Feline Panleukopenia: Symptoms and Treatment

Feline panleukopenia, commonly known as feline distemper or cat plague, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting cats. It is caused by the feline parvovirus (FPV) and is characterized by a rapid decrease in white blood cells (panleukopenia), leading to severe gastrointestinal distress, immune system compromise, and often, death. Any cat can get the disease, unvaccinated cats are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the cat’s age, immune status, and the virulence of the virus strain. However, some common signs to watch out for include:

Sudden onset of fever: A high fever, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), is usually one of the first indicators. However, as the disease progresses, the body temperature may drop to subnormal levels, indicating a critical stage.

Lethargy and Depression: Affected cats often become listless, withdrawn, and unresponsive. They may hide, show a disinterest in their surroundings, and exhibit a general lack of energy.

Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): A significant decrease or complete loss of appetite is a frequent symptom. Cats may refuse to eat even their favorite foods, contributing to weakness and malnutrition.

Persistent Vomiting: Vomiting is a hallmark of feline panleukopenia. It can be severe and frequent, often consisting of bile or food. The persistent vomiting leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Severe Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common and distressing symptom. It can range from soft stools to watery, bloody diarrhea. The diarrhea, combined with vomiting, leads to rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss.

Dehydration: Due to the combination of vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration is a significant concern. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry gums, and decreased skin elasticity. You can test skin elasticity by gently pinching the skin at the back of the neck. If the skin doesn’t return to its normal position quickly, the cat is likely dehydrated.

Abdominal Pain: The inflammation and irritation of the intestinal tract can cause abdominal pain. Affected cats may be reluctant to be touched on the abdomen and may exhibit signs of discomfort.

Bloody Stools (Hematochezia): The presence of blood in the stool is a grave sign, indicating severe damage to the intestinal lining. The blood may appear as streaks or clots in the stool, or the stool may be entirely bloody.

Uncoordinated Movement (Ataxia): In some cases, particularly in young kittens, feline panleukopenia can affect the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination. This can lead to ataxia, characterized by uncoordinated movements, tremors, and difficulty walking.

Seizures: In severe cases, especially in young kittens, feline panleukopenia can cause neurological signs, including seizures.

Nasal Discharge: Some cats with feline panleukopenia may exhibit a clear or mucopurulent nasal discharge.

Sudden Death: In severe cases, especially in young kittens, feline panleukopenia can lead to sudden death, often without showing any other obvious signs.

Rough hair coat: An unkempt or matted coat.

Transmission of Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is spread through direct contact with infected cats or indirect contact with contaminated environments. The virus is shed in all bodily fluids, including feces, urine, vomit, saliva, and nasal secretions. Even cats that have recovered from feline panleukopenia can continue to shed the virus for several weeks.

The virus is incredibly resilient and can survive in the environment for months, even years, resisting many common disinfectants. This means that the virus can be transmitted through contaminated objects such as:

Food and Water Bowls

Litter Boxes

Bedding

Toys

Clothing and Shoes of Caretakers

Insects (Fleas)

Because of its hardiness, the virus can easily be carried on shoes or clothing from one location to another, even if you don’t own a cat. This is why it’s vital to practice good hygiene when around cats, especially if you’ve been in contact with other animals or environments where cats may be present.

Pregnant cats infected with FPV can transmit the virus to their kittens in utero. This can lead to abortions, stillbirths, or severe neurological damage in surviving kittens, most commonly cerebellar hypoplasia, resulting in the characteristic ataxia.

Diagnosis of Feline Panleukopenia

Early diagnosis is crucial for improving a cat’s chances of survival. Veterinarians use a combination of factors to diagnose feline panleukopenia, including:

Clinical Signs: Observing the cat’s symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy.

Physical Examination: Assessing the cat’s overall health, hydration status, and neurological function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is a blood test that measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In feline panleukopenia, the hallmark finding is a significant decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia), particularly neutrophils, which are essential for fighting infection.

Fecal Testing: The fecal sample will identify if the cat is shedding the virus. This can be done using a fecal ELISA test for feline parvovirus.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: A PCR test is a highly sensitive test that can detect the presence of viral DNA in blood, feces, or tissue samples. This test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of feline panleukopenia, even in the early stages of the disease. The PCR test is the most sensitive and accurate test, it is also more expensive.

It’s important to note that a false positive result can occur if the cat has been vaccinated against feline panleukopenia within the past 5-12 days.

Treatment of Feline Panleukopenia

There is no specific cure for feline panleukopenia. Treatment focuses on providing supportive care to help the cat’s body fight the infection and prevent secondary complications. Aggressive treatment is often necessary, especially in young kittens. Key aspects of treatment include:

Intravenous (IV) Fluids: IV fluids are essential for correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by vomiting and diarrhea. The fluids also help to maintain blood pressure and organ function.

Antiemetics: Medications to control vomiting and reduce nausea are crucial for improving the cat’s comfort and allowing them to start eating again.

Antibiotics: While feline panleukopenia is caused by a virus, secondary bacterial infections are common due to the compromised immune system. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often administered to prevent or treat these infections.

Nutritional Support: Providing adequate nutrition is essential for supporting the cat’s immune system and promoting healing. If the cat is unable to eat on its own, a feeding tube may be necessary. Highly digestible, palatable food should be offered once the cat can tolerate it.

Blood Transfusions: In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary to correct anemia and provide essential proteins and clotting factors.

Interferon Therapy: Feline interferon is an antiviral protein that can help to boost the cat’s immune system and fight the virus. While its effectiveness is still debated, some veterinarians use it as part of their treatment protocol.

Isolation: Infected cats should be isolated from other cats to prevent the spread of the virus. A separate room with its own food, water, and litter box is essential.

Hygiene: Strict hygiene protocols are crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes wearing gloves and gowns when handling infected cats, disinfecting all surfaces and equipment with a bleach solution (1:32 dilution of bleach to water), and thoroughly washing hands after contact with infected cats or their environment.

Pain Management: Pain medication may be necessary to alleviate abdominal discomfort and improve the cat’s comfort level.

Monitoring: Close monitoring of the cat’s vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, is essential for assessing their response to treatment and detecting any complications.

With aggressive supportive care, some cats can survive feline panleukopenia. However, the prognosis is guarded, especially in young kittens and severely affected cats.

Prevention of Feline Panleukopenia

Prevention is always better than cure, and vaccination is the most effective way to protect your cat from feline panleukopenia.

Vaccination: The feline panleukopenia vaccine is a core vaccine, meaning it is recommended for all cats. Kittens should receive a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult cats should receive booster vaccinations every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and their risk of exposure.

Good Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene can help to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting food and water bowls, litter boxes, and bedding.

Isolation of New Cats: When introducing a new cat to your household, it is important to isolate them from your other cats for at least 2 weeks. This allows you to monitor them for any signs of illness and prevents the spread of any potential infections.

Avoid Contact with Stray Cats: Avoid allowing your cat to come into contact with stray cats or cats of unknown vaccination status.

Home Care After Discharge

Even after your cat is discharged from the hospital, continued care at home is essential for their recovery. Here are some important aspects of home care:

Follow Veterinary Instructions: Carefully follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding medication administration, feeding, and follow-up appointments.

Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Environment: Create a stress-free environment for your cat to rest and recover. This includes providing a quiet, warm, and comfortable bed, away from other pets and children.

Offer Palatable Food: Offer small, frequent meals of palatable, easily digestible food. If your cat is still experiencing nausea or vomiting, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet designed for gastrointestinal issues.

Encourage Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. You can also offer electrolyte-enhanced water or unflavored pediatric electrolyte solutions to help replenish lost fluids.

Monitor Appetite and Elimination: Closely monitor your cat’s appetite, water intake, and bowel movements. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any changes or if your cat’s condition worsens.

Continue Isolation: Continue to isolate your cat from other cats in the household until your veterinarian advises that it is safe to reintroduce them.

Thorough Disinfection: Thoroughly disinfect your home, especially areas where your cat spent time while sick. Use a bleach solution (1:32 dilution of bleach to water) to disinfect all surfaces, including floors, walls, litter boxes, food and water bowls, and bedding.

Provide Plenty of Love and Attention: Provide your cat with plenty of love, attention, and reassurance. This can help to reduce their stress and anxiety and promote healing.

Feline panleukopenia is a serious and potentially fatal disease, but with prompt diagnosis, aggressive treatment, and diligent home care, many cats can recover. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your cat from this devastating disease. If you suspect your cat may have feline panleukopenia, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of a positive outcome.