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FeLV & FIV are relatively common feline diseases that present similar in some ways and are commonly mistaken for one another. Below, I have expanded on each disease, causes, presenting signs, treatment, etc to allow you as a cat owner to become better educated.  FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Common Name: Feline Aids Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, adult cats are more likely than kittens, and intact males are twice as likely to become infected Risk Factors: Free roaming, fights, cat bites Zoonotic*: No Presenting signs: Fever, lethargy for the first phase, the final phase will present with behavioral changes, seizure, & paralysis Treatment: No cure. If a cat is FIV+ they need to be kept indoors, and away from other cats if there is potential of fights. Since an FIV cat does have a lower immune system, lower stress environments are highly recommended. Prognosis*: Cats diagnosed with FIV can have an excellent quality of life for many years. Having a cat diagnosed with FIV is not a reason for euthanasia.  FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) Common Name: FeLV Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, younger cats are more likely to become infected, male & female are both affected Risk Factors: Free roaming, domestic cats, multi cat environment Zoonotic*: No Presenting signs: Secondary infection, nose & eye discharge, weakness, lethargy*, decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting. Some forms of cancer can occur. Treatment: Prevention is key! Test & vaccinate! If cancer is present, chemotherapy is possible. Blood transfusions & antibiotics may also be used. Prognosis*: Guarded to poor. Cats testing positive for FeLV can live several years with relatively good quality of life, but complications do occur dramatically decreasing lifespan & quality of life. As I mentioned before, these diseases are very similar in a lot of ways, and sometimes can be a little confusing. Below I have broken down each disease into even more simple terms to help you distinguish between each disease.
These articles are not meant for self diagnosis. If you are concerned about your pet's health, are interested in FIV/FeLV testing, or have further questions, please contact our clinic to discuss questions with our staff and we can make an appointment for you if necessary. **Any word marked with a * can be found in our glossary for it's definition** Glossary Anorexia: Decreased/loss of appetite Antiemetic: Medicine that helps control/prevent nausea and vomiting Ataxia: Abnormal gait/ loss of normal controlled muscle movement Chronic: Long term Immunocompromised: Body's natural immune system is lacking or decreased Modified Live Vaccine: A vaccine that contains the live virus of the disease, but the virus has been modified to lose its disease causing ability and is used to cause an antibody reaction in the body. Lethargy: Decrease or lack of energy Prognosis: Likely course of a disease Zoonotic: transmittable to humans from animals  |
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December 2018
Kasey Kent
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