Feline Retroviral Diseases

Question 1

How is FeLV most commonly transmitted? FIV?

Answer 1

FeLV - close, intimate contact like mutual grooming or biting (“friendly” cat disease)

FIV - bite wounds (“unfriendly” cat disease)

Question 2

How long do cats typically survive with FeLV and FIV?

Answer 2

FeLV - up to 98% of cats may only develop a transient infection, but those with progressive infection die within 3 years 80% of the time

FIV - can live for years particularly if identified and managed

Question 3

What are 6 common signs of FeLV and FIV?

Answer 3

1. lymphadenopathy
2. oral lesions - gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, oral ulcers
3. neutropenia, fever
4. severe emaciation
5. lymphoid depletion
6. concurrent opportunistic diseases (commonly respiratory and skin infections) - Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Dermatophytes, Toxoplasma, Demodex, Hemobartonella, Giardia, Coccidia, Cryptosporidia, Mycobacteria, Nocardia, Actinomyces

Question 4

What diagnostic tests are performed with possible FeLV and FIV infection?

Answer 4

FeLV - ELISA detects core antigen

FIV - ELISA + Western Blot confirmation to detect antibodies

Question 5

How is timing of testing for FeLV and FIV different?

Answer 5

FeLV - maternal antibody and recent vaccination will not affect test

FIV - useless to test kittens under 6 months as they may not have seroconverted (false -) or there may be interference with the test from maternal antibodies (false +)

Question 6

What should be done if a healthy cat tests positive of FeLV? What is another option?

Answer 6

confirm positive FeLV ELISA with immediate IFA testing to differentiate between actual vs. transient infection

re-test in 1-3 months since up to 98% of cats will have a transient, self-limiting infection, develop antibodies and then become antigen-negative

Question 7

What are 3 important aspects of treating FeLV and FIV?

Answer 7

1. treat bacterial and fungal infections aggressively and for longer duration
2. routine preventative antiparasitics, oral prophylaxis, and skin care
3. AZT - reverse transcriptase inhibitor for FIV

Question 8

What are the 2 key risk factors for cats developing FeLV? What are vaccinations like?

Answer 8

1. AGE - young cats are naturally more susceptible
2. INDOOR/OUTDOOR - cats will be in close contact with other susceptible cats

non-core –> given as 2 injections 2-3 weeks apart in kittens 8-9 weeks or older, booster annually

Question 9

When should cats NOT be vaccinated for FeLV? What are 4 reasons?

Answer 9

if the cat is FeLV positive

1. cats remain FeLV positive despite vaccination
2. cats remain infectious despite vaccination
3. cats have the same risk of developing clinical signs despite vaccination
4. vaccine will not result in a + test

Question 10

What is the key risk factor associated with FIV? What are vaccinations like?

Answer 10

INDOOR/OUTDOOR - outdoor cats are more likely to be bit

non-core –> 3 injections given 2-3 weeks apart in kittens 8-9 weeks or older, booster annually

Question 11

What are 2 key aspects to FIV vaccination?

Answer 11

1. vaccine is 80% effective
2. vaccine will result in a positive test on all commercially available antibody tests