Feline distemper(Feline Panleukopenia virus or call FPV) is a contagious viral disease that affects cats' digestive systems, nervous systems or bone marrow and lymph tissues. This particular virus affects the rapidly dividing blood cells in the body, mostly the cells inside intestinal tract or bone marrow and in the stem cells of the developing fetus. Since the blood cells are under attack, this virus will lead to an anemic condition and can be fatal to the affected cat. Kittens should be vaccinated who are older than 4 to 6 weeks for panleukopenia and receive booster shots each year.
Symptoms of Feline Distemper
Symptoms typically show up within 10 days of infection. The first symptoms to seem are usually a high fever and loss of appetite. Symptoms will vary, they may also include vomiting or diarrhea and dehydration. This disease will kill very rapidly, and is really common. Any cat which is behaving abnormally or has any symptoms should be taken to a vet immediately.
Symptoms other may include:
+Vomiting
+Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea+Dehydration
+Weight loss
+Sometimes high fever
+Anemia (cause by lowered red blood cells)
+Rough hair coat
+Depression
+Complete loss of interest in food
+Some other cats may hide themselves for a day or two
Causes of Feline Distemper
Feline disetemper is primarily spread through contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids, feces, or other fomites, along with by fleas. The virus is shed in the bodily excretions of affected animals for up to 6 weeks following infection and has a particular affinity for feline feces. Feline parvovirus is very resistant to many disinfectants and can survive in the environment for months to years. Cats turn into infected by direct exposure to infected feces, salivary secretions and viral particles on inanimate objects (shoes, food and water dishes, towels or clothing).
Treatment for Feline Distemper
There is no cure for feline distemper. This is why it is important to get kittens vaccinated with the feline distemper vaccine. If your cat affected will require immediate live saving treatment. The primary effects of feline distemper - vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, depression and dangerous secondary bacterial infections - will quickly become life-threatening if not treated swiftly and aggressively. And because this virus affects the immune system, your veterinarian may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent opportunistic infections from taking hold. Provide a quiet, warm space for your cat to recover, away from active areas of the house, and separate from other animals and active children. Follow your veterinarian's guidelines as far as dispensing medication, household disinfection, and necessity for quarantine.
Vaccination is the most important tool in the prevention of this disease. Before you carry a cat into your home be sure to ask your veterinarian to include the FPV vaccine in the standard vaccination package.
Photo credit: petsbest.com
Giving antibiotics to feral cats or kittens twice a day is difficult. However, there is a one-time injection of Convenia that provides 7-14 days of antibiotic treatment. It can be given at the time of spaying or neutering if an infected wound is discovered or teeth need to be pulled. Also, if an infection is noticed in one of the colony cats, the cat could be re-trapped and given an injection while in the trap. Not convinced? Find out more about convenia cats Here.
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