Feline distemper, as feline panleukopenia is commonly known, is a devastating, debilitating and often fatal disease that affects cats. Although there is no known cure, this feline disorder is preventable. By understanding the disease, how it's transmitted and the steps to take to prevent it, you and your vet can help protect your cat.
What is feline distemper?
Feline or cat distemper is the common name given to feline panleukopenia, a viral infection caused by the feline strain of parvovirus. Contrary to what the common name suggests, it is not related to canine distemper and cannot be transmitted to or from dogs. Once contracted by a cat, the virus deteriorates the cellular lining of the digestive tract of the host. It also attacks white blood cells, which results in the breakdown of the host's immune system. Anemia, dehydration and malnutrition lead to death in 60 to 90 percent of cases, especially in younger cats.
Symptoms
Cats infected with panleukopenia may become lethargic and exhibit signs of depression. Bloody diarrhea is often present and may be accompanied by vomiting, fever and seizures. Most cats infected will also suffer appetite loss. Many victims will bite or chew their tails or hind legs as a result of the discomfort caused by dehydration of the skin. The similarity of the symptoms to those exhibited by dogs with canine distemper is the reason this disorder was originally thought to be a feline strain of the same disease. Your veterinarian can diagnose the disease with a blood test.
Transmission
The virus is most commonly transmitted via contact with an infected cat's bodily fluids or feces. As with many diseases transmitted via fluids, fleas that have dined on an infected cat can carry the disease to other hosts. Saliva from bites can transfer the virus, and humans handling an infected animal may also transmit the virus to other cats. Bedding and feeding dishes are also possible infection sites. The virus can survive in the environment for years and is difficult to eradicate. In addition to cats, raccoons and mink may carry the virus.
Prevention
Protecting your cat from parvovirus is obviously important. A live panleukopenia vaccine is one of the standard vaccinations provided by vets and animal clinics, separately and as part of several combination immunizations. As with any vaccination, there are no absolute guarantees, but immunizing your cat as recommended by your vet definitely lowers the risk if contracting the infection of he or she is exposed to the virus. The virus is prolific and exposure is likely, so have your cat vaccinated as your vet recommends.
Naturally, avoiding exposure to infectious diseases is also important in protecting your pets. Make certain their home environment is clean and sanitized, including food dishes, bedding and your yard. Although it may be difficult to keep cats from roaming and socializing, remember that other cats or their waste can be the source of many kinds of disease, including panleukopenia. If you have more than one cat and one appears to be sick, it's best to separate it from the rest and use separate food and water dishes until your vet can verify that he or she won't infect the others. Any bedding that might have been infected should be discarded and surfaces should be cleaned with a solution of 1 part bleach to 32 parts water.
Regular checkups are extremely important and if your cat exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, you should consult the veterinarian as soon as possible. While they are not unique to panleukopenia, they are an indication of a health issue and the symptoms themselves can be life threatening if not treated. If your cat is diagnosed with the disease, don't lose hope. Follow your vet's advice, treat the symptoms and keep your pet as comfortable as possible. With the proper care and a little luck, your feline friend may pull through.
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