The feline panleukopenia virus is responsible for causing the disease known as feline distemper. All cats are susceptible to infection with the panleukopenia virus but kittens and young adult cats are the most frequently infected.
The Feline Panleukopenia Virus
The feline panleukopenia virus is part of a class of viruses known as parvoviruses. Dog owners will be familiar with the name "parvovirus" because a very similar virus causes a serious disease in dogs most commonly known as parvovirus. In fact, the feline panleukopenia virus is quite similar to the canine parvovirus.
The feline panleukopenia virus is reasonably hardy and is present almost everywhere. Though it can be killed with disinfection with bleach, many other disinfectants will not successfully kill the virus. The virus can survive for long periods of time and can also survive freezing.
Symptoms of Feline Distemper
Cats suffering from feline distemper will exhibit the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lack of appetite
- dehydration
- fever
A cat becomes infected with the feline panleukopenia virus when the virus is ingested or inhaled. The two factors that determine how sick the cat will become are the number of viral particles encountered and the degree of immunity the cat has developed.
Once infected, the feline panleukopenia virus attacks the bone marrow, destroying the white blood cells. It also attacks the intestinal tract, causing destruction of the inner lining of the intestines. These factors also leave the infected cat susceptible to secondary bacterial infections which can further complicate the physical condition of the infected cat.
When a female cat is infected with the feline panleukopenia virus during pregnancy, her kittens may be aborted or stillborn. If infected late in the pregnancy, the kittens may be born with cerebellar hypoplasia, a brain defect.
Diagnosis of Feline Distemper
In a cat infected with the feline panleukopenia virus, a complete blood cell count will usually reveal a very low white blood cell count. This is often used to help confirm diagnosis of the disease.
Fecal tests that detect the canine parvovirus can also be used to used detect the feline panleukopenia virus, though the test is only labeled for use in dogs. However, recent vaccination against feline panleukopenia (or feline distemper) will cause a false positive result on these tests.
Other tests that can be used to confirm diagnosis of infection with feline distemper include virus isolation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or measurement of antibody levels.
Treatment of Cats Infected with the Feline Panleukopenia Virus
Treatment involves supportive care and attempts to give the cat enough time to mount an effective immune response to the virus. Unfortunately, the virus is extremely virulent and treatment is quite often not successful. Feline distemper is frequently a fatal infection.
Supportive care involves the administration of fluid therapy to correct dehydration and keep the cat hydrated. Antibiotics are also indicated because of the potential for secondary bacterial infections. Fluid administration and antibiotics are the cornerstones of treatment. However, other medications may also be needed to help control clinical signs, such as anti-emetic medications to control vomiting.
Prevention of Feline Distemper: Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccination
There are many vaccines available that protect against the feline panleukopenia virus and they are very effective. Vaccination against feline distemper is considered to be a "core" vaccine, meaning that it is recommended for all cats.
Feline distemper is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus. When an unprotected cat or kitten is exposed to the virus, the disease is often fatal. However, there are vaccinations available that provide good protection against the disease.
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