FELINE VIRAL DISEASES

The vaccination process for kittens generally begins when they are 6 to 8 weeks old.  They will be given a series of vaccines that may include 2 to 4 boosters over the course of 2 to 3 months, and then receive yearly vaccinations.  Vaccination is usually given through injection or injected into the nose.

Vaccines are given so that the cat may be immunized and protected against various viruses or diseases. Distemper, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia, Rabies, Feline Leukemia, and FIP are common feline vaccines.

Immunization consists of exposing the cat to an antigen (what you want to protect it against) so that the cat's immune system forms antibodies and other means of natural defense.  Vaccination is repeated at specific intervals in order to keep natural defenses within the body

There are commonly two types of vaccines used:

FELINE VIRAL DISEASES 

The vaccination process for kittens generally begins when they are 6 to 8 weeks old.  They will be given a series of vaccines that may include 2 to 4 boosters over the course of 2 to 3 months, and then receive yearly vaccinations.  Vaccination is usually given through injection or injected into the nose.

Vaccines are given so that the cat may be immunized and protected against various viruses or diseases. Distemper, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia, Rabies, Feline Leukemia, and FIP are common feline vaccines.

Immunization consists of exposing the cat to an antigen (what you want to protect it against) so that the cat's immune system forms antibodies and other means of natural defense.  Vaccination is repeated at specific intervals in order to keep natural defenses within the body

There are commonly two types of vaccines used:

Modified live vaccines are bacteria or viruses that aren't in their normal and dangerous state but were changed just enough to stimulate good antibody production in the cat’s body. These should not be given to cats exposed to alike contagious disorders.

Killed vaccines use dead or inactive bacteria or viruses, which stimulate immunity just by their presence inside the cat's body. These can often be used in cats exposed to contagious illness. Most vaccines are not safe for pregnant or nursing females.

FELINE DISTEMPER:

Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia, Infectious Enteritis) is caused by a Parvovirus and produces disease similar to that seen in the dog. It can survive for several months in the environment and is easily moved around by birds, insects, other animals, or even on human clothing.

Your pet can be infected through contact with the secretions of an infected cat or even objects on which the virus resides.

Any cat of any age can become ill, but kittens that are less than 5 months old are most susceptible.

Once infected, the virus quickly multiplies inside the cells of the intestines, lymph nodes and bone marrow.  The pet may die if not treated properly. 

Symptoms can include:

high fever
loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
depression
dehydration
infertility or abortion (pregnant cats)

If infected kittens do survive to term, they may have Cerebellar Hypoplasia, a brain damage condition that will cause shaking and staggering.

Diagnosisis based on the pet’s history including vaccination status, clinical signs, blood tests and serum chemistries.

Treatment:

Your pet will need intensive nursing care that includes antibiotics, anti-vomiting drugs, IV fluids, electrolytes, and possibly blood or serum transfusions. When treated promptly, most cats will survive.

RHINOTRACHEITIS:

Feline Rhinotracheitis (caused by the feline herpesvirus) generally combines with other agents to produce feline upper and lower respiratory disease in cats.  Young kittens are more susceptible to the virus and are more likely than adult cats to die.  

Symptoms can include:

sneezing
nasal discharge
conjunctivitis
ulcerative keratitis
coughing
salivation
pneumonia

Diagnosis is based on the pet’s history and clinical signs.  Blood counts and X-rays may help to evaluate the degree of the illness.

Treatment:

If treated most cats will recover.  Antibiotics, fluid therapy, and nutritional support including tube feeding is helpful.  Apply eye ointments and keep your pet's eyes and nose clean.

Infected cats can become chronic carriers of the virus without showing any symptoms or they may experience occasional signs of conjunctivitis, keratitis and sinusitis.

Regular vaccination against this virus is recommended for all cats.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS:

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a relative of the feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) produces a disease syndrome similar to human HIV (AIDS). 

A bite from an infected cat is the most common method of infection.

Mild symptoms may occur after the initial infection.  The virus can then remain dormant for a long period of time.  Later on, stress or other disease-causing agents will trigger full-blown illness.

Early symptoms can include:

mild fever and enlargement of the lymph nodes (after initial exposure)

mild lymph node enlargement or no signs at all (during dormant phase)

Symptoms of illness can include:

weight loss
fever
chronic diarrhea
stomatitis
gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontitis
unusual behaviors
seizures
other various infections

Diagnosis is based on the pet’s history, clinical signs, FIV and FeLV testing, blood tests, serum chemistries, urinalysis and X-rays.

There is NO treatment or vaccination for this disease.  AZT may slow the infection and secondary infections can be controlled using antibiotics.  Other than that, a proper diet, vigilant TLC, and prompt attention to any symptoms that develop can help to keep your pet live a comfortable life.

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS:

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is the most common, prevalent, and fatal feline disease. 

The virus does not survive well outside of the cat.  Transmission is generally passed from cat to cat.  It affects mostly young kittens, and can occur either before or shortly after birth.

Exposure to the virus can result in any of the following:

1 The cat may shake off the virus and develop a natural immunity against infection.

2 The cat may experience a partial immune response.  It does not become ill but carries and spreads the virus to other cats.

3 The cat may develop some type of FeLV related disease.

4 The virus may become dormant but resurface at a later time.

Cats that are FeLV positive but not symptomatic MUST be kept inside and away from other cats.

It is recommended that cats testing negative for FeLV should be vaccinated on a regular basis. Vaccination of positive cats is not effective or recommended. However, FeLV positive cats should be vaccinated against all other contagious diseases.  

FeLV positive cats may also develop a host of other diseases such as lymphoid leukemia, myelogenous leukemia, lymphosarcoma, lymph node hyperplasia, myelofibrosis, enteritis, nonregenerative or apalastic anemia, erythemic myelosis, liver disease, stomatitis, periodontitis, chronic rhinitis, glomerulonephritis, neurological disease, and various skin infections.  Female cats could experience infertility or fetal abortions. Your pet may experience a wide variety of symptoms depending on which disease it develops.

Symptoms can include:

fever
weight loss
loss of appetite
dehydration
weakness
diarrhea
nasal discharge
difficulty breathing
enlarged lymph nodes
oral inflammation
pale gums
open sores
paralysis

Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, FeLV test, blood tests, serum chemistries, urinalysis, X-rays, and in some cases, a biopsy of nodes of affected organs.

If there are other cats present in the household they should also be immediately tested and if negative, vaccinated before they can become ill.

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for the virus and most cats will die or are euthanized to prevent suffering.  However, your pet may be treated for systemic illness

Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections.  Bone marrow function can be stimulated if needed with supplements, anabolic steroids or erythropoietin.  Chemotherapy can be used to treat the various types of cancer.

There are a number of experimental therapies but none of them are considered reliable cures. These include acemannen, antibody or blood transfusions, AZT, BCG, bone marrow transplants, cytokines, dextran sulfate, diethycarbamazine, foscarnet, hyperthermia, immunoreglan, ImuVert, interferon, suramin, and others.

If you choose to treat a FeLV positive cat, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified veterinarian to evaluate the situation.

RABIES:

Rabies is a viral illness that is transmitted when a cat, dog, human, or other warm-blooded animal is bitten by an infected animal.  It is also sometimes transmitted through contact with other bodily fluids.

When a cat is bitten, the virus affects the peripheral nerves, brain and spinal cord.  It then spreads to other tissues whereupon it can be transmitted to other animals or humans. Bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks all carry and spread Rabies.

Rabies is seen more frequently in cats than in dogs due to the fact that pet owners tend to neglect vaccinating their cats, particularly if the cat does not go outside.  However, keep in mind that accidents do happen.  For example, a bat could fly into your second floor apartment.  This is not to scare you, this actually happened right here in Highland Park!  And since Rabies is a human health hazard, it is strongly recommended that you must vaccinate your cat against Rabies.

Symptoms (first 2 to 3 days):

change in behavior
possible mild fever
eyes dilate
extreme pain around the bite wound

Symptoms (the following 2 to 5 days):

muscle tremors
staggering
salivation
becomes excitable, aggressive and attacks (without provocation)

Final (paralytic phase) symptoms:

seizures
goes into coma, respiratory paralysis and dies

The general rule is that ANY cat suspected of having Rabies must be handled with extreme caution.  However, we strongly recommend that you NOT handle ANY CAT with an unknown history.

If a cat bites a person it MUST be quarantined for 10 days to observe for signs of Rabies.

Diagnosis is determined based on the clinical signs and a special IFA test of the brain tissue of the dead animal.  There is no treatment for Rabies.

Rabies is a serious human health hazard, and all cats above 3 months of age must receive regular Rabies vaccination. 

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS:

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by one variant of the feline Coronavirus.  Most affected cats are under 2 years of age.

The virus does not survive well outside of the cat.  Transmission is generally passed from cat to cat although in some cases the infection may be transmitted from inanimate objects. Many cats are also positive for feline Leukemia.

Clinical signs may not develop until months after the initial infection.

The disease can be either wet (effusive) or dry (noneffusive).  In the effusive form fluid builds up in the abdomen or chest cavities.  The noneffusive form will cause damage to various organs without fluid accumulation.

Effusive symptoms can include:

fever
weight loss
loss of appetite
abdominal swelling
difficulty breathing

Noneffusive symptoms can include:

fever 
weight loss
uveitis
blood within the eye
neurological disease
kidney disease
liver dysfunction

There are diagnostic tests for FIP but they are often not very specific or reliable.  Diagnosis relies upon the pet’s history, clinical signs, blood tests, serum chemistry, urinalysis, FeLV testing, fluid analysis and biopsy of affected organs.

Treatment:

There is no curative treatment for the disease, but cortisone-type drugs may offer temporary relief of symptoms.  Often, by the time a diagnosis is obtained the pet is seriously ill and euthanasia may be the only humane solution.

Cats exposed to infected cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV.  If they test negative, they should be vaccinated for FIP.  The protective ability of the currently available FIP vaccine has been questioned, but it seems to be the only option at this time.