Feline Distemper Virus in Cats

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Feline Distemper of Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is the most contagious disease in cats. It has been on top concern for both feline owners and veterinarians for the past decades! Although the virus is highly contagious and offers a shorter time to start treatment, the disease fo curable if proper treatment can be started on time. In this blog, we are going to get an overview of what feline distemper is, what are underlying reasons for this infection, and how you can prevent this. So, let´s learn about something that can save a cat's life if you can detect it right away–

What is Feline Distemper Virus

Feline distemper, also known as Feline panleukopenia is a highly spreadable disease in cats. This life-threatening fetal disease is mainly caused by the virus named Feline panleukopenia virus. Cats that are not vaccinated or kittens are highly affected by this virus.

What are the Symptoms of Feline Distemper?

Your heart might wrench hearing how deadly this disease is and how poorly it can affect your beloved cat. The panleukopenia virus badly harms and kills the white blood cells of your cat's body, especially on major body parts including intestines, stem cells, and bone marrow. As the deadly virus affects your cats and kittens' bodies there are a few symptoms that can help you forecast your cat´s health issue and visit the veterinarian as early as possible– Vomiting Diarrhea, sometimes blood can be found. Depression. Feeling pain in the abdomen. Absent appetite. Excessive sneezing. Discharge from eyes. Fever Weight loss Dehydration. Collapse (not in all cases) However, some common symptoms of feline panleukopenia in kittens include: Abortion may needed if infected during early to mid-pregnancy. Can develop Cerebellar hypoplasia if infected by the virus in late pregnancy. These can lead to: Intention tremors Wide-based stance Frequent falling or lack of coordination after the affected kitten is born. Although Cerebellar hypoplasia may not be painful for your fur babies, the affected kittens may need special care. They can lead fulfilling lives if you can offer a safe environment to them. On the other hand, the first listed symptoms are the most common symptoms of feline distemper in cats. But, you should also be aware that not all cats will show up with most of the issues. However, if you suspect your cat or kitten is having feline distemper, I highly recommend you promptly visit a vet so they can start an immediate diagnosis.

Causes of Feline Parvovirus

Symptoms can help you find a better way to detect the contagious disease in your feline´s body. However, as prevention is always better than cure, learning the causes behind the spread of this deadly virus can be way beyond ´good´ than cure. Feline Parvovirus, or feline distemper is caused by the infection of panleukopenia. It can spread to your cat through an infected cat and their blood, urine, or feces. Thus, when your cat is not vaccinated against feline parvovirus, your cat has a high chance of getting infected if they get in touch with these contagious factors. Even, we humans can pass this virus to a cat if we touch an infected cat and then touch an unvaccinated cat before washing our hands or changing clothes. A feline distemper-infected cat can spread the virus approximately up to 2 days of infection. However, the most alarming fact about this virus is, that virus can survive on surfaces for long times and may not get killed by household cleaners unless you use bleach. Although the virus no longer remains the same contagious for that long, it is crucial you clean the infected area with affecting cleaners and keep your healthy cat away from the spot.

How to Treat Feline Distemper?

Sadly, there is no specific treatment for this disease! But, offering better care will help your beloved cat fight this critical condition for instance dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea with regular prescription medication. Veterinarians also apply antibiotic therapy to prevent bacterial infection as infected have low white blood cell counts. Besides, kittens infected by panleukopenia may need Aggressive therapy like blood or plasma transfusions and anti-coagulant treatments for resuscitation. In feline distemper, it is crucial to start the treatment within 48 hours but most infected cats typically pass away within 12-24 hours.

The last words!

As feline distemper is a highly contagious disease, it does not mean it is an unbeatable disease. Proper care started in the early stage can help your feline friend fight, and win the disease. Kittens and cats who respond well to treatment and aggressive therapy have a high chance of surviving. You will be happy to hear that, they can lead a normal life without sustaining major organ defeats. So, if you predict your cat is infected by feline panleukopenia or feline parvo, first thing first ensure a clean environment. Keep your other animals from the area to prevent the spread of the virus. Keep things properly cleaned as the virus can survive on your clothes, furniture, and other spaces of your home. Start immediate treatment, follow veterinarian directions, and make your feline friend win that critical condition!

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