DM2 Pt1-4 Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

Question 1

What animals can be infected by Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)?

Answer 1

FPV infects all felids as well as raccoons, mink, and foxes.

Question 2

How long can FPV survive in the environment?

Answer 2

FPV can survive for several months in the environment and is resistant to some disinfectants.

Question 3

How is FPV most commonly transmitted?

Answer 3

FPV is transmitted via the faecal-oral route, primarily through indirect contact via fomites.

Question 4

Are indoor cats at risk of FPV infection?

Answer 4

Yes, indoor cats are at risk as FPV can be carried by fomites like shoes and clothing.

Question 5

What can occur if FPV is transmitted intrauterine?

Answer 5

Intrauterine transmission can induce immunological tolerance, causing kittens to shed the virus long after birth.

Question 6

What are the main disease signs of FPV infection?

Answer 6

Disease signs include diarrhoea, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, immunosuppression, cerebellar ataxia in kittens, and abortion.

Question 7

Which age group of cats is most susceptible to FPV?

Answer 7

Kittens are most susceptible, with mortality rates exceeding 90%.

Question 8

What diagnostic tests are used to detect FPV?

Answer 8

FPV antigen is detected in faeces using commercial test kits, and PCR testing can be done on whole blood or faeces.

Question 9

Why are serological tests not recommended for FPV diagnosis?

Answer 9

Serological tests do not distinguish between infection and vaccination.

Question 10

What decreases mortality rates in FPV-infected cats?

Answer 10

Supportive therapy and good nursing significantly decrease mortality rates.

Question 11

What is recommended for treating enteritis in FPV cases?

Answer 11

Parenteral administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is recommended.

Question 12

What treatments may be needed for hypoproteinaemic cats with FPV?

Answer 12

Plasma or whole blood transfusions may be required to restore oncotic pressure.

Question 13

What disinfectants are effective against FPV?

Answer 13

Disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach), peracetic acid, formaldehyde, or sodium hydroxide.

Question 14

Why is barrier nursing important in FPV disease management?

Answer 14

Barrier nursing limits the spread of infection in FPV-infected cats.

Question 15

Should indoor cats be vaccinated against FPV?

Answer 15

Yes, all cats, including indoor cats, should be vaccinated against FPV.

Question 16

What is the recommended FPV vaccination schedule for kittens?

Answer 16

Two injections at 8-9 weeks, another 3-4 weeks later, and a first booster 1 year later. A third vaccination at 16-20 weeks is recommended for high-risk environments.

Question 17

How often should FPV booster vaccinations be given?

Answer 17

Booster vaccinations should be administered every 3 years or more.

Question 18

When should modified-live virus vaccines not be used for FPV?

Answer 18

They should not be used in pregnant queens or in kittens less than 4 weeks old.

Question 19

What is the recommendation for vaccinating pregnant cats against FPV?

Answer 19

Pregnant cats should not be routinely vaccinated.

Question 20

Why are shelters considered high-risk environments for FPV transmission?

Answer 20

High cat numbers and unknown vaccination status make shelters high-risk for FPV, requiring strict hygiene and vaccination.

Question 21

What should be done when new cats enter a shelter to prevent FPV?

Answer 21

New cats should be isolated on entry, vaccinated, and monitored for disease.