Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a retro virus which affects the immune system. Cats who contract it are very susceptible to infection, much like people with AIDS. It also causes cancer and blood disorders. Feline Leukemia kills more cats than any other disease. People and other animals cannot catch feline leukemia.

Feline leukemia is transmitted through all bodily fluids including saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk. Cats can get FeLV from infected cats through bite wounds, grooming each other, nursing, shared litter boxes, shared feeding dishes, birth, and even nose to nose contact.

The virus itself does not survive long outside the body, a few hours at most. Kittens are the most susceptible to the virus. Natural resistance increases with age.

You can prevent the spread of FeLV by keeping your cats indoors. Keep infected and non-infected cats separated including separate food dishes and litter boxes. Be especially diligent to prevent fighting with strange cats and infected cats.

If you choose vaccination you must continue to follow all other prevention methods. The feline leukemia vaccine is often ineffective.

Symptoms can take weeks, months or years to develop. Some infected cats never show symptoms. Symptoms can include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Progressive weight loss
• Seizures
• Persistent fever
• Poor coat condition
• Persistent diarrhea
• Pale gums and mucus membranes
• Inflammation of mouth tissues
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• A variety of eye disorders
• Neurological disorders

Primary viremia is the early stage of feline leukemia. During this stage the immune system may still kick in and get rid of the virus. During secondary viremia the virus infects bone marrow and other tissue. Cats with secondary viremia will normally have FeLV for the rest of their lives.

About 30% of cats who are infected with the virus develop immunity to the disease and never become ill. About 40% will have a latent infection or become carriers. Latent feline leukemia is suppressed in the bone marrow or central nervous system and can come out if the immune system is stressed. These cats are not contagious but can pass the virus to kittens if they become pregnant. Carriers do not become ill, but have the virus in their bloodstreams and are contagious. About 30% of cats infected with feline leukemia are persistently ill, and about half of these cats die within the first 2 years.

It is difficult to determine if a cat has kicked the virus and developed immunity or if the virus has become latent.

Anytime any animal tests positive for any disease they must be retested before a definite determination can be made. False positive results are fairly common, false negatives are not.

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detects antigens in the blood serum, can detect the virus in either stage, and can be performed in most veterinary offices. It can also be used to detect antigens in the saliva and tears if a sufficient amount of blood cannot be taken from your cat to test. ELISA is more likely to produce a false positive result than IFA.

IFA (indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay) detects antigens in the white blood cells, only tests for secondary viremia, and the blood must be sent to a lab. In some cases both tests will be necessary.

Feline leukemia is incurable, but with proper care an affected cat's remaining time can be prolonged and made more comfortable. Rely on your vet to help you work out a suitable daily care plan.

Nutrition is a crucial component in managing feline leukemia. Raw or fresh diets tend to offer more digestible nutrition than processed commercial cat foods. They are also free of harmful chemical preservatives and pesticides that can compromise the health of a well cat, let alone a sick one. Better nutrition tends to give the immune system a boost, increasing a cat's ability to contend with disease.

Cats with FeLV should always be kept indoors. Their immune systems are compromised, so they can catch diseases and develop life-threatening infections from injuries very easily. This also prevents spreading the disease to other cats.

Keep a close eye on your cat’s health and if you notice any signs of illness take action immediately.

Do not let your cat reproduce. The virus will be passed to the kittens.

Several new, effective treatments have become available including ImmunoRegulin, Acemannan, Interferon Alpha, Baypamun, and many Holistic Treatments.

This article was written by Sandra Yvonne Duke. She became a Certified Small Animal Dietician at age 14 and is currently pursuing her education in Holistic Animal Care.

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