feline leukemia

Question 1

what 6 things should you consider about FELV

Answer 1

a) it is an RNA retro virus
b) it is associated with both neoplastic and non neoplastic diseases

c) the virus is very unstable in the environment
d) close contact between cats is required for transmission

e) the virus may be isolated from saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, tears and milk
f) once a cat has been exposed to the virus it depends on many host factors which will determine the ultimate outcome to the exposure

Question 2

what should you consider about the transmission of FELV

Answer 2

transplacental and transmammary transmission is possible

Question 3

what 3 things may exposed cats develop

Answer 3

a regressive infection transient
a progressive infection -persistent viremia with no clinical signs
active infection with clinical signs

Question 4

what are the 6 clinical signs of FELV

Answer 4

fever
anorexia
weight loss
anemia
secondary infections
renal disease

Question 5

what 2 thinsg should you consider about the diagnosis of FELV

Answer 5

a positive ELISA, CBC, IFA positive

Question 6

what should you consider about ELISA

Answer 6

it detects the primary viremia which is the stage before the bone marrow becomes infected and the cat may still ward off the virus

Question 7

what should you consider about IFA

Answer 7

it detects the circulating viruses primarily during the 2nd stage and is the point of no return meaning they are positive for life

Question 8

what 5 things should you consider about cat testing negative for FELV

Answer 8

a) it does not imply immunity or non exposure
b) have never been exposed to FELV
c) are incubating the virus at an earlier stage than either test can detect

d) have overcome a previous infection and thus have not become persistently viremic
e) were infected with the virus and have developed the disease

Question 9

what 3 things should you consider about treatment and prevention of FELV

Answer 9

treatment is supportive
ensure minimal susceptibility to other illnesses
vaccination does not interfere with either test

Question 10

what 5 things should you consider about FELV positive cats

Answer 10

1. a healthy FELV positive cats does not have to be euthanized
2. keep the animal indoors
3. isolate from other cats
4. keep up with vaccination
5. see vet if any signs of disease develop