Feline Leukemia Virus Alert: Symptoms and Signs
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a highly dangerous and
usually deadly virus that affects the immune system of your
cat. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment that is
consistently effective against this disease.
This disease comes with a diverse symptom list. FeLV is a
retrovirus, which means that it is able to insert copies of
its own genetic material into the cells it has infected.
This illness shares many symptoms in common with other
diseases and conditions.
Fungi, viruses, and bacteria attack felines and humans alike
on a regular basis. Most of the time, a healthy cat or
person will fight them off. With a compromised immune
system, however, bacteria, parasites, viral and other
organisms are more likely to do your cat harm.
FeLV infected cats have a difficult time fighting off
infections and parasites. With a weakened immune system,
your cat is more susceptible to secondary infections and
diseases. The symptoms an infected cat experiences, to a
large degree, are caused by these other diseases and
conditions.
Some cats will experience no outward symptoms during the
initial stages of the disease. Early FeLV symptoms may
include general malaise, blood conditions, fever, and
swollen lymph nodes.
Some FeLV infected cats may exhibit excessive urination and
thirst, which is also common to a number of other
conditions. They often will develop anemia, and some will
develop tumors, leukemia, and other forms of cancer.
As the disease progresses, sick cats may present with more
and varied symptoms. Blood in the stool, constipation,
jaundice, and recurring infections may be present. Feline
leukemia virus symptoms may also include and diarrhea,
severe weight loss, and depression.
There are two stages of feline leukemia virus. Some cats
will mount an immune response upon initial infection, and
the disease will not progress to the second stage. Other
cats will eventually enter the second stage.
If your cat has FeLV that has reached the second stage, the
only thing you can do is to treat the secondary diseases and
infections, and attempt to strengthen the immune system of
your cat. Unfortunately, the disease is usually fatal.
According to professional sources, FeLV infections exist in
about 2 to 3 percent of all cats. Infection rates are higher
in high risk groups. If your cat is not in a high risk
group, chances are limited that she will contract the
disease. Since the disease is transmitted through contact
with infected cats, keeping your cat indoors and away from
infected cats is a good preventive measure.
Author Kurt Schmitt, an avid
(http://www.cat-lovers-only.com/) cat lover provides
(http://www.cat-lovers-only.com/cat-health-information.html)
cat health information and a complete feline leukemia virus
symptoms list including information on pregnant cats and
kittens.
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