While the news of your furry friend having feline leukemia can be concerning, it's important to know that they can go on to live a long, healthy life. Our vets in East Setauket share some important information about feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the symptoms and prognosis for cats living with this infectious disease.
What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a common condition that affects cats of all ages across the United States.
FeLV is easily spread from one cat to another through the saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. Cats can also spread this disease to one another during fights or mutual grooming and occasionally through shared litter boxes and feeding dishes.
FeLV can also be passed between the mother and the kitten. However, the feline leukemia virus does not live long outside a cat's body, so direct contact is the typical form of transmission.
Feline leukemia virus: what are the symptoms?
When a cat first becomes infected with FeLV, they may not exhibit any symptoms. The longer they have been infected, the more that a pet parent may see a decline in the health of their beloved feline. Signs of FeLV can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Progressive weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums and other mucus membranes
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
- Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
- A variety of eye conditions
- Reproductive failures, including the abortion of kittens
How is FeLV diagnosed in cats?
When it comes to diagnosing feline leukemia virus, your vet may most likely use two types of blood tests. Both detect a protein in the virus called FeLV P27.
The first test that your vet may utilize is called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which may be used during the initial screening for feline leukemia virus. ELISA-type tests detect free FeLV particles commonly found in the bloodstream during all stages of infection.
What is the treatment for feline leukemia?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cats with FeLV. Treatment aims to manage and lower the amount of feline leukemia virus in the bloodstream to help ease symptoms and reduce transmission, although this may not be effective in all cats.
It is common for veterinarians treating and managing FeLV-positive cats to treat specific symptoms and conditions, such as infections or anemia, that the cat is experiencing due to FeLV.
How to Prevent FeLV in Cats
The only way a pet parent can ensure their cat does not contract feline leukemia virus is by keeping them away from FeLV-infected cats. Ensuring your cat stays inside is one of the best ways to ensure this. If you still choose to allow your cat to play outdoors, provide supervision or keep them in an area that will keep them secure and away from other outdoor cats. All cats should be tested for FeLV before being introduced into a home, and infection-free cats should not be allowed contact with infected cats.
If you have a FeLV-positive cat, you should ensure they have their own litter boxes and food dishes that no other cats can access.
A relatively effective vaccine against FeLV is available. Like most vaccinations, it is not 100% effective and is elective, but it is recommended as an easy way to lower the risk of your cat contracting FeLV. Owners contemplating vaccination for their cat or cats against feline leukemia virus should consider the cats' risk of exposure to FeLV-infected cats and discuss the pros and cons with their East Setauket vets.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.