Read About Feline Leukemia

ImageFeline leukemia (FeLV) is an incurable, highly contagious viral disease of cats. Feline leukemia accounts for more deaths than any other infectious disease in cats. In single cat households about 3% of the cats will test positive for feline leukemia. For multi-cat households and households with free roaming outdoor cats the rate of infection increases. Urban free roaming cats are more likely to be exposed than cats in rural areas. Other risk factors are that males are more likely to be infected than females and kittens are more susceptible than adults.

Feline leukemia is passed from cat to cat through direct fluid contact. Modes of transmission are in saliva when grooming; during a cat fight (saliva from bites and possible from blood); sharing of food, water and litter boxes; sneezes; and maternal exposure before and after birth (nursing). The virus can be killed with ordinary cleaning products and does not survive very long in outdoor environments. So generally, your cat will not contract feline leukemia from your veterinarian’s office if they practice good hygiene practices.

There are two stages of infection. The first stage is called the primary viremia and is when the cat is first infected with feline leukemia. Some cat’s immune systems attack and eliminate the virus from their system. The second stage (secondary viremia) is when a cat can not rid itself of the virus. Feline leukemia can then persist in bone marrow or other tissues. Cats in the second phase shed the virus and will be affected by feline leukemia the rest of their lives.

The most common screening test for feline leukemia is ELISA. ELISA is quick, easy and can be given at the veterinarian’s office. The results of an ELISA blood test are more reliable than those using tears or saliva. If the ELISA blood test is positive, an immunofluorescent antibody test should be performed to confirm the results. This conformation test is sent to commercial laboratory and if contradictory results are found, follow-up testing will be needed.

If a cat is negative for feline leukemia, then consideration should be given to have the cat vaccinated. On average, the vaccine seems to prevent infection in 80 to 90% of the cats that receive it. The feline leukemia vaccine is given in two doses with an annual booster. Currently, the vaccination for FeLV is considered to be a non-core vaccine so you should discuss vaccination with your veterinarian and review your cat’s risk factors for contacting feline leukemia.

ImageIf a cat tests positive for feline leukemia, it is not an immediate death sentence. Most cats live many months after becoming ill though most succumb within two to three years after being infected. Since FeLV positive cats can infect other cats, they should be isolated from other cats and not be allowed to roam free. FeLV positive cats will need to be protected from secondary infections and be provided with a good nutrition to maintain health. The following diseases can be associated with FeLV such as anemia, liver disease, intestinal disease, reproductive problems, cancers such as lymphosarcoma and leukemia, and a depressed immune system that can lead to other secondary infections. There are some effective drugs that can help to treat signs and symptoms of feline leukemia.

{mosimage}

The best way to protect your cat from feline leukemia is to prevent exposure in the first place. Have your cat or kitten tested and vaccinated after a discussion with your veterinarian. If you cat is positive for feline leukemia, closely monitor your cat’s health and treat any conditions immediately. With appropriate care, a feline leukemia positive cat can live for many months.