Paws and Claws: Feline leukemia inhibits a cat’s immune system
by Cindy Anderson, DVM
Feline leukemia virus, also known as FeLV, is one of the more common infectious diseases affecting cats. Based on the name, most think that FeLV is a blood cancer like leukemia in humans. But it is actually a contagious retrovirus that suppresses a cat’s immune system.
Feline leukemia is spread between cats through saliva, blood, nasal secretions, urine and feces. It can be transmitted through bite wounds, deep scratches, or behaviors such as sharing food/water bowls, using the same litter box, or engaging in mutual grooming. Mother cats also can pass it to their kittens while they are developing in the womb or through their milk when nursing.
FeLV can affect cats of any age or breed, but is a particular concern for cats who roam outside, felines in a shelter or in any group environment where they can come into contact with potentially infected cats.
FeLV affects a cat’s body in many ways. It is very common for cats to exhibit no signs of the disease in the early stages of infection. Over time, an infected cat’s health may get progressively worse and it may have repeating cycles of illness. Some signs of FeLV can include loss of appetite, progressive weight loss, poor coat condition, a variety of eye conditions, persistent diarrhea, and infections of the skin, urinary bladder and upper respiratory tract.
Diagnosing feline leukemia is completed using an ELISA test performed in your veterinarian’s office. This test is used to detect the protein component of the virus.
After a negative ELISA test, your cat then can be vaccinated against feline leukemia. Following the initial vaccination, a booster is required three weeks later. After that, the vaccine is given yearly.
After a positive ELISA test, therapies may decrease the amount of FeLV in the bloodstream, but there is no definitive cure for FeLV. Veterinarians treating and managing FeLV-positive cats showing signs of the disease usually treat specific problems, such as prescribing antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Cats diagnosed with FeLV can live normal lives for prolonged periods of time. Once a cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia, it is important to monitor weight, appetite, activity level, elimination habits, appearance of the mouth and eyes, and behavior in general. Any time you are concerned about any abnormalities, you should contact your veterinarian.
Please contact me, Dr. Cindy Anderson, or any of my staff at Lakelands Trail Veterinary Clinic, 517-655-5551, to answer any questions you may have.
Cindy Anderson, DVM
Cindy Anderson, DVM, is a graduate of MSU Veterinary College (1992) and has practiced veterinary medicine for over 28 years.
