VIN Feline Info

Question 1

Topic: FeLV
1. What type of viral disease is this?
2. How is this disease transmitted?
3. Describe the clinical signs.
4. How is this disease diagnosed?
5. How is this disease treated?
6. How is this disease prevented? What are the key risk factors.
7. What is the prognosis of this disease?

Answer 1

1. A retroviral disease
2. Transmitted via saliva, specifically via close, intimate contact and mutual grooming. Transmission by biting can occur but is infrequent!!
3. Can be asymptomatic. If exhibiting c/s:
   - Lymphadenopathy
   - Oral lesions – gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, oral ulcers
   - Neutropenia, fever, development of opportunistic infections (particularly skin or respiratory infections).
   - Severe emaciation
   - Lymphoid depletion
   - Common to see concurrent or opportunistic diseases
   - Fungal – Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, dermatophytes
   - Parasitic – Toxoplasma, Demodex, Hemobartonella, Giardia, Coccidia, Cryptosporidia
   - Atypical bacterial – Mycobacteria, Nocardia, Actinomyces
4. ELISA – Detects a core antigen. Neither maternal antibody nor recent vaccination will affect the test.
   ● If a healthy cat tests positive: AAFP guidelines recommend confirming a positive FeLV ELISA with
   immediate IFA testing to differentiate between an actual vs. a transient infection. Another option is
   to re-test in 1-3 months because up to 98% of cats infected with FELV will have a transient, self-limiting infection, develop antibodies and then become antigen-negative.
5. Treat any concurrent infection, oral prophylaxis, etc.
6. Key risk factors:
   a. Age: Young cats are much more naturally susceptible
   b. Indoor/Outdoor: Cats in close contact with other cats are most susceptible
   Given as 2 injections 2-3 weeks apart in kittens 8-9 weeks or older, booster annually.
7. Up to 98% of cats may only develop a transient infection, but cats with progressive infection die
   within 3 years 80% of the time.

Question 2

Should you vaccinate a cat that is FeLV positive?

Answer 2

There is NO reason to vaccinate a cat that is FELV-positive because:
a. Cats remain FELV positive despite vaccination
b. Cats remain infectious despite vaccination
c. Cats have the same risk of developing clinical signs despite vaccination.
d. The vaccine will not result in a positive test

Question 3

Topic: FIV
1. What type of viral disease is this?
2. How is this disease transmitted?
3. Describe the clinical signs.
4. How is this disease diagnosed?
5. How is this disease treated?
6. How is this disease prevented? What are the key risk factors.

Answer 3

1. A retroviral disease
2. Transmitted by bite wounds in most cases. An “unfriendly” cat disease. Cats can live with FIV for years particularly if identified and managed.
3. Can be asymptomatic. If exhibiting c/s:
   - Lymphadenopathy
   - Oral lesions – gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, oral ulcers
   - Neutropenia, fever, development of opportunistic infections (particularly skin or respiratory infections).
   - Severe emaciation
   - Lymphoid depletion
   - Common to see concurrent or opportunistic diseases
   - Fungal – Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, dermatophytes
   - Parasitic – Toxoplasma, Demodex, Hemobartonella, Giardia, Coccidia, Cryptosporidia
   - Atypical bacterial – Mycobacteria, Nocardia, Actinomyces
4. ELISA is not a confirmatory test and should be verified by Western Blot.
   ● Both tests are antibody-based
   ● It is generally useless to test kittens under 6 months of age as they may not have seroconverted (i.e. False negative) or they may have interference with the test from maternal antibodies (i.e. False positive).
5. Treat any concurrent infection, oral prophylaxis, etc.
6. Key risk factors:
   a. Indoor/Outdoor – Outdoor cats are much more likely to be bit.
   ● Given as 3 injections 2-3 weeks apart in kittens 8-9 weeks or older, booster annually.
   ● Vaccine is considered 80% effective
   ● Vaccine will result in a positive test on all commercially available antibody tests.

Question 4

Topic: Feline Panleukopenia
1. What is the etiologic agent?
2. List the clinical signs
3. How is this disease diagnosed?
4. How is this disease treated?
5. How is this disease prevented?
6. Who has the highest risk of mortality?
7. How is this disease prevented?

Answer 4

1. feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is closely related to canine
   panleukopenia parvovirus (CPV) but does not affect canids
2. Mostly subclinical, especially in adult cats
   - Fever (or hypothermia) Depression, lethargy, hiding, Anorexia Vomiting (may be induced by abdominal palpation), Rapid dehydration Thick bowel loops, Sudden death (“fading kitten syndrome”), +/- Diarrhea
   - Cerebellar signs secondary to hypoplasia from in utero or perinatal infection (cerebellar hypoplasia or “CH” cats) Hypermetria, Ataxia with no weakness, Intention tremors and head bobbing
3. CBC: Leukopenia (50-3,000 WBC/μL), especially neutropenia. Cage-side immunochromatographic test kit for fecal for CPV; often see false-negatives or false-positives
   (recent vaccination).
   - Cerebellar hypoplasia diagnosis is based on history, signalment, and exam findings
4. Supportive care & Isolation
   - Aggressive IV uid therapy with isotonic crystalloid solution spiked with B vitamins; +/- add 5% dextrose
   - Broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary infections
   - Fresh-frozen plasma if available
   - Anti-emetics (e.g., maropitant, ondansetron, metoclopramide)
   - Kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia may need early assistance with feeding
5. Kittens under 5 mo have the highest mortality
6. Inactivated or modi ed-live vaccine starting at 6-9 wk of age then every 3-4 wk until kitten is at least 16 wk of age, then annually (do not give modi ed-live vaccine to pregnant queens)

Question 5

Topic: FIP
1. This is a disease of cats within what age group?
2. Etiologic agent?
3. How is this disease transmitted?
4. List the clinical signs
5. How is this disease diagnosed?
6. How is this disease treated?
7. How is this disease prevented?

Answer 5

1. 6 mo to 2 yrs most commonly
2. FIP develops from mutation of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Nearly all cats are exposed to
   FECV but only a fraction will develop FIP.
3. From direct contact, likely ingestion or inhalation of the virus. The virus is relatively unstable outside of the
   host and susceptible to most detergents but may persist up to 2 weeks.
4. There are two forms of the disease: wet and dry
   - Effusive/wet: Characterized by widespread vasculitis. Leaking of protein and fibrin rich fluid into pleural and peritoneal cavities.
   - Dry form: Granulomatous reaction in tissues. May involve nervous system, kidneys, eyes, lymph nodes or other sites. More difficult to diagnose.
5. Effusive Form - Fluid analysis (Rivalta test) is key to diagnosis
   a. Is Typically dark yellow, sticky and viscous
   b. Non septic, high protein (globulins), A:G ratio <0.4
   ● Dry Form - Challenging diagnosis but some common findings include
   a. Mature neutrophilia, lymphopenia, non-regenerative anemia and a hyperglobulinemia.
   b. Serology for feline coronavirus is available but can be difficult to interpret.
   c. Gold standard of diagnosis remains histopathological examination of biopsied tissues.
   i. Characteristic changes include perivascular pyogranulomatous inflammation.
   Often involving ileum, colon, mesenteric lymph nodes and liver.
6. No effective treatment/cure
   a. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and corticosteroids are palliative and may reduce signs.
   b. Occasional reports of treatment with interferon gamma or pentoxyfylline.
7. Vaccine:
   a. Licensed for use in kittens over the age of 16 weeks. However, kittens may become infected
   after maternal antibodies wane at 4-6 weeks.
   b. The current vaccine can result in false positive FECV titers
   ● Best prevention measures are good cattery procedures
   a. Hygiene is essential. Good nutrition, general health status, sanitation and
   avoiding overcrowding.
   b. This disease may be a problem even in a well maintained cattery

Question 6

Topic: Rabies

1. List the major clinical signs seen in feline patients with rabies.
2. How is this disease diagnosed?
3. How do you manage exposed UNVACCINATED pets?
4. How do you manage exposed VACCINATED pets?
5. How do you manage exposed UNVACCINATED humans?
6. How do you manage exposed VACCINATED humans?
7. What happens if a healthy animal, regardless of rabies vaccine status, bites a human?
8. What happens if a stray animal bites a human?

Answer 6

1. Behavior change (aggressiveness, excitability or irritability, hiding (wild
   animals may become less fearful of humans) and/or vocalization are key signs that should lead you to think about rabies.
2. The Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test detects viral antigens and should be tested on two locations from
   the brain (brainstem and cerebellum) and is the test of choice for rabies diagnosis.
3. If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a rabies suspect, they are either euthanized immediately or given a rabies booster and then quarantined for 4 months (dogs and cats) 6 months (ferrets).
4. If a vaccinated pet is exposed to a rabies suspect they are boostered and then quarantined for 45 days with owners. If the patient is overdue for a vaccine but has gotten one in the past, the same protocol applies.
5. Give post exposure prophylaxis with rabies IG AND rabies vaccine on day of exposure on days 3,7,14.
6. Gives a vaccine on day 0 and day 3.
7. Quarantine animal for 10 days, DO NOT VACCINATE. Report to local health department. Euthanize and submit if any symptoms develop.
8. Euthanize and submit for rabies testing immediately.

Question 7

Topic: Feline Hyperthyroidism

1. What is the etiology of feline hyperthyroidism?
2. What are the key clinical signs of a patient with hyperthyroidism
3. How do you diagnose this disease?
   - What is the preferred screening test?
   - What other tests should you run?
4. How is this treated? List the side effects.
5. What is a common comorbidity in cats with hyperthyroidism?

Answer 7

1. Hyperthyroidism most commonly occurs in cats due to adenomatous hyperplasia of
   the thyroid glands but can also be due to a functional thyroid carcinoma.
2. Key historical signs include weight loss, polyphagia, vomiting, hyperactivity.
3. Elevated ALT, ALP, AST, Erythrocytosis, Hypertension
   - Serum total T4 level is the preferred screening test for hyperthyroidism (>4.0 ug/dl)
   - Free T4, TRH Response Testing
   - T3 suppression Test
4. A. Oral Methimazole – treatment of choice for initial therapy
   - Can be stopped or reduced if renal values increase
   - Possible side effects: Facial excoriations, Thrombocytopenia, anemia, agranulocytosis, Hepatopathy
   B. Surgery – Thyroidectomy
   - Usually bilateral disease requiring bilateral thyroidectomy
   - Possible side effects and surgical complications: Iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism (hypocalcemia), Hypothyroidism, Horner’s syndrome, Laryngeal paralysis (voice change)
   C. Radioactive Iodine
   - I-131
   - Single dose, requires hospitalization, usually for several days to weeks, depending on state
   radiation laws.
   - Possible side effects
   - Iatrogenic hypothyroidism requiring T4 supplement (<5%)
   - Undertreatment requiring retreatment (5%)
5. It is important to monitor renal function because renal insufficiency
   is a common comorbid condition and the presence or severity can be
   masked by hyperthyroidism.

Question 8

Topic: Feline Respiratory Diseases - Rhinotracheitis
1. Etiology
2. List the clinical signs.
3. Diagnostics
4. Treatment
5. Prevention?
6. What happens once these cats recover?

Answer 8

1. Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)
2. Rhinitis, clear nasal discharge, Conjunctivitis
3. Presumptive by clinical signs. Account for 90% of URIs in cats.
   - Determining which virus is affecting the individual cat requires mouth or eye swabs for culture or PCR
4. Symptomatic and supportive care.
   - Early use of antivirals medications (tri uoridine, idoxuridine, cidofovir and famciclovir) are safe an
   effective when given orally
5. Vaccination does not prevent herpesvirus, but minimizes clinical signs.; Isolate ill cats to prevent transmission
6. Once recovered, most cats become carriers and may continue to shed virus intermittently

Question 9

Topic: Feline Respiratory Diseases - Calicivirus
1. Etiology
2. List the clinical signs.
3. Diagnostics
4. Treatment
5. Prevention?
6. What happens once these cats recover?

Answer 9

1. Calicivirus
2. Tongue ulceration, Gingivitis, Ptyalism
3. Presumptive by clinical signs. Account for 90% of URIs in cats.
   - Determining which virus is affecting the individual cat requires mouth or eye swabs for culture or PCR
4. Symptomatic and supportive care.
   - Early use of antivirals medications (tri uoridine, idoxuridine, cidofovir and famciclovir) are safe an
   effective when given orally
5. Vaccination does not prevent herpesvirus, but minimizes clinical signs.; Isolate ill cats to prevent transmission
6. Once recovered, most cats become carriers and may continue to shed virus intermittently

Question 10

Topic: Feline Respiratory Diseases - Chlamydiosis
1. Etiology
2. List the clinical signs.
3. Diagnostics
4. Treatment
5. Prevention?
6. What happens once these cats recover?

Answer 10

1. Chlamydophila felis
2. Young cats/kittens; conjunctivitis, first unilateral then bilateral; +/- Concurrent upper respiratory tract infection (nasal discharge, sneezing)
3. Primarily an ocular disease diagnosed by the presence of inclusion bodies in conjunctival scrapings
4. Doxycycline; Treat all cats in household
5. Isolate ill cats to prevent transmission; Clean environment to reduce fomite transmission
6. Once recovered, most cats become carriers and may continue to shed virus intermittently; Prognosis good

Question 11

Topic: Feline Skin Diseases - Dermatophytosis

1. Etiology
2. List the clinical signs.
3. Diagnostics
4. Treatment
5. Prevention?

Answer 11

1. 98% of cases in cats are caused by Microsporum canis, but infections with M. gypseum and Trichophyton spp. are increasing in shelters.
2. Kittens are most commonly affected on head and extremities
   - Patchy alopecia, often circular or ring-like - - Scaling and crusting
   - +/- Pruritus
   - +/- Pseudomycetomas (pyogranulomatous draining nodules) in generalized dermatophytosis
3. Fungal culture on dermatophyte test medium (DTM). Check daily; usually takes 3-7 d to grow but wait 3 wk before declaring
   negative. Repeat after 2 months of treatment, then monthly until negative
   - Wood’s lamp causes bright green uorescence in about 50% of cases and helps to identify hairs to be used for culture or microscopy
   - Skin biopsy: Special stains are often used
4. Combination miconazole/chlorhexidine rinses (miconazole or chlorhexidine alone is not effective)
   - Lime sulfur dips
   - Severe cases may require or griseofulvin (do not use griseofulvin in pregnant or FIV-positive cats). Itraconazole is preferred in cats
   - Griseofulvin
   - Perform CBC in 2 wk then monthly
   - Do not use in pregnant queens
   - Do not use in cats positive for FIV or FeLV
   Pseudomycetomas may require surgical debulking
5. Prevention: Disinfect environment monthly with diluted bleach or enilconazole solution

ZOONOTIC and highly contagious Clean clippers WELL after use! 1:10 bleach solution