Inf. diseases II - Cats 2/2 Flashcards
Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious disease of felines, caused by parvovirus, and is characterized by
acute gastroenteritis and leukopenia.
Causative agent of feline panleukopenia.
family, DNA type, + details?
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)
Family Parvoviridae
Ss nonenveloped DNA virus
Closely related to mink enteritis virus and the type 2 canine parvoviruses (CPV).
Survival of FPV.
Virus is extremely stable in environment – survives <1 year.
Disinfectants: bleach, formaldehyde.
Use fire?
Host range of feline panleukopenia / FPV.
all Felidae – domestic housecats, tigers, lions, cheetahs. Also raccoons, ferrets, mink, civet cats.
Affects cats of all ages, primarily kittens <1 year old.
Most infections are subclinical (>75%).
Diagnosed most frequently in dense feral or shelter populations (frequent new animals, low vaccination rates).
Mortality of feline panleukopenia.
Mortality is highest in young kittens <5 month old
Transmission of FPV.
Excretion: in all body secretions, primarily feces.
Can be shed <6 weeks after recovery.
Direct contact
Fomites
In utero
Route: alimentary, transplacental
Clinical signs of FPV - classic feline enteritis.
Most infections are subclinical.
Classic feline enteritis:
- Kittens and susceptible adults
- IP 2-7 days
- Acute onset
- Sudden death, “fading kitten syndrome”
- Vomiting, anorexia and/or diarrhea
- Extreme lethargy or depression, hiding
- Fever or hypothermia in severe cases
Clinical signs of FPV - in utero infection.
Most infections are subclinical.
In utero infection:
- Queens, first trimester
- Mummified fetuses
If fetuses survive:
- Ataxia and intention tremors noted once kittens start to walk (10-14 days old).
- Altered mentation and dullness
- Seizures
Forms of disease with feline parvo virus.
classic feline enteritis,
in utero infection,
CNS form
Clinical signs of FPV - CNS form.
Kittens infected in utero in second or third trimester or up to 9 days postpartum.
- Neurologic signs are non-progressive – affected kittens can still make good pets.
Mother was infected while pregnant:
- Cerebellar ataxia, hypermetria, intention tremors.
- Optic nerve hypoplasia, dark foci/folding/streaking of retina.
- Mental dullness, behavioral abnormalities.
Kittens cannot have both neurologic signs and signs of enteritis simultaneously from panleukopenia, because neurologic signs occur from In utero infection of the dam.
Post mortem signs of FPV.
Marked dehydration
Bowel loops dilated and thickened, hyperemic walls.
Petechiae/Ecchymoses on the intestinal serosal surfaces.
Perinatally infected kittens: noticeable small cerebellum.
Diagnosis of feline panleukopenia.
Diagnosis is typically based on history, signalment, clinical signs and initial laboratory findings.
CBC:
- Mild anemia
- Leukopenia – especially neutropenia.
- Thrombocytopenia
Confirmatory tests not readily available!
- Serologic titers, immunofluorescent antibody testing, PCR, virus isolation.
- Canine parvoviral fecal ELISA test kit can reliably detect FPV antigen from feces.
- False-positives within 2 weeks of vaccination.
Tx of feline leukopenia.
Tx: supportive care
Supportive care: IV fluids, broad-spectrum ABs, antiemetics.
No Tx that will change the course of the neurologic form.
Prevention of feline leukopenia.
Vaccination – modified live vaccines are preferred.
- 1st at 8 weeks of age
- 2nd and 3rd at 2 and 4 weeks after first vaccination
- 4th at one year of age
Strict isolation protocol
Disinfection
Colostral immunity <3 months of age
Immunity towards reinfection
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious disease of cats, caused by calicivirus, and is characterized by
upper respiratory signs, oral ulceration, and less commonly arthritis.