What is feline panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a very serious viral disease in cats. People often call it cat distemper or cat vomiting. The virus is called Feline Panleukopenia Vi... See more
What is feline panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a very serious viral disease in cats. People often call it cat distemper or cat vomiting. The virus is called Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV. This virus attacks parts of the body where cells develop quickly, such as the intestines, bone marrow and fetus. That's why if a cat gets it, its immunity can drop completely.
Causes of feline panleukopenia
The main cause is the FPV virus. This virus is very stubborn. On the floor, cage, or cloth it can last for months. The way to spread it is easy. Through saliva, vomit, poop, sick cat urine. Those of you who hold a sick cat and hold a healthy cat can also be an intermediary. Kittens aged 2 to 6 months are most easily affected because their immunity is not yet strong.
Symptoms of a cat suffering from panleukopenia
Symptoms appear quickly, usually 2 to 7 days after infection. At first I thought it was just a cold.
These are the signs that often appear:
First high fever, then suddenly the temperature drops
Continuous vomiting, from food to yellow liquid
Diarrhea really smells, it can be mixed with blood
Don't want to eat or drink at all
The body is weak, dehydrated, the skin takes a long time to pull back
Stomach ache, so the cat often sits curled up
If it is severe, blood may come out of the nose or gums
If a pregnant cat is infected, her kittens could be born deformed or miscarried.
How doctors diagnose panleukopenia
Take him straight to the clinic if you have the above symptoms. Doctors usually check blood first. Panleukopenic cats have very low white blood cells. To be sure, there is also a rapid FPV test from pup samples. The results come out in about 10 minutes.
Treatment of panleukopenia in cats
Until now there is no special medicine to kill the FPV virus. So the treatment focuses on making the cat strong enough to survive.
Typical steps:
Infusion every day to replace fluids that come out due to vomiting and diarrhea
Anti-vomiting injection to calm the stomach
Antibiotics to prevent other infections from entering when your immune system is low
Vitamins and appetite enhancing drugs
Quarantined in a special cage so it doesn't spread
The death rate is high. But if you are helped quickly and can survive the first 4 to 5 days, there is still a chance of survival.
How to prevent feline panleukopenia
This is the most important because treating it is difficult.
Mandatory vaccine. The FVRCP vaccine includes panleukopenia. Starting from 8-9 weeks of age, then a booster every year.
Spray the cage and equipment with bleach diluted 1:32. That's the only thing that can kill this virus.
New cats must be quarantined for 14 days before meeting old cats.
Don't let your cat leave the house freely so that it doesn't come into contact with stray cats that carry the virus.
Is it contagious to humans?
No. Felin panleukopenia only attacks cats and the large cat family. Safe for humans, dogs and other animals.
So in essence, feline panleukopenia is a deadly disease but it can be prevented. There's only one key: vaccine on time. If your cat suddenly vomits and becomes weak, don't delay. Go to the vet immediately.
What is feline panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a very serious viral disease in cats. People often call it cat distemper or cat vomiting. The virus is called Feline Panleukopenia Vi... See more
Feline panleukopenia is a very serious viral disease in cats. People often call it cat distemper or cat vomiting. The virus is called Feline Panleukopenia Vi... See more
