Content
- What is feline parvovirus?
- Feline parvovirus infection
- Feline Panleukopenia Symptoms
- Feline Panleukopenia Treatment
THE feline parvovirus or Feline Parvovirus is a virus that causes the feline panleukopenia. This disease is quite serious and if left untreated can end the cat's life in a short time. It affects cats of all ages and is very contagious.
It is important to know the symptoms and above all protect your cat with vaccination, as it is the only method of prevention. Very small or unvaccinated kittens should avoid contact with other cats until they have all their vaccinations up to date, in order not to infect any of the most common diseases in cats.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we tell you all about feline parvovirus, so you can recognize the symptoms and act correctly in the face of an infection.
What is feline parvovirus?
THE feline parvovirus is a virus that causes the call feline panleukopenia. It is a highly contagious disease and very dangerous for cats. It is also known as infectious feline enteritis, feline fever or feline ataxia.
The virus is present in the air and in the environment. That's why all cats at some point in their life will be exposed to it. It is important to vaccinate our cat against this disease, as it is very serious and can kill the animal. Don't miss our article where we show you the cat vaccination schedule you should follow.
The incubation period for parvovirus in cats is 3 to 6 days, after which the disease will progress for another 5 to 7 days and progressively worsen. A quick diagnosis is essential to combat it.
Parvovirus affects the normal division of cells, causing damage to the bone marrow and intestines. it deteriorates the immune system, causing a drop in the number of white blood cells, essential for a response against the disease. Red blood cells also descend causing anemia and weakness.
Feline parvovirus infection
Sick cats should be kept isolated as they are highly contagious. Your faeces, urine, secretions and even fleas contain the virus.
As already said, the virus is in the environment. Although the cat is already cured, everything that has come in contact with it is infected. Furthermore, the virus is very resistant and can remain in the environment for months. In this way, all utensils of the infected cat must be cleaned: the litter box, toys and all areas where he likes to lie down. You can use bleach diluted in water or consult your veterinarian about professional disinfections.
feline parvovirus does not affect the human being, but hygiene must be extremely high to eliminate the virus from the environment. It is recommended to keep young, sick or unvaccinated cats away from strange cats or cats that have overcome illness a few months before.
The best way to avoid contagion is prevention. Vaccinate your cat against parvovirus.
Feline Panleukopenia Symptoms
You most frequent symptoms of parvovirus in cats are:
- Fever
- vomiting
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Diarrhea
- bloody stools
- Anemia
Vomiting and diarrhea can be very severe and dehydrate your kitten very quickly. It is essential to act as soon as possible and take the cat to the vet when you notice the first symptoms. Although it is not unusual for a cat to vomit at a given time, feline panleukopenia is characterized by constant vomiting and by considerable weakness.
Feline Panleukopenia Treatment
As with other viral illnesses, there is no specific treatment for feline parvovirus. It cannot be cured, only palliate the symptoms and fight dehydration so that the cat can overcome the disease by itself.
Kittens that are very young or with an advanced state of the disease have a very low survival rate. When you notice symptoms of the disease, go to the veterinarian immediately.
It is usually necessary to cat hospitalization to be given the appropriate treatment. It will combat dehydration and lack of nutrients and, most importantly, try to prevent the spread of other diseases. In addition, your body temperature will be kept under control.
Since feline parvovirus affects the immune system, infected cats are more likely to contract other bacterial or viral infections. Therefore, we insist on going to the veterinarian, as well as taking extreme precautions to prevent the disease from getting worse.
When your cat comes home, prepare a warm, comfortable place for her and give her lots of pampering until she recovers. Once your feline has overcome the disease it will be immune to it. But remember to clean all your stuff to avoid contagion to other cats.
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.