Feline distemper disease is also known as feline panleukopenia or feline infectious enteritis. We are talking about a particularly serious disease, since there is a very high risk of mortality among individuals who suffer from it, hence the importance of vaccination, especially in puppies and in those cats that present risk factors.
In this article on our site we will talk in detail about distemper in cats, the usual forms of contagion, the most common symptoms and the treatment that the specialist in the veterinary clinic will suggest. Fortunately, the number of cats with distemper has decreased considerably in recent years thanks to prevention and the development of the distemper vaccine for cats, which has proven to be very effective.
What is distemper in cats?
Feline panleukopenia is a contagious viral disease of a serious nature that especially affects puppies or young cats and that, in most cases, cases, it is fatal. The term "panleukopenia" refers to an abnormally low level of white blood cells in the blood.
Etiology
The causal agent of feline infectious enteritis is a DNA virus of the Parvovirus genus (of the Parvoviridae family) that requires cells with high mitotic activity to replicate. It grows at a high rate in cat kidney cells, causing intranuclear inclusions in them.
We are talking about a particularly resistant and stable virus, as it can survive for more than a year indoors at room temperature. It also resists freezing and treatment with various types of disinfectants, including ether, chloroform, alcohol, phenol, trypsin, iodinated organic thinners, and quaternary ammonium compounds. However, it can be destroyed in one minute at 100 ºC.
There are two forms of infection of feline panleukopenia:
- Systemic infection: the virus replicates during the first 18-24 hours and after the seventh day it spreads throughout the body. It can affect various tissues, such as the lymphoid, the intestinal tract or the bone marrow. It damages vital areas for organic defense, which makes individuals who suffer from it susceptible to experiencing, in addition, a secondary bacterial infection.
- Uterine and nervous system infection: when it occurs during the first third of gestation it can cause early fetal deaths, resorption and delivery of dead animals. When it occurs in the second or third third of pregnancy, it can cause hydrocephalus, hypoplasia of the cerebellum and lesions in the retina and the optic nerve.
Distemper contagion in cats
Feline panleukopenia develops mainly in domestic cats, although there are other animals susceptible to it. Although it can affect cats of all ages, young felines are the most vulnerable, especially after three months of age, at which point they stop receiving the necessary antibodies provided by the lactating mother's colostrum.
Feline infectious enteritis virus is present in all secretions of sick animals, including saliva, feces, vomiting and urine, especially during the early stages of the disease. It can also be found in the blood of the infected animal.
The feline distemper contagion routes are:
- Direct contact between sick cats and susceptible cats.
- Contaminant material in food, bedding, cage, clothing…
- Transmission through vectors such as fleas and ticks.
Furthermore, recovered cats can carry the virus in their tissues for months, becoming subclinical carriers, while shedding traces of the virus in feces and urine for up to six months. Cats infected from birth can harbor feline distemper virus in their kidneys for more than a year.
Feline panleukopenia risk factors
Felines that live in shelters or shelters are especially vulnerable, where animal traffic is very high. So are those cats that live in multi-pet households and those that have access to the outdoors and may come into contact with infected felines.
Does distemper in cats spread to dogs?
Although the terms used are similar, canine distemper and feline distemper or distemper in cats are not caused by the same virus. Therefore, the distemper virus in cats does not spread to dogs Also, it does not spread to humans. However, the fact that feline infectious enteritis is the virus from which canine parvovirus developed is still under discussion. It is also very similar to the mink enteritis virus.
Symptoms of distemper in cats
There are various symptoms that can indicate that something is wrong. Therefore, below we will review the most frequent symptoms of feline panleukopenia. However, remember that these symptoms can also occur in other of the most common diseases of cats.
The symptoms of distemper in cats are:
- Fever: the cat can experience a fever between 40 and 41 ºC for 24 hours. It usually goes down and goes up again.
- Depression: we can see that the cat is listless, sad or discouraged.
- Vomitos: At first we will notice that the vomit contains food remains but, as the disease progresses, it will turn into foamy vomit, yellowish white.
- Diarrhea: appears after passing the feverish period, between two and four days later. We will observe liquid stools of black color, the result of digested blood. At this time the disease is in an advanced stage.
- Dehydration and weight loss: Caused primarily by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Anorexia: the cat refuses any type of food.
We can also observe that the cat, as a result of pain and fever, adopts certain postures to feel better, thus placing the abdomen on a cool surface. Also, it is very likely to resist abdominal palpation, show yellow gums (jaundice) and bloody diarrhea
The presentation of one or more of the symptoms described is reason for consultation. Therefore, if you have noticed that your cat shows any of these signs, do not hesitate to go to the veterinarian. Next we will talk about the veterinary tests that can confirm the presence of feline panleukopenia virus.
Diagnosis of distemper in cats
At the veterinary clinic, the specialist will carry out the necessary tests to confirm the presence of the feline distemper virus. In addition to asking us about the animal's symptoms, he will look at its appearance. It is likely that after the symptoms described, the cat will show traces of feces and vomit on the mantle. Pale mucous membranes, sunken eyes, extreme dehydration, depression and even a runny nose may also be observed.
To confirm that the cat suffers from feline panleukopenia, it is most common to perform a hematological analysis that helps measure the red blood cells, the blood cells white and platelets. A biochemical test may also be ordered to assess normal serum protein levels, glucose levels, or increases in ALT and AST enzymes. The least used diagnostic method for distemper in cats is serology.
The ELISAtest is also sometimes used (common in the diagnosis of canine parvovirus) to confirm feline infectious enteritis. However, it should be noted that it is not specifically manufactured to diagnose feline distemper and that a false positive may occur as early as 5-12 days after cat vaccination.
Treatment of distemper in cats
If you wonder how to cure distemper in cats, you should know that there is no specific treatment to treat distemper in cats. Treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms experienced by the feline and helping it expel the virus. Generally, hospitalization of the infected cat is usually required for administration of intravenous fluids and supportive care. It may also be necessary to use antibiotics to treat possible secondary bacterial infections.
Thus, there is no solution for distemper in cats that is direct and effective, but a series of intensive care is required to help the feline successfully overcome the disease.
Is distemper in cats fatal?
The prognosis can only be given by a veterinarian and is generally reserved. However, it is estimated that when an animal is able to survive the infection for more than five days, it recovers. Even so, the convalescence of the feline can last several weeks and even months.
Mortality in adult cats older than five years is around 50-60%, while in cats younger than six months it is around 90%. As we can see, it is a disease with a high mortality rate.
Home remedies for distemper in cats
Once we have received the veterinary discharge we can take the cat home, however, we must continue to offer it certain care, with the aim of improving its quality of life Since there is no home treatment for distemper in cats, we will mention some natural remedies that can help you in this delicate moment:
- Lower the fever: we can apply cold compresses to the belly of the animal or, directly, wrap it with a damp towel that is very well drained. We will leave it one or two minutes maximum. It will also be important to encourage him to drink to keep him hydrated, which, in turn, will help lower his fever.
- Avoid dehydration: As we said, we'll encourage you to drink, though not large amounts at once. It may be interesting to buy a drink enriched with electrolytes (sold in pharmacies). If the cat refuses to drink, we can use a syringe without a tip to slowly administer the drink in its mouth.
- Control vomiting: after vomiting we will withdraw the food for at least 12 hours. Then we will offer a soft diet, preferably veterinary prescription gastrointestinal wet food.
- Stimulate appetite: to encourage eating we can heat the food slightly, mix it with water or broth (without s alt, onion or garlic) and rub small portions gently on his teeth for him to swallow. We can also try other foods that are more appetizing, such as boiled meat and fish, always taking care to remove the thorns and bones.
- Improve your mood: we must spend time so that your mood improves and thus increases your well-being, which will directly influence in better recovery. We can caress him, gently massage his body or talk to him. In short, spend time with him.
Before applying any of the remedies mentioned, we recommend consulting with the veterinarian to ensure that they do not affect in any way the treatment prescribed by the specialist.
How to prevent distemper in cats?
Prevention is key to prevent our feline from contracting the feline panleukopenia virus. Puppies that have not received colostrum from their mother will not be protected, so it is advisable to isolate them from the outside and take extreme hygiene measures until the moment the cat's vaccination schedule begins.
The first dose of the vaccine is inoculated at two months of age and, subsequently, about three reminders are given, although we must emphasize that vaccination may vary depending on the country. From then on, the cat should be vaccinated annually to ensure that his body has the necessary antibodies.
Deworming cats is another important prevention method when fighting feline distemper, as certain external parasites can act as vectors of the diseaseand transmit it to our cats. We will consult with the veterinarian to prescribe the most appropriate products.
How to care for a cat with feline distemper? - 5 Tips
To complete the care of a cat with panleukopenia, we want to offer you five basic tips to follow if you have a cat that is recovering from feline panleukopenia. Are:
- Avoid bringing a second cat into the home for at least a year.
- Offer quality food that is easy to assimilate.
- Leave fresh, clean water within reach. Don't forget to renew it regularly.
- Clean the home regularly and provide a comfortable and pleasant environment.
- Make sure he gets all the love and support he needs right now.
Would you add any more tips? Do you still have any doubts? If you are also going through this situation, do not hesitate to leave your comment and share your experience.
Is distemper in cats contagious to humans?
Finally, remember that this virus is very contagious between cats, however, it is not transmitted to people or other animals, so we should not worry about suffering from FPV. We can handle our feline and offer it the best care with the peace of mind of knowing that we are not going to get infected.
