What is feline leukemia virus? how to treat a cat infected with Feline leukemia Virus? what are the causes and prevention so that cats avoid the virus? the following is a full explanation.
Previously, misterhidayat had discussed about Feline calicivirus that causes cat flu. In this post, we will find out how to handle and treat Feline leukemia virus infection in cats? but before that, see the explanation about this one virus first.
How to Treat Feline Leukemia Virus in Cats
What is Feline leukemia virus?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that attacks cats worldwide, this virus is the second leading cause of death in cats. This disease causes 85% of infected cats to die within 3 years. Feline leukemia will weaken the cat’s immune system. One form of the disease caused by this virus is a cancer of blood cells called lymphocytes or leukemia.
If the cat is infected with the leukemia virus then other health problems will arise, it is because this virus suppresses the immune system in cats.
How the Feline leukemia virus spreads
Cats that have been infected will release this virus through their nasal secretions and saliva and through feces, urine or blood. Mother cats can also pass the virus on to their kittens before birth or through their milk.
Cats can also transmit the Feline leukemia virus through bite wounds from other cats. Sharing a litter box or food and water bowl with other cats can be a way of spreading the virus.
For additional information the leukemia virus will not last long outside the cat’s body. Within a few hours in normal environmental conditions this virus will die.
Symptoms of Feline leukemia virus
According to Cornell University veterinary medicine, FeLV is the most common cause of cancer in cats, infections that occur can affect the cat’s body including reducing the immune system which can make cats susceptible to other infections. This virus also causes interference with blood cells.
An infected cat may not show any symptoms in the early stages, but within a few weeks, months, or years the cat’s health will deteriorate.
During the primary infection stage or the early stages of some types of cats have an immune system response that is quite effective against this virus. These cats are able to suppress the leukemia virus infection in their blood thereby stopping the spread throughout the body.
The second stage or so of this virus can cause continuous tissue and bone marrow infections, at this stage the cat will be difficult to cure and the cat will be infected with the leukemia virus for the rest of his life.
Below are some of the symptoms associated with Feline leukemia virus including;
- Loss of appetite
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Yellow in the mouth and in the whites of the eyes
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Anisocoria
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Pale gums and mucous membranes
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Inflammation of the mouth and gums
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Enlarged lymph nodes
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Weight loss
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Disorders of the respiratory tract and bladder
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Fever
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Sluggish
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Diarrhea
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Changes in behavior
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Neurological disorders.
Feline leukemia treatment and management
As a cat owner, it is obligatory to have regular checkups at least twice a year and health care to prevent cats from Feline leukemia virus. Usually the doctor will give vaccine for this virus. In addition, the owner can also give antibiotics to boost his immune system.
As I mentioned earlier this virus I am weak and will die within a few hours in a normal (dry) environment, more precisely within 2 hours. For prevention, owners should clean all damp litter from the cat’s box after use, although sometimes this is not enough to prevent the spread of Feline leukemia virus infection.
Another way you can do is to make a cat litter box into 3 parts by filling in corncobs or leftover safflower seeds. So that the liquid flows into the receptacle which is emptied regularly. Place the dirt in a fast-drying environment so it can kill the virus quickly.
Prevent Feline leukemia virus infection
As an owner it is important to pay attention to whether the cat is infected or not. If the cat shows the symptoms mentioned above you need to separate the cat from other cats (if you have more than 1) cats to prevent transmission.
And pay attention to the cat not to play outdoors so as not to be infected from other cats.
Even if there is a Feline leukemia virus vaccination, you should still seek advice from a veterinarian you trust. But keep in mind that cats that have been vaccinated must still be given supervision to prevent re-infection.
