- Feline panleukopenia
Taxobox | color=violet
name = "Feline panleukopenia virus"
virus_group = ii
familia = "Parvoviridae "
genus = "Parvovirus "
species = "Feline panleukopenia virus"Feline panleukopenia, commonly known as feline distemper, is a viral infection affecting
cat s, caused by felineparvovirus , a close relative ofcanine parvovirus . It is not related tocanine distemper .Transmission and symptoms
Panleukopenia is primarily spread through contact with an infected cat's bodily fluids,
feces , or fleas. Sometimes it is spread through contact with bedding, food dishes, or even by handlers of infected cats.The virus primarily attacks the lining of the
gastrointestinal tract , causing internalulcer ation and, ultimately, total sloughing of the intestinalepithelium . This results in profuse and usually bloodydiarrhea , severedehydration ,malnutrition ,anemia , and oftendeath ; mortality rate 60-90%.The virus causes a decrease in the cat's
white blood cell s, thus compromising itsimmune system . Typically, it also causes a decrease inhematocrit andplatelet counts on acomplete blood count . This is often key in diagnosing panleukopenia.Other symptoms include depression,
lethargy , loss ofappetite ,fever ,vomit ing, loss of skin elasticity due to dehydration and self-biting in the tail, lower back and back legs.If a cat is exposed during
pregnancy , the virus can cause cerebellar hypoplasia in her offspring. This is why administering modified live feline panleukopenia vaccine during pregnancy is discouraged.It is impossible for a cat to spread Panleukopenia to a dog, as dogs can not contract the virus. [cite web|url=http://www.sunlakesanimalclinic.com/Library/Panleuk.htm | title=Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)]
Vaccination
Protection is offered by commercial feline distemper
vaccine , which is usually a mixture of vaccines for several different diseases, including panleukopenia.External links
* [http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/panleukopenia.html Winn Feline Foundation Article on Panleukopenia written by Wilma Lagerwerf, RVT, RLAT]
* [http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/panleukopenia/panleukopenia_brochure.asp American Veterinary Medical Association brochure on Feline Panluekopenia]
* [http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1983 Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) from The Pet Health Library]
* [http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/distemper.html Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. Cat Health Care FAQ]
* [http://www.avma.org/vafstf/rbbroch.asp AVMA article on the benefits and risks of feline vaccines]
* [http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/insight/2004/fall2004/cats.htm Colorado State University article on the potential connection between CRF and vaccinations]
* [http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=vaccination1 Little Big Cat article discussing feline vaccinations including Panleukopenia]References
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