08/11/2024
"Prevention is vital to your cat's health. It all starts with vaccination".
Feline panleukopenia (also called feline distemper) is a highly contagious, potentially fatal disease of cats caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV, also called feline parvovirus). Kittens are most severely affected. Despite the names used to describe feline panleukopenia, the disease is not to be confused with canine distemper or canine parvovirus infection, which are caused by different viruses.
FPV attacks cells that are rapidly growing and dividing, such as those in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, intestines, and developing fetuses. The name "panleukopenia" stems from the damaging effect that FPV has on white blood cells (leukocytes), which the body needs to fight off infection.
Fortunately, there are highly effective vaccines available to help protect cats against feline panleukopenia.
Most cats with FPV infection have no signs at all and appear normal. Cats that do become ill—most often those younger than a year old—may have the following:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Depression/lethargy
Loss of appetite
Dehydration (may appear as sunken eyes or dry gums)
Painful belly
There's no specific treatment for feline panleukopenia, so care usually focuses on supporting affected cats with fluids, nutrients, and other essential needs until they improve. This typically involves isolation from other cats, whether within the veterinary hospital or at home.
Severely ill cats are at risk of life-threatening dehydration and shock, and need intensive care and monitoring as soon as possible. This type of care often includes intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, nutritional support, pain and/or anti-vomiting medications, and—for cats with bacterial infections caused by immune suppression—antibiotics. Cats with anemia and/or protein loss also may need a transfusion.
Whether a cat recovers depends on a variety of factors, such as their age and general health status, the severity of their illness, and how quickly they receive veterinary attention. Generally, the earlier a cat receives care, the better the chance of a good outcome.