Feline Panleukopenia

Feline Panleukopenia

Causes • F.P.V. is caused by a DNA virus of the family Parvoviridae, which is closely related antigenetically to the canine parvovirus (CPV), type 2 and mink enteritisvirus

Con’t • F.P.V. infects and destroys actively dividing cells in bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, intestinal epithelium, and –in very young animals- cerebellum and retina • often fatal disease • non-enveloped, single strand DNA virus that has an established tropism for cells undergoing mitosis in the tissue of • neonatal brain • bone marrow • lymphoid and intestinal lymphoid tissue

History • The virus that causes feline leukemia was 1st identified in 1964 • FPV is caused by a virus and is present wherever cats are congregated, especially catteries, breeding facilities, shelters and feral populations.

Con’t • Young, ill, immunodeficient and unvaccinated cats are most susceptible • Older outdoor cats have usually been exposed and tend to resist infection • Incubation period is usually 4-5 days

Transmission • Not a zoonotic disease • Transmitted by direct contact or from a contaminated environment. - feces, urine, saliva, licking, sneezing, or biting • The virus shed into the environment may be infectious for years. • Can spread 2-6 weeks post recovery • The virus enters a cat’s body through the mucous membranes. It then moves to the bloodstream and eventually travels throughout the cat’s system

Clinical Signs • Peracute- cases may die suddenly with little or no warning • Acute- show fever (104 – 107 degrees F), depression, anorexia. Vomiting usually develops 1-2 days after onset of fever. Diarrhea may or may not be present • Subacute – Between acute and chronic • Subclinical – without clinical manifestations. Detectable by clinicopathological (both signs of disease and its pathology) tests but not by a clinical examination

Con’t • The panleukopenia virus attacks and destroys WBC. • An infected cat often lowers their head over the water bowl, thirsty but unable to drink.

Other Symptoms • Dehydration • Lethargy • Endotoxemia & Bactermia ( the presence of bacteria or toxins in the blood) • Cerebellar disease • Retinal defects

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING • using a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) • raising antibody titer

Preventions • Kittens should be vaccinated between 8 and 10 weeks of age, then again after 12 to 14 weeks. • Disinfection of food bowl, bedding and utensils also the virus can live on human clothing and shoes (fomites).

Con’t • If an outbreak does occur a thorough disinfection of the entire premises needs to be made after an outbreak of feline panleukopenia in a home shared by cats. • The only disinfectant presently acknowledged is a dilute bleach solution, of 1:9 (one part bleach to nine parts water.)

Recommended Treatments • Feline panleukopenia requires aggressive treatment if the cat is to survive, because this disease can kill cats in less than 24 hours. • Vigorous fluid therapy • Supportive nursing care in an isolated unit • Antibiotics to prevent or correct infection • Medications to stop the vomiting • Whole blood transfusion to improve pancytopenia.

PATHOGENESIS • FPV enters from the oropharynx and replicates in regional lymphoid tissues • common neurological tissues affected are cerebellum, cerebrum, retina and optic nerve

Diagnostic Test • CBC • Fecal Examination • Serum Antibodies • Viral Isolation • Looks for low WBC count

PREVENTION • vaccination! even lions, tigers, minks, and racoons are also susceptible • vaccinate kittens at 9, 12, and 16 weeks old and then again one year later • the virus lives in the environment for many years so keep all pet supplies clean

Client Education • Cats that survive the infection acquire a lifelong immunity. • It is also possible for kittens to receive immunity from their mother through the transfer of antibody • The most effective means of prevention is by preventing exposure to infected cats by keeping them indoors. • Yearly boosters should be given.

Feline Panleukopenia