Vaccination: Best Defense Against Feline Distemper Symptoms

Getting your kitten or cat vaccinated against Panleukopenia is the most important thing a pet owner can do to avoid serious complications from feline distemper symptoms. As the disease spreads rapidly, learning about what it is and how to control it is crucial for your feline’s health and well-being. 

WHAT IS PANLEUKOPENIA?

Panleukopenia is a viral disease spread among cats through a variety of body fluids. Also called feline distemper and caused by the parvovirus, Panleukopenia can be transmitted in a cat’s saliva, feces, and urine. As the parvovirus can be contracted from almost any surface, cats can easily become infected through contact of contaminated air and surfaces.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF PANLEUKOPENIA?

A parvovirus infection, whether in cats or dogs, almost always results in death. Once contracted parvovirus numbers quickly multiply and begin to attack feline lymph nodes. If an infected feline fails to produce an appropriate immune response to fight of illness, the virus will eventually begin attacking both intestines and bone marrow. Common reasons for death from feline distemper included:

• REDUCTION IN WHITE BLOOD CELLS: Without enough white bloods cells, felines are unable to fight off even the smallest of infections or common colds.

• DEHYDRATION: Due to effects infection of parvovirus to the intestines, extreme diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death through dehydration.

• BACTERIAL INFECTION: Commonly, parvovirus invading the intestines creates lesions within intestinal linings. When this occurs, bacterial infections become unmanageable and will destroy its victim in a short amount of time.

WHAT ARE FELINE DISTEMPER SYMPTOMS?

Feline distemper symptoms are almost always immediately recognizable. If any of these signs are present, it is best to seek emergency veterinary help as soon as possible to possibly prevent death.

• Excessive vomiting

• Severe diarrhea

• Unexplained loss of appetite

• Lethargy or muscle weakness

• Fever

Although other conditions may provoke symptoms similar to those of Panleukopenia, such as poisoning or other types of infection, it is imperative that proper diagnoses be completed by a veterinarian. Getting help may be pricey, but your cat’s life is worth every penny.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF FELINE DISTEMPER SYMPTOMS

As there is a narrow margin of cats who actually survive an infection of the parvovirus, immediate response is the best way to sustain life. Typically, a veterinarian will administer high doses of intravenous antibiotics and vital fluid to fight off infections and dehydration caused by the disease. While this treatment doesn’t guarantee a longer life for your feline, it does give them a fighting chance to build up immunity on their own.

Prevention for Panleukopenia is simple; have your cat or kitten vaccinated. Most veterinarians suggest giving live vaccines, either as a mist through the nose or injected on the shoulder, after a kitten has reached 12 weeks of age. However, some pet professionals insist that administration should be done as early as 6 weeks of age. Once a kitten receives 2 initial doses in a one month period, regular booster shots or sprays will be needed. Usually, additional vaccinations occur anywhere between every 1 and 3 years.

FINAL THOUGHT

Pet ownership is a huge responsibility and should never be taken lightly. With millions of animals being neglected and abused every year, persons who have the privilege of pet parenthood should assume the position awarded them of nurturer and caregiver. Although vet bills can become outrageous, taking care of your feline is a job only you can do. In order to save time and money, be sure to have your feline vaccinated before feline distemper symptoms set in.

Animal Health

What Every Cat Owner Should Know About Feline Diseases

If you have recently purchased a cat, or are considering doing so, it is important to educate yourself about common feline diseases and how they can be prevented. Cats that are not properly vaccinated or kept outdoors are incredibly susceptible to myriad illnesses and diseases, and it is your responsibility as a pet owner to ensure that your furry companion is protected as best you can. Read further for information on common diseases that you may come across as a cat owner.

Feline AIDS

Feline AIDS develops in cats that have contracted FIV, or the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It is very similar to its human counterpart, but it is important to understand that the virus cannot be passed on to humans.

Cats with AIDS and FIV may show a variety of signs and symptoms including chronic nonresponsive infections, appetite loss, breathing problems, oral infections, and chronic diarrhea. It is frequently passed from cat to cat through biting, and because of this it is very important to manage a multi-cat house carefully if one of your pets is infected.

Sadly, this disease is 100% fatal, but vaccines are now available to help prevent your cats from contracting FIV. Your vet will run a blood test before administering the vaccine. If there are stray cats near your home, it is wise to keep your animals indoors at all times to also help protect it from the virus.

Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia, FeLV, is one of the most contagious feline diseases out there. It affects your cat’s immune system and because of this, can lead to several types of cancer and infections. Your cat may contract it by coming into contact with the feces, urine, or saliva of an infected feline. Like FIV, humans cannot contract this disease from their pets.

This is a fatal infectious virus, and because there is no cure unvaccinated cats should be kept indoors at all times. If you would like to schedule a vaccination for this disease, make an appointment with your vet to have blood tests run and the vaccine administered.

FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, FIP, can take a two forms; wet and dry. Wet FIP form includes fluid in your cat’s abdomen, while dry FIP does not. If your cat shows signs of lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite you should ask your vet about running a test to see if your cat has been exposed to this virus.

There is no treatment available for this disease and it is usually fatal, but some cats manage to pull through. Vaccines have been recently developed, so if you have an outdoor cat and live in an area with various wild creatures it is strongly recommended that you schedule a vet visit and consultation. As with most feline diseases, one of the best preventative measures is to keep your cat indoors.

Feline Distemper

Feline Distemper, or Cat Virus, is a highly infectious viral disease that can be passed to certain other animal species but not to humans. Normally it begins with a high fever, and some animals die at this stage. Once the fever has passed depression may set in, followed by anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea which lead to severe dehydration.

This virus is passed very easily through all bodily secretions, and animals that have recovered from the disease can still pass it on for several months. The mortality rate for this illness is very high, and sadly the only treatments involve supportive care to help give your cat strength. Vaccines are available, however, and every domestic cat should receive one.

Animal Health