Feline Panleukopenia is caused by a virus of the Parvovirus family, Feline Panleukopenia Virus. A similar but distinct virus causes Parvovirus disease in dogs. Parvoviruses are among the toughest viruses known and are only killed by strong disinfectants, including 2% household bleach. Feline panleukopenia virus can survive in some environments for weeks or months.
How is infection transmitted?
The virus is shed in all excretions, particularly feces, of infected cats. It can be ingested directly or transferred to a susceptible cat via contaminated water, feed bowls, or on shoes and clothing. The incubation period from infection until clinical signs develop is typically three to five days, seldom longer than a week.
What are the clinical signs of panleukopenia?
Panleukopenia virus attacks the body’s immune system, causing a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the body. In severe cases of panleukopenia, white blood cell numbers may drop from the normal of several thousand per milliliter of blood to just a few hundred. This makes an affected cat extremely vulnerable to other infections.
Panleukopenia virus also attacks the cells lining the body’s intestines. This leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. This intestinal attack also causes the body to lose its protective barrier against intestinal bacteria, leading to overwhelming systemic bacterial infection. With the concurrent loss of infection-fighting white blood cells, this systemic infection can quickly lead to death.
The specific signs most often seen with Panleukopenia include:
- Depression or listlessness
- Collapse
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (which may contain blood)
- Lack of appetite
- Dull, rough hair coat
- Dehydration (dry gums, skin loses its elasticity)
- Abnormal posture (head tucked down with chin resting on floor, feet tucked under body and shoulder blades elevated)
- Other infections may be present at the same time due to weakness of immune system
How is feline panleukopenia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often made based on clinical signs and blood work (e.g. decreased white blood cell count). Although not licensed for feline panleukopenia, canine parvovirus test kits (which are usually readily available) will detect feline panleukopenia antigen in feces. Serologic testing is available for a more definitive diagnosis, but this test may be more costly and time consuming.
Can panleukopenia be treated?
As for most viral diseases, there is no specific treatment for feline panleukopenia. Treatment is aimed at rehydration, stabilization, and supportive care for the patient’s immune system. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, but are used when treating feline panleukopenia to control the secondary bacterial infections that are common because of the lack of white cells and reduced immunity. Dehydration and shock are life-threatening components of feline panleukopenia, and intravenous fluid therapy and intense nursing care is critical. If the pet can be supported through the acute illness, prognosis for a full recovery is good.
It is important to note that feline panleukopenia virus will remain infectious on the premises for years unless the environment can be adequately disinfected with household bleach. All current and future pets in the household must be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia virus before exposure.
How can I protect my cat against panleukopenia?
Fortunately, excellent vaccines are available and are routinely recommended by veterinarians as part of a core feline vaccination program. All kittens receive a series of vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart (starting at 6-8 weeks of age). These vaccination boosters are typically administered as part of an HCP (herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia) combination vaccine. After the initial series of vaccinations, your veterinarian will discuss with you an appropriate schedule of revaccination.