Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline panleukopenia. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Truyen, Uwe et al.
- Affiliation:
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD). truyen@vmf.uni-leipzig.de · Germany
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Feline panleukopenia is a serious viral infection that can affect all cats, as well as some other animals like raccoons and foxes. The virus spreads mainly through contact with feces, and even indoor cats can get it if they come into contact with contaminated items like shoes or clothing. Symptoms can include diarrhea, low white blood cell counts, and in kittens, problems with coordination and even death, especially since the disease can be very deadly for them. Diagnosis is typically done through tests on feces or blood, and treatment focuses on supportive care, which can help lower the risk of death. Vaccination is crucial for all cats, including those that stay indoors, with a series of shots recommended starting at 8-9 weeks of age to help prevent this dangerous disease.
Abstract
OVERVIEW: Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infects all felids as well as raccoons, mink and foxes. This pathogen may survive in the environment for several months and is highly resistant to some disinfectants. INFECTION: Transmission occurs via the faecal-oral route. Indirect contact is the most common route of infection, and FPV may be carried by fomites (shoes, clothing), which means indoor cats are also at risk. Intrauterine virus transmission and infection of neonates can occur. DISEASE SIGNS: Cats of all ages may be affected by FPV, but kittens are most susceptible. Mortality rates are high - over 90% in kittens. Signs of disease include diarrhoea, lymphopenia and neutropenia, followed by thrombocytopenia and anaemia, immunosuppression (transient in adult cats), cerebellar ataxia (in kittens only) and abortion. DIAGNOSIS: Feline panleukopenia virus antigen is detected in faeces using commercially available test kits. Specialised laboratories carry out PCR testing on whole blood or faeces. Serological tests are not recommended, as they do not distinguish between infection and vaccination. DISEASE MANAGEMENT: Supportive therapy and good nursing significantly decrease mortality rates. In cases of enteritis, parenteral administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic is recommended. Disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach), peracetic acid, formaldehyde or sodium hydroxide are effective. VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS: All cats - including indoor cats - should be vaccinated. Two injections, at 8-9 weeks of age and 3-4 weeks later, are recommended, and a first booster 1 year later. A third vaccination at 16-20 weeks of age is recommended for kittens from environments with a high infection pressure (cat shelters) or from queens with high vaccine-induced antibody levels (breeding catteries). Subsequent booster vaccinations should be administered at intervals of 3 years or more. Modified-live virus vaccines should not be used in pregnant queens or in kittens less than 4 weeks of age.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19481033/