Content
- what is IVF
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Transmission
- FIV symptoms in cats
- IVF treatment
- How old does a cat with FIV or feline AIDS live?
- How to prevent FIV in cats?
They are everywhere, and they are invisible to the naked eye. We are talking about microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Cats are also susceptible to them and can be affected by various infectious and contagious diseases, including the dreaded Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV), popularly known as feline AIDS.
Unfortunately, FIV is still a very common disease today, along with feline leukemia (FeLV). There are a large number of cats infected by this virus, most of them living on the streets. However, there are cases of infected animals living in homes with humans and other animals and may not have been diagnosed with the virus.
It is important to know a little better about this subject because, if the infection is not treated, it can be fatal. That's why in this PeritoAnimal article, How long does a cat with IVF live?, let's explain what IVF is, talk about symptoms and treatment. Good reading!
what is IVF
The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which causes feline AIDS, is a very ferocious virus that affects only cats and was first identified in the United States. in the 1980s. It is classified as a lentivirus, meaning that it is a virus with a long incubation period commonly associated with neurological and immunosuppressive diseases.
Although it is the same disease that affects humans, it is produced by a different virus, hence AIDS in cats. cannot be transmitted to humans.
FIV infects the body's defense cells, the T lymphocytes, thus compromising the animal's immune system. In this way, the feline is increasingly susceptible to developing infections and a series of health problems.
Unfortunately this virus mainly affects domestic cats, but it can also be found in other cat species. Detected early, feline AIDS is a disease that can be controlled. An infected cat, if properly treated, can take a long and healthy life.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Transmission
In order for a cat to become infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), it must come into contact with the saliva or blood of another infected cat. What is known is that feline AIDS is transmitted through bites, therefore cats that live on the streets and are constantly involved in fights with other animals are the most likely to carry the virus.
Unlike the disease in humans, nothing has been proven that AIDS in cats is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Furthermore, there is no indication that a cat can be infected by sharing toys or bowls where it eats kibble or drinks water.
However, pregnant cats who are infected with FIV can transmit the virus to their puppies during pregnancy or lactation. It is not known whether blood parasites (fleas, ticks...) can act as a means of transmission of this disease.
If your feline companion lives with you and never leaves the house or apartment, you don't have to worry. But if he has the habit of go out alone, pay attention to identify possible symptoms of this disease. Remember that cats are territorial, which can lead to occasional fights with each other and possibly bites.
FIV symptoms in cats
As with humans, a cat infected with the feline AIDS virus can live for years without showing characteristic symptoms or until the disease can be detected.
However, when the destruction of T lymphocytes starts to harm the feline's immune system, small bacteria and viruses that our pets face daily and without any problem will start to damage the animal's health and that's when the first symptoms can appear. .
The most common symptoms of feline AIDS or IVF are:
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Nasal discharge
- eye secretion
- Urinary infection
- Diarrhea
- skin wounds
- mouth sores
- Connective tissue inflammation
- progressive weight loss
- Miscarriages and Fertility Problems
- Mental disability
In more advanced cases, the animal can develop complications in the respiratory system, renal failure, tumors and cryptococcosis (pulmonary infection).
The acute phase of the disease occurs between six to eight weeks after your infection and the symptoms mentioned above can extend for several days or weeks. It should be noted that many cats, however, do not show any type of symptoms. Diagnosing this pathology is not so easy, it depends a lot on the stage the disease is at and the diagnosis is made through laboratory tests.
IVF treatment
As far as treatment is concerned, there is no drug that acts directly on the VIF. There are some therapeutic options for felines infected with the virus. They work as a support for the regression of the disease, done with antiviral drugs, fluid therapy, blood transfusion, specific diets among others.
Such treatments must be performed regularly, and if this does not happen, the cat can be affected by several opportunistic diseases. There are even some anti-inflammatory drugs that help to control diseases such as gingivitis and stomatitis.
Cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) should also have a more controlled diet, rich in calories to strengthen the animal.
The best remedy, after all, is prevention, since there is no vaccine for feline AIDS.
How old does a cat with FIV or feline AIDS live?
There is no definite estimate of the life span of a cat with FIV. As we've already talked about, the feline immunodeficiency has no cure, the treatment serves for the disease to regress, thus making the animal's life healthier.
Thus, saying how long a cat with FIV lives is impossible because the virus and the consequent disease affect each feline in a different way, based on the different reactions of their bodies. The drugs used help to fight diseases that may arise due to the failure of the immune system, treating these diseases and controlling them so that the feline is no longer affected by others.
How to prevent FIV in cats?
The best way to fight this virus is with prevention. In this sense, some basic measures must be taken. In cats infected by the virus, in the first stage the use of antiviral drugs, with the aim of reducing and replicating the virus, this can help to lessen the severity of symptoms and in the rehabilitation of the felines.
Preventing animals from reproducing is an important measure, not only in the prevention of feline immunodeficiency, but also in the control of other diseases to which stray cats are susceptible.
Having an environment suitable for the cats, well ventilated and with the resources such as water, food and bedding, necessary for their survival, is essential. It is also important to avoid that they have access to the street, in addition to maintaining the vaccination up to date, both from puppies and adults.
In the following video you discover five worrying signs that could indicate your cat is dying:
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.