Feline leukemia virus, otherwise known as FeLV, is a life-threatening disease that can affect any type of cat. It's something every pet owner should be concerned about, also because it's a leading cause of infectious death in cats.
In this blog, we'll discover everything there is to know about this virus and why we should vaccinate our cats from it.
What Is FeLV?
Feline leukemia is caused by a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, suppressing it and weakening the cat's defenses. Once weakened, the cat becomes vulnerable to other types of infections and diseases. In other words, more problems.
It starts with transmission. Once a cat has it, the virus disrupts normal cell function by inserting its own genetic material into the cat’s DNA. When this happens, immunosuppression, anemia, and even certain types of cancer come into play.
How Does Feline Leukemia Spread?
What makes FeLV particularly concerning is how easily it can spread and infect cats. While the virus is not airborne, FeLV can be easily passed from cat to cat through close contact and bodily fluids.
Saliva and Nasal Secretions
The primary mode of transmission is saliva and nasal secretions. This means that close interactions such as fighting, mating, and grooming are common activities in which the virus spreads.
This also applies to objects. Healthy cats that share food and water bowls are at risk of a FeLV infection if these have been used by an infected cat. Basically, anything that involves an infected cat's saliva will transmit the virus.
Blood, Urine, and Feces
Though less common, FeLV can be transmitted through blood. Cats that engage in fights, particularly outdoor or feral cats, can transfer the virus through deep bite wounds.
Shared litter boxes can pose a risk if cats come into contact with the urine or feces of an infected cat. While this mode of transmission is rarer, it is still possible, especially in unclean or overcrowded environments.
Birth and Nursing
Pregnant cats infected with FeLV can pass the virus to their kittens while they are still in the womb. This means that a mother cat can transmit the virus just by being pregnant. It’s called vertical transmission.
After birth, kittens can also get infected through nursing because the feline leukemia virus is present in an infected mother’s milk.
Plus, kittens have underdeveloped immune systems. As a result, they are more susceptible to the virus and the disease it causes. This often progresses to active infection more quickly than in adult cats.
Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus
The suppression of the immune system means that the infected cats can experience a wide range of symptoms. This includes:
General Signs. Many FeLV-positive cats initially show non-specific signs of illness. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and weight loss.
Anemia. Anemia is one of the most common and serious effects of FeLV. Signs include pale gums and tongue, chronic fatigue, and labored breathing.
Secondary Infections. Secondary and recurrent infections are also signs of a suppressed immune system. This can appear on the skin, respiratory system, or urinary tract.
Cancer and Tumors. FeLV is closely associated with the development of certain cancers, such as lymphomas.
Digestive Issues. A FeLV infection can also cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to chronic vomiting and diarrhea.
Behavioral Changes. Behavioral changes and shifts can be clear in affected cats because of the constant pain and discomfort they feel. Some will be irritable, while others will rather hide and rest.
Neurological Symptoms. FeLV can affect the nervous system, leading to seizures, ataxia, and behavioral changes.
How Is Feline Leukemia Virus Diagnosed?
Like with any disease, our vets will start by assessing your cat's health and symptoms. From here, we can decide on the laboratory tests we'll need to do.
ELISA Test
This is a common test to screen for the virus and look for feline leukemia virus antigens in the blood. Specifically, the ELISA test looks for the FeLV p27 antigen, which binds to the test kit when present. Results are ready in just a few minutes, and even before the cat has any symptoms.
Immunofluorescent Antibody Testing
To confirm the infection, the IFA test detects the FeLV p27 antigens in white blood cells and platelets. This test is also used to check if the virus has reached the bone marrow, which indicates the progressive stage of feline leukemia.
This works by collecting a blood sample that's examined under a microscpe and fluorescent markers. IFA is also specific, meaning it's a reliable way to confirm the feline leukemia virus infection. However, it does take a long time.
Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCR testing is another way to confirm the infection. The test amplifies the virus's genetic material and essentially confirms its presence. Even blood samples with small amounts of the virus can be used.
Plus, PCR testing can determine the stage of the infection by assessing the proviral DNA amount. This means that our vets can check if the FeLV infection is active or latent.
Even though the PCR test is highly accurate and reliable, it is also very expensive and takes a long time to get the results.
Feline Leukemia Treatment Process
Because there's no definite cure for feline leukemia, we'll focus on managing the symptoms and improving your cat's condition. Here’s how our vets help:
Medication
Cats with anemia may require pet medications to stimulate red blood cell production or, in severe cases, blood transfusions to manage their condition.
For cats suffering from secondary infections, the appropriate medications will be used depending on the pathogen. These infections can be treated with antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other medications, depending on the specific illness.
NSAIDs and other pain medications can be prescribed to alleviate discomfort, particularly in cats with chronic conditions. Appetite stimulants can also be prescribed for cats that experience significant weight loss and a poor appetite.
Lifestyle and Environmental Management
If your cat has been infected by the feline leukemia virus, it’s important to minimize their exposure to other factors that can worsen its condition. This includes secondary infections. Keep your cat indoors and safe from exposure to diseases and dangers outside.
This also means reducing your cat's stress and anxiety and providing a comfortable space at home.
To further support health, make sure what your cat eats is well-balanced and nutritious. Crafting a nutritious diet is key to helping your cat maintain a strong immune system. Upon a checkup, our pet nutritionists will recommend the best diet for your cat’s condition.
Routine vet visits and regular checkups are also required to monitor the virus from time to time. If any complications arise, our vets will be able to manage and work on them as soon as possible.
Why Vaccinate Your Cat Against Feline Leukemia Virus?
The best way to protect your cat from feline leukemia is through regular vaccinations.
Vaccinating against FeLV drastically improves your cat’s protection against the virus. The vaccines work by introducing deactivated feline leukemia virus antigens to the immune system. By doing so, the immune system can develop antibodies for when the real threat arrives.
Essentially, vaccines train your cat to fight off the virus. Even indoor cats can benefit from vaccinations.
“The way we can show our cats our love is by giving them protection for what’s to come.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Final Thoughts
Feline leukemia virus is a disease that can get out of hand, easily becoming a highly devastating disease. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Through preventive measures and regular vaccination, you can keep your cat safe from this dangerous disease.
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