Content
- what is distemper
- How can distemper spread?
- What are the symptoms of distemper
- Treatment of distemper in cats
- Distemper prevention
- Taking care of a cat with distemper
The number of cats with distemper has decreased considerably since there are specific vaccines to prevent this disease, in addition to being lucky that cats do not need walks like dogs. However, you should know that this is a very contagious disease that endangers your cat's life, so keep reading this PeritoAnimal article to learn more about distemper in cats.
what is distemper
It is also known as feline panleukopenia and it is a very contagious viral disease present in cats. Although the name is identical to the canine distemper virus it has nothing to do with it, they are completely different viruses.
It is found in the environment and all cats have been exposed to it at some point in their lives. Vaccination is what determines whether it develops or not. This type of virus attacks and kills cells that divide very quickly (for example, those in the intestine or bone marrow) without affecting the human being in any case.
How can distemper spread?
Distemper is eliminated through urine, feces or nasal secretions. contact with blood or some type of secretion will be at risk of being infected. In cat shelters this phenomenon increases since even fleas can carry distemper.
Although the cat clears the distemper virus in about 24-48 hours, remains present in the environment for periods of one year, so letting our cat walk around the garden might be a bad idea. Infected pregnant cats can give birth to babies with serious problems with the cerebellum.
It can also persist in cages, food containers, shoes and clothing. If you have several cats you should isolate them all and go to the vet immediately.
What are the symptoms of distemper
There are several symptoms that can indicate that our cat has distemper, although the truth is that we can get confused with infections or intoxications by its direct attack on the intestines.
Remember that the later you detect it, the less chance your cat will have.
Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- apathy or sadness
- Nasal discharge
- Major diarrhea or bloody
- vomiting
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
One or more of these symptoms alone are serious, so you should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. In the most advanced stage of the virus, our cat will have convulsions and even attacks on himself, biting its tail or different parts of the body. These two symptoms manifest themselves in the most critical part of the illness.
Treatment of distemper in cats
It is often the most common in cats under 5 months, those who have not yet been vaccinated and who may be in contact with adults.
There is no proper treatment since no medication eliminates the virus, medication is focused on reducing the symptoms you suffer from and helping you to slowly expel the distemper virus. After 5 days, your chances of survival increase considerably.
In general, the patient is hospitalized as there is a high risk of dying. It is customary to hydrate the cat with serum and antibiotics are given for infections. The affection and constant love of their owners increase the chances of our cat to survive, stimulation always helps.
Distemper prevention
Prevention is key to prevent our cat from suffering from the distemper virus. Baby cats receive from breast milk a kind of immunity that will last a maximum of 12 weeks. there are vaccines that offer protection against this virus, therefore, if our cat is up to date with its vaccinations and veterinary care, we should not worry that it suffers from this problem.
Although our cat lives only in an apartment or house isolated from other cats and the outside environment, it is important to remember that it can still be infected by virus debris that lodge in shoes or clothing.
Taking care of a cat with distemper
Once the veterinarian allows us to take our cat infected with canine distemper home, we must follow the advice and indications he gives us, we must provide him with a completely disinfected and draught-free environment.
- provide you clean water in abundance, forcing him to drink with a blunt syringe if necessary.
- also it is necessary to nourish correctly. It is preferable to offer them premium food that is usually more nutritious and appealing to them. Your veterinarian can recommend vitamins and supplements.
- Affection and hygiene are fundamental and must be done daily, in this way the cat will gradually expel the disease.
It is very important to isolate all other cats in the house.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.