Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

Feline Illnesses

Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper)

Panleukopenia is a severe, highly contagious viral disease. This virus tends to invade cells which are rapidly growing. Such as those in the digestive system, bone marrow (which makes blood cells), lymph tissue and developing nervous system. The panleukopenia virus is so widespread in nature that virtually all cats are exposed to it within their first year of life. A cat with distemper loses it's immunity and typically dies from an invasion of other infectious agents.

It is very stable in the environment and can survive years at room temperature. It survives well in lower temperatures as well, and is not killed by many of the common disinfectants

If you are considering taking a stray cat into your home, you should bly consider having it tested for Feline Distemper, as well as any other possible diseases. This should especially be considered if you already have cats in your home, to avoid infecting your current cats.

Spread:

The virus is typically transmitted when a cat has contact with the feces or urine of infected cats.
It can be transmitted from a mother to the developing kittens within her uterus.

Possible Signs:

Fevers of 104-107 degrees
Depression
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration (can lead to hypothermia)
Seizures
Very young cats may become very ill, and in unvaccinated kittens is usually fatal.
Weight Loss

Cats who survive the symptoms for longer than five days will usually survive, but complete recovery may take several weeks

Vaccines:

There are 2 types of vaccines against Feline Distemper.
A killed virus vaccine may be administered to pregnant cats or kittens less than 4 weeks of age (if exposure to the panleukopenia virus is likely, as in a humane shelter).Howeverwith this vaccine, a cat is not really protected until 3 to 7 days after the second vaccination
A modified live vaccine will produce a more rapid and effective vaccination. A series of at least two vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart should still be given.
**Pregnant cats and kittens who are younger than 4 weeks of age should NOT be given a modified live vaccine since it could cause abortion or damage to the cerebellum of the kitten.**

Transmission to humans (and dogs):

Based on evidence of recent studies, it appears that distemper infections are restricted to cats and are not transmissable to humans.

Prevention:

Be sure to have your cat tested & vaccinated
A kitten should not be introduced into a household without being vaccinated due to the fact that this virus can last over a year in the environment
Thoroughly clean and disinfect or replace food and water dishes, bedding, litter pans and toys.
A dilute solution of household bleach (4 oz. bleach in 1 gal. water) makes an excellent disinfectant.
Vacuum carpets and mop floors with an appropriate cleanser.

Pregnant Cats & Kittens:

A mother can transmit the virus in utero to her kittens, often leading to aborted or still born kittens.
Kittens that survive to birth, may develop tremors (especially in the head) and may be uncoordinated for years. Eventually they may be able to compensate for this and develop into normal cats.
Kittens may also have an abnormality in the retina of the eye.

Some of the preceding has been adapted from the Cornell Feline Health Center's information on feline immunodeficiency virus and other veterinary resources.
It is presented for informational use only.
Please see your veterinarian if you suspect any illnesses in you pet(s).