About Blood Disease in Cats
There are many types of blood diseases in cats, however feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus are probably the most common. Feline leukemia often goes undetected for a long period of time and can only be diagnosed by a blood test. While these two diseases are common in felines they are not commonly known about by pet lovers. Feline leukemia is a terrible disease and is deadly.
How common is Feline leukemia
Feline leukemia is founded world wide, however the prevalence of infection greatly depends on the cat’s age, health, environment and lifestyle.
Transmission
Infected cats persistently serve as a source of the infection. Feline leukemia is transmitted in high quantities via saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and maternal milk. Direct transfer of the virus occurs from bite wounds, mutual grooming, litter boxes and feeding dishes. Under normal household conditions, the virus is believed to only survive a few hours outside of the cat's body.
Cats living with other infected cats, outdoors and those born to infected mothers are at greatest risk for infection. Kittens are more at risk due to their age. Cats do form a resistance to the virus as they age, however healthy adult cats may obtain the virus with adequate exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Cat lovers should be very aware of signs and symptoms of the disease. Initially cats may show no signs of the disease process. Over time, the cat's health may progressively deteriorate or may be characterized by recurrent illness. Signs may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Slow progressive weight loss followed by significant weight loss late in the disease process
- Poor coat
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums and mucous membranes
- Inflammation of gums and mouth
- Skin, urinary bladder or upper respiratory tract infections.
- Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes and neurological disorders
- Eye conditions
- Reproduction failures and miscarriage
Disease stages and progression
There are two stages of Feline leukemia: Primary viremia and secondary viremia.
- Early stage of the virus is known at primary viremia. During this stage are able to effectively produce an immune response, eliminate the virus from the blood and stop progression to the secondary stage.
- Late stage is known as secondary viremia or the point of no return. Secondary Viremia is characterized by persistent infection of bone marrow and other tissue. Cats that have advanced to this age will be infected for the remainder of their lives.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis may be made by a veterinarian using two types of blood tests: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Indirect immonoflourescent antibody assay (IFA). Both test detect the protein components of the virus. ELISA is most commonly used and performed in the veterinarian's office. It detects both stages of the virus. IFA tests must be sent out to a diagnostic laboratory. IFA only detects secondary viremia only. Cats should be tested early in life or when recommended by your veterinarian.
Caring for infected cats and precautions
Infected cats with appropriate care and precautions may succumb to the virus within two to three years after onset. Before bringing a new feline into your home, all feeding dishes, bedding, litter pans and toys should be replaced or washed with a 4-ounce bleach and water solution. Carpets and floor should be cleaned by vacuuming and mopping. A strong consideration should be made to have any new cat or kittens vaccinated before entering the home.
Risk to humans
There is no evidence indicating transmission of Feline leukemia to humans, however pregnant women, immune suppressed owners, young and old humans should avoid contact due to other potential illnesses carried by the feline.