14. Retroviral infectious diseases in cats Flashcards
Describe retroviral infections
- Viral infections caused by the family Retroviridae.
- RNA viruses
What diseases are retroviral infections responsible for causing
- Enzootic bovine leucosis- bovine leukemia- cattle –> formation of lymphosarcoma
- Feline leukemia - cats –> formation of lymphosarcoma
- Avian leukosis - avian leukemia- birds –> formation of lymphosarcoma
- Maedi visna - sheep and goat - RT and CNS - OIE!
- Equine infectious anemia- Horse –> anemia - OIE!
What is important to mention about feline leukemia?
Contagious and a permanent infection!
What agent is responisble for causing feline leukemia?
Feline leukemia virus - FeLV - retrovirus
What are susceptible hosts of feline leukemia
Only cats - especially young kittens. Get more resistance with age.
Does does feline leukemia cause?
Permanent infection by FeLV. Either regressive (just latent) or progressive form (lymphosarcoma)
What is the transmission of feline leukemia?
- Horizontal – contact with excretions: saliva, feces, nasal discharge
- Vertical - through milk
What are clinical signs of feline leukemia?
- Permanent infection
- 2 outcomes:
- Regressive form: virus becomes latent. Reactivation is possible in case of immunosuppression.
- Progressive form: virus invade bone marrow - formation of lymphosarcoma.
How can feline leukemia be diagnosed?
- By SNAP test ELISA-test for Ag in blood
- IFA - Immunofluorescent assay: Check if it is progressive form
How can feline leukemia be treated?
- Supportive treatment - fluid, nutrition, appetite stimulans, blood transfusion.
- Cortisone to reduce size of tumor
How can feline leukemia be prevented?
By vaccination.
Keep cat inside and away from other cats
