FeLV is a virus which causes several very serious and often fatal diseases in cats, including cancers, anaemia, reproductive problems and suppression of the immune system. When accidental deaths are excluded, FeLV associated diseases are the leading cause of death in pet cats.
The virus is transmitted through saliva, urine and blood of infected cats, through the milk and during pregnancy of an infected mother. Following infection with FeLV most cats will eliminate the virus after a short time, but in about 30% of cases cats becomes permanently infected. Kittens less than 4 months old are the most susceptible.
Diagnosis may be suggested by the signs of disease but laboratory tests are necessary to confirmed infection. There is no cure for FeLV. Treatment consists of dealing with the various secondary diseases as they occur. The outlook for a permanently infected cat is not good, about 85% are dead within 3½ years of infection.
Control of FeLV in the general cat population is best done by identification and removal of persistently infected cats and reducing exposure of susceptible cats to infection. A good hygiene routine is important; cleansing premises, litter trays, food and water bowls with household bleach and reducing stress by preventing overcrowding and competition for food. Vaccination is essential to protect cats against FeLV.
Cityvet Donal Ryan
I am Donal Ryan, a veterinary surgeon. For as long as I can remember I have loved animals. I grew up in the countryside surrounded by farm animals, but it was the dogs at home I enjoyed most + I still really enjoy caring for pets everyday at Cityvet.ie.
Donal Ryan is the principal veterinary surgeon at CityVet. He has over 25 years experience caring for and treating small animal patients in California, the U.K. and Ireland. He has a keen interest in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery and runs a referral service for many veterinary surgeons in the region. Animal welfare and a high standard of patient care are at the core of Donal's approach to treating his patients.
You can visit Cityvet Donal Ryan's facebook page and become a fan or drop by Donal's Petchums.com profile page and say hi!
