This viral infection of cats has many names. The real technical name is Feline Panleukopenia (FPL). However, because of a similarity with the agent that causes Parvovirus in dogs, the disease is sometimes called Feline Parvovirus, especially in older texts. Other names for Feline “Distemper” are Feline Infectious Enteritis or Feline Ataxia (uncoordinated gait). I am placing the word “Distemper” in inverted commas because this highly contagious viral disease of cats has nothing to do with the Distemper in dogs. So, let’s use the name Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).
Girl playing and giving her pets treats for a good behaviar
FPL is a highly contagious disease, which infects and kills kittens and adult cats – not only those which have been domesticated, like our house cats, but also wild cats. I remember once working in a large zoo in Europe which had prided itself in the breeding of tigers, especially Siberian tigers. They got slack with their vaccination regimen, and when FPL hit that zoo, many of these valuable cats died within a relatively short space of time.
How is FPL spread
(i) Direct contact with an infected cat and its excretions and secretions.
(ii) Contact with FPL virus contaminated utensils (food pans, litter boxes, etc.)
(iii) Via the clothes or hands of friends, neighbours or clinic personnel (including veterinarians or animal health assistants who have handled an infectious cat).
(iv) The virus can also travel via the airborne route and infect a cat which breathes in the virus.
(v) It seems that external parasites (fleas, etc.) can also transmit the disease.
This virus is extremely stable, and can exist for years in cracks and crevices and furniture upholstery and carpets, etc. Also, don’t think that ordinary household disinfectants like Lysol or Smell-o-Pine can kill it. You might wish to involve the services of a tested and proven professional pest exterminating company.
Symptoms
Early signs:
– Inappetence (loss of appetite).
– Apathy (listlessness).
– Fever (as high as 105°F).
– Vomitus (frothy, yellow-coloured bile).
Often, the cat displays its desire to drink, but can’t. If the cat actually takes in the fluid, it promptly vomits it out.
NB: In kittens, the run of the ailment could be so swift that the animal dies without showing any pronounced symptoms at all.
Later signs:
– Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood).
– Incoordination of movement (wobbly, jerky gait).
NB: Cats which actually recover may become blind and exhibit permanent brain damage. They might have a persistent staggering gait. I should mention that due to a general weakness in the cat infected with the FPL virus, other infectious agents (eg bacteria) could invade the animal’s body and hasten its demise.
Treatment
Supportive therapy is the name of the game, since there is no drug known to specifically combat this virus. I recommend lots of fluid replacement and force-feeding with a highly nutritious diet. In addition, I still recommend antibiotics to fight off any secondary infections.
Speed is of the essence here. Once the unvaccinated cat/kitten goes off its food, visit your veterinarian, especially if there is an alert that there is an epidemic taking place. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Prevention
(i) Vaccination! If it is possible, I would advise that the mother cat be vaccinated before she is bred.
(ii) If felines in your house have died from FPL, then wait at least until six months have elapsed before acquiring a new kitten. Sanitise the premises and utensils as best as you can, preferably using a formalin-based sanitiser.
(iii) Ensure that your cat has no fleas or other external parasites.
The Pet Care Column will deal with the matter of keeping your pets free from parasites (ticks, fleas, lice, mites etc.) at a later date.
Have a pleasant week.
How is FPL spread
