread easily between animals, making it common in shelters and kennels as well as multi-pet homes. The infection is not limited to cats, and can be caught from or given to other companion animals. Humans are also at risk of infection. Immunodeficiency and conditions that weaken or suppress the immune system increase the risk of contracting the disease.
Infections can be located in the respiratory system, urinary tract, joints, or reproductive system.
Common symptoms include:
Anemia
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Weakness
Fever
Yellowing of skin (Icterus or Jaundice)
Pale skin and mucous membranes
Nasal or ocular (eye) discharge
Symptoms related to the infection location include:
Sneezing
Trouble breathing
Coughing
Pneumonia
Joint inflammation
Difficulty moving
Urinary tract infection
Abscesses
Reproductive problems (including miscarriage and poor fetal development).
What happens to the infected cat?
Cats become infected via a bite from an infected flea and soon the cats' red blood cells are covered with free-loading Mycoplasma organisms. The cat's immune system eventually detects foreign proteins on red blood cells and begins to mount an attack in the form of antibodies. These antibodies bind to the Mycoplasma organism as a coating, which serves to mark the infected red blood cell for removal and destruction.
Coated red blood cells are removed from the circulation by the spleen's natural mechanisms for removing damaged red blood cells. This process breaks apart the infected red blood cell, kills the Mycoplasma organism, and recycles the iron for use in new red blood cells.
The problem is that if many red blood cells are parasitized then
so many red blood cells will be destroyed that the cat becomes anemic.
The infected sick cat is pale (sometimes even jaundiced) and weak. Anemic cats often eat dirt or litter in an attempt to consume iron. A fever may be present. The initial blood tests show not only red blood cell loss but evidence that the bone marrow (where new red blood cells are manufactured) has recognized that the body is losing red blood cells and is responding. A deficiency of mature red blood cells is evident but a large number of immature red blood cells are circulating, having been released prematurely to "take up the slack." This is called a "responsive anemia." Cats with concurrent feline leukemia virus infection tend to have more severe anemias as the virus does not permit the bone marrow to respond.
It can take up to a month after the initial infection before there are enough organisms to make the cat sick. It is this second month when organisms have reached peak numbers where mortality is the highest. If the cat recovers, it will become a permanent carrier though stress can re-activate the infection.
FLEA PREVENTATIVE IS A MUST
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Distemper)
Feline Panleukopenia Virus, otherwise known as Feline Distemper, is a highly contagious, life-threatening infectious disease in cats. It mostly affects kittens and unvaccinated cats, and it can be fatal if not appropriately diagnosed and treated. It is closely related to canine parvovirus (often confused as it is not related to the canine distemper virus).
The feline panleukopenia virus infects and kills the rapidly growing and dividing cells in the body, including cells in the bone marrow, intestines, and skin, and in a developing fetus.
The virus suppresses the production of all white blood cells in the bone marrow. These cells are important to the immune system and are used to fight infection. Without them, the cat is vulnerable to spreading the virus.
Infected cells in the intestines eventually lead to diarrhea, decreased appetite and vomiting. Severe dehydration ensues and the safety barrier between the intestines and the rest of the body breaks down, leading to secondary bacterial infections. The virus spreads quickly and is fatal, if left untreated.
Feline distemper virus is found everywhere in the environment; it is strong and can live for years. The virus can survive in the environment it was shed into or be carried on shoes, paws, bedding, bowls, litter boxes, etc. It can survive at freezing temperatures and room temperatures, and it can also survive the use of certain disinfectants, including iodine and alcohol.
The virus enters the body through the nose or mouth; the specific cat’s immune system determines the number of viral particles that enter the body. Usually, the virus invades the bone marrow and intestines within two to seven days of the cat coming into contact with the virus.
Panleukopenia is considered one of the deadliest cat diseases in the unvaccinated cat population. Kittens, cats with depressed immune systems and pregnant cats are at the highest risk to develop severe clinical signs of this disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms 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)
Kittens infected with feline panleukopenia during early to mid-pregnancy may be aborted. Kittens infected in the womb during the late stages of pregnancy may develop cerebellar hypoplasia once born, a condition where the virus affects the formation of a part of the brain called the cerebellum. This is the part that coordinates balance and movement.
Affected kittens will have mild to severe intention tremors and a wide-based stance. They may fall frequently or seem uncoordinated. Luckily, this is not considered a painful condition, and these special-need kittens, if kept in safe environments, can live long happy lives.
Causes
Cats become infected with this virus in utero due to their mother becoming infected while pregnant or being exposed to it in their environment. Kittens can also be infected in utero or via breast milk when feeding from their mother.
A cat carrying feline distemper virus will shed viral particles into the environment through feces, urine, saliva and vomit. Infection occurs when susceptible cats are in contact with these secretions.
Luckily, an infected cat only sheds the virus for a day or two, but since the virus is very stable in the environment, it can live for years. That is why it is common for cats to become infected due to their environment.
How Veterinarians Diagnose
Feline panleukopenia can look like many other conditions, such as feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus. Any kitten showing signs of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and a decreased appetite is a feline panleukopenia suspect. A thorough medical history can be helpful with diagnosis, especially if your cat was recently adopted, has been outdoors frequently, is unvaccinated, and/or has been around other cats.
Your veterinarian will likely do bloodwork to help with the diagnosis. Feline panleukopenia is suspected when exposure history is correlated with very low white blood cells and possibly low red blood cells (anemia).
Fecal testing for feline panleukopenia virus can be performed but is often falsely positive if the cat received a panleukopenia vaccine 5-12 days prior to testing. Virus isolation (a test to find the virus in different tissue samples), antibody levels and PCR testing are also available to help confirm suspicions of feline panleukopenia.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for feline panleukopenia. Dehydration is treated with aggressive intravenous fluid therapy while clinical signs of vomiting and diarrhea are treated with prescription medications.
Antibiotic therapy is often instituted to help control any secondary bacterial infections due to low white blood cell counts. However, antibiotics are not used to treat and clear the actual virus. For kittens and cats who appear in shock, or with severe infections, aggressive therapy and nursing care is necessary for resuscitation, using plasma/blood transfusions and anti-coagulant therapies.
Luckily, cats who do receive and respond well to aggressive therapy during the first few days of feline panleukopenia tend to have a good prognosis for a complete recovery. Kittens infected in utero during the early to middle stages of pregnancy typically do not survive. Those infected in the later stages of pregnancy tend to develop cerebellar hypoplasia but can live happy lives with normal survival times, depending on the severity of the neurological signs.
Prognosis decreases for cats with low protein levels, low temperatures, thin body conditions, and/or severely low white blood cells on bloodwork. These extremely ill cats have a poor prognosis and, on average, will pass away within 12-24 hours.
If a cat recovers from feline panleukopenia, there is usually no permanent damage to their organs, and they develop lifelong immunity to the virus.
Recovery and Management
Luckily, there is a vaccine for feline panleukopenia virus, and it is part of the core vaccine series for cats. This vaccine is so effective that a cat often requires only one dose for lifelong immunity, though it is still recommended to be administered as a series with other core vaccines.
Most vaccine protocols recommend at least two doses given two to four weeks apart, with the last vaccination received when the cat is 14-16 weeks old. This vaccination is usually repeated every one to three years, depending on your cat’s lifestyle and the protocols set by your veterinarian. Discuss vaccination with your veterinarian for more details and recommendations.
Since feline panleukopenia is hardy and can remain in the affected environment for a long time, all cages, food/water bowls, toys and bedding should be replaced or thoroughly disinfected. This virus can live on the hands and clothing of humans who encounter it, so washing your hands with soap and water after handling an infected cat minimizes transmission to other cats.
To ensure safety, unvaccinated cats should not be placed in an environment frequented by a cat with suspected feline panleukopenia.
FAQs
Is feline panleukopenia the same as feline distemper?
Yes, veterinarians use these terms interchangeably, though feline distemper is incorrect since feline panleukopenia is actually caused by feline parvovirus.
What are signs of feline distemper?
Clinical signs of feline distemper include diarrhea (with or without blood), depression, lethargy, dehydration, painful abdomen, vomiting, or in more severe cases, collapse or even death.
Can cat distemper be cured?
Yes, lifelong immunity develops if the cat is treated in the initial stages of infection and responds well to therapies.
Can a cat survive panleukopenia?
Yes, if treated in the initial stages of the infection.
Is feline distemper contagious?
Feline distemper is extremely contagious, both from other infected cats, humans who have encountered infected cats, and/or the environment. It is not contagious from cats to humans, only from cat to cat.
Source: petmd.com
Pillow Foot
Though it is an uncommon medical condition, “pillow foot” plasma cell pododermatitis, can happen to some kitties. This condition is caused by an overactive immune system response which sends plasma cells to the foot causing it to appear puffy. No one really knows why it happens, and different cats react differently to it, so it’s as baffling as autoimmune issues in humans. If your kitty has one or more “puffy” paws, don’t fret. The condition is treatable and your vet can help you and your cat get back on good footing.
There are so many wonderful and amazing things about cats and, as we’ve found, this includes toe beans. These amazing little pads are a lot more than just cute and soft–they have many important and practical applications. If you want to be sure your cat’s toe beans stay in great shape, go ahead and get your kitty used to having them handled.
If your kitty is not toe bean-touching averse, you can help them with their regular grooming by gently wiping dirty beans with a soft, warm cloth. Paying this much attention to your cat’s feet will also make trimming caws easier, and this is great for your kitty–as well as your clothes, furniture, and carpets.
Source: Rover.com
Pillow Foot
Though it is an uncommon medical condition, “pillow foot” plasma cell pododermatitis, can happen to some kitties. This condition is caused by an overactive immune system response which sends plasma cells to the foot causing it to appear puffy. No one really knows why it happens, and different cats react differently to it, so it’s as baffling as autoimmune issues in humans. If your kitty has one or more “puffy” paws, don’t fret. The condition is treatable and your vet can help you and your cat get back on good footing.
There are so many wonderful and amazing things about cats and, as we’ve found, this includes toe beans. These amazing little pads are a lot more than just cute and soft–they have many important and practical applications. If you want to be sure your cat’s toe beans stay in great shape, go ahead and get your kitty used to having them handled.
If your kitty is not toe bean-touching averse, you can help them with their regular grooming by gently wiping dirty beans with a soft, warm cloth. Paying this much attention to your cat’s feet will also make trimming caws easier, and this is great for your kitty–as well as your clothes, furniture, and carpets.
Source: Rover.com
Emergency Shelter
Using a Cardboard box
Emergency shelters made with cardboard box. It can be a lifesaver for outdoor cats. EMERGENCY SHELTER
When time is of the essence - a bad storm or sudden cold snap may be arriving soon - an adequate temporary shelter can be quickly put together. You'll need a cardboard box, a plastic drop cloth at least 3 millimeters thick or contractor trash bags that are three millimeters thick, duct tape and shredded newspaper. Follow these instructions:
(1) Take the cardboard box and tape all the seams shut with duct tape. Cardboard is actually good insulation.
(2) Wrap the box completely with the drop cloth or trash bags, making as few seams as possible. Secure onto the box with duct tape, liberally and tightly wrapping the tape around the sides of the box and sealing any seams in the plastic. This will make the shelter waterproof.
(3) Cut a doorway in one of the shorter sides of the box approximately 6 inches by 6 inches, leaving the bottom of the doorway a few inches above the bottom of the box to prevent flooding. Use duct tape to secure the loose plastic around the opening you just made.
(4) Place shredded newspaper inside the box, filling it up to the bottom of the doorway in front and a little higher towards the back. The cats will gain added warmth by burrowing into the newspaper.
For added insulation, start by placing a slightly smaller cardboard box inside a larger one and fill the gap between them with rolled-up newspaper. Then proceed with steps 1 through 4, above, being sure to cut the doorway through both boxes. If possible, place your cardboard shelter beneath something that will shield it, like a porch or tree. Raise it off the ground a few inches by placing it on a pallet, bricks or something similar. Weigh the shelter down with a heavy rock or a few bricks, but nothing heavy enough to crush the roof. Once the crisis has passed, replace with more permanent shelter.