interferon for cats is a product that has been used, above all, to treat cats suffering from immunodeficiency or leukemia feline, a pathology that affects the immune system and has no cure. Even so, there are drugs that can improve the quality of life of the individual who suffers from it, such as the one that we will mention throughout this article.
On our site we are going to talk about the most widely used interferon in veterinary medicine. We will also see how it works and for which diseases its effectiveness has been proven. Of course, we must know that only the veterinarian can prescribe it and that it is a palliative therapeutic option, not a curative one.
What is interferon for cats?
Interferon is an immunomodulator, a substance called a cytokine that acts by regulating and adjusting the immune system, either increasing or decreasing its capacity to produce antibodies. It can be divided into two types, type I interferon, which is alpha, beta, and omega, and type II interferon, which is gamma.
In cats, interferon is used specifically to improve, strengthen and restore immune function that has been impaired due to disease, especially viral. It can be given to the cat parenterally, topically, or orally. The veterinarian will tell us, in each case, how we should administer it, in what dose and how often. We must follow their guidelines scrupulously.
There are no complete scientific studies on its efficacy, but there are some articles reporting good results, especially in reference to immunodeficiency, if it is started in the initial phases of the disease In any case, success will depend on each individual, which makes it difficult to assess its real effectiveness.
What diseases is interferon used for in cats?
There are several diseases for which the use of interferon can be prescribed, with more or less evidence regarding its results. Interferon is mainly used for feline immunodeficiency, a disease in which good results have been recorded. Interferon for cats with feline leukemia can also be used, since some publications support its efficacy, but there are still few data available and more clinical evidence is needed. In both cases it has been found improvement in symptoms, quality of life and increased survival.
Interferon for cats with feline calicivirus or interferon for cats with feline rhinotracheitishas few studies showing that it is effective on these infections. Infectious peritonitis, chronic stomatitis and herpes keratitis are other pathologies for which interferon has been used and data can be found to support it.
Therefore, we should not use it for any disease, for cats that are already in very advanced stages or as a last resort, simply because it would be ineffective. Its administration must always be based on scientific evidence. Also, it is important to note that interferon will not cure the cat. It is a palliative to improve their living conditions.
Can human interferon be used for cats?
Before there was interferon made specifically for animals, recombinant human interferon was used in an attempt to improve the condition of cats affected by immunodeficiency or feline leukemia, but the results were not entirely good. For this reason, since an alternative is finally available, it is more advisable to use the interferon marketed for veterinary use. Alpha interferon for cats is recombinant human interferon alpha.
Feline omega interferon: package insert
Feline omega interferon is increasingly being used to treat immunocompromised cats. Interferon is part of the treatment used to maintain the animal's quality of life as much as possible, by strengthening its immune system and interfering with virus replication. It is also used against feline leukemia.
Recombinant feline omega interferon is the first interferon available for veterinary use in Europe It has been marketed by the company Virbac under the nameVirbagen omega in the year 2002, first only for use in dogs in the fight against parvovirus. It was in 2004 when it was approved for feline immunodeficiency and leukemia. This interferon is of feline origin and is achieved using genetic engineering. It is an interferon related to interferon alpha. Previously, in 1994, an omega interferon had been registered in Japan to treat calicivirosis. In 1997 it was also used against canine parvovirus.
This interferon is a safe drug but after administration, some cats may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, fever, anorexia, diarrhea, loose stools or lethargy Can be given to cats from nine weeks of age. There are no safety studies in pregnant or lactating cats. It is better not to give it at the same time as corticosteroids, as these are immunosuppressive.
The Virbagen omega for calicivirus, herpesvirus or any other viral disease such as panleukopenia, similar to parvovirus in dogs, or FIP or infectious peritonitis is not indicated because the manufacturer limits its use to leukemia and immunodeficiency. It is likely that, in the future, more studies will be registered that may broaden its indications.
Interferon price for cats
Interferon, like any other medication for cats, can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. So, if you're wondering where to buy interferon for cats, the answer is at veterinary clinics In general, this product is ordered by veterinarians and supplied to caregivers when necessary. We cannot speak of a fixed price because it will depend on the interferon chosen, the route of administration, the doses and the weight of the cat. We can say that it is usually an expensive treatment, but it is best to consult our veterinarian and request a quote
