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 F.P.V. is caused by a DNA virus of the family Parvoviridae, which is closely related antigenetically to the canine parvovirus (CPV), type 2 and mink enteritisvirus

 F.P.V. infects and destroys actively dividing cells in bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, intestinal epithelium, and –in very young animals- cerebellum and retina  OFTEN FATAL DISEASE  NON-ENVELOPED, SINGLE STRAND DNA VIRUS THAT HAS AN ESTABLISHED TROPISM FOR CELLS UNDERGOING MITOSIS IN THE TISSUE OF  NEONATAL BRAIN  BONE MARROW  LYMPHOID AND INTESTINAL LYMPHOID TISSUE

History  Twenty five years ago, F.P.V. was an unknown disease  The virus that causes feline leukemia was 1 st identified in 1964  Feline panleukopenia (FP) has also been known as feline distemper, infectious enteritis, cat fever (not cat scratch fever), and other names  FPV is caused by a virus and is present wherever cats are congregated, especially catteries, breeding facilities, shelters and feral populations.

 Young, ill, immunodeficient and unvaccinated cats are most susceptible  Older outdoor cats have usually been exposed and tend to resist infection  Incubation period is usually 4-5 days

 Less than a year old are the ones who are usually affected  Not sex specific  Cats that live in a multi-cat household and cats that are allowed to roam outdoors are at greater risk of contracting the disease  A serious and contagious viral disease that affects cats, raccoons, and minks

 ANY CAT OF ANY AGE THAT IS UNVACCINATED,WILD, OR IN SHELTERS ARE MOST AT RISK  VIRUS INFECTS MORE CATS IN THE SUMMER TIME  SEEN MORE IN COUNTRY CATS THAN CITY CATS  HAS BEEN KNOWN TO REPLICATE TO A CERTAIN POINT IN DOGS, BUT DOES NOT CAUSE INFECTION  IS NOT RELATED TO CANINE DISTEMPER!!  COMMONLY SEEN IN KITTENS YOUNGER THAN 6 MONTHS

Transmission  Not a zoonotic disease  Transmitted by direct contact or from a contaminated environment. - feces, urine, saliva, licking, sneezing, or biting  The virus shed into the environment may be infectious for years.  Can spread 2-6 weeks post recovery  The virus enters a cat’s body through the mucous membranes. It then moves to the bloodstream and eventually travels throughout the cat’s system

 Peracute- cases may die suddenly with little or no warning (Fading kittens)  Acute- show fever (104 – 107 degrees F), depression, anorexia. Vomiting usually develops 1-2 days after onset of fever. Diarrhea may or may not be present  Subacute – Between acute and chronic  Subclinical – without clinical manifestations. Detectable by clinicopathological (both signs of disease and its pathology) tests but not by a clinical examination

 The panleukopenia virus attacks and destroys WBC.  An infected cat often lowers their head over the water bowl, thirsty but unable to drink.

 Dehydration  Lethargy  Endotoxemia & Bactermia ( the presence of bacteria or toxins in the blood)  Cerebellar disease  Retinal defects

 THE SNAP PARVOVIRUS TEST DESIGNED FOR DOGS USUALLY DETECTS PANLUEKOPENIA AS WELL  USING A PCR TEST (POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION)  RAISING ANTIBODY TITER

 Kittens should be vaccinated between 8 and 10 weeks of age, then again after 12 to 14 weeks.  Excellent inactive and modified live virus vaccines that provide solid, long-lasting immunity are available for prevention.  Disinfection of food bowl, bedding and utensils also the virus can live on human clothing and shoes (fomites).

 If an outbreak does occur a thorough disinfection of the entire premises needs to be made after an outbreak of feline panleukopenia in a home shared by cats. The only disinfectant presently acknowledged is a dilute bleach solution, of 1:9 (one part bleach to nine parts water.)

 Feline panleukopenia requires aggressive treatment if the cat is to survive, because this disease can kill cats in less than 24 hours.  Vigorous fluid therapy  Supportive nursing care in an isolated unit  Treatments of animals should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian.  Antibiotics to prevent or correct infection  Bland diets with small portions  Medications to stop the vomiting  Whole blood transfusion to improve pancytopenia.

 FPV ENTERS FROM THE OROPHARYNX AND REPLICATES IN REGIONAL LYMPHOID TISSUES  COMMON NEUROLOGICAL TISSUES AFFECTED ARE CEREBELLUM, CEREBRUM, RETINA AND OPPTIC NERVE  THE VIRUS NEEDS TO INFECT THE S PHASE OF THE CELL CYCLE TO INSURE VIRAL REPLICATION OCCURS

 Dehydration  Bowel loops are usually dilated and may have thickened, hyperemic walls  Noticeable small cerebellum  Blunting and fusion of villi may be present

 CBC  Fecal Examination  Serum Antibodies  Viral Isolation  Looks for low WBC count

 Rising antibody titer over a period of time  Presence of viral antigens  DNA in a sample suggests active ongoing infection

 VACCINATION! EVEN LIONS, TIGERS, MINKS, AND RACOONS ARE ALSO SUSCEPTIBLE  NO VACCINE-RESTRAINT RECALLS HAVE BEEN REPORTED  AVAILABLE IN MLV AND KILLED INJECTABLES OR INTRANASAL VACCINES  VACCINATE KITTENS AT 9, 12, AND 16 WEEKS OLD AND THEN AGAIN ONE YEAR LATER  LIVE VIRUS VACCINES CAN CAUSE CEREBELLUM DAMAGE  THE VIRUS LIVES IN THE ENVIRONMENT FOR MANY YEARS SO KEEP ALL PET SUPPLIES CLEAN

 Of affected kittens that are two months or less of age, 95% die regardless of treatment.  Kittens that are more than two months old have a 60-70% mortality rate with treatment and nearly 100% mortality rate if not treated.  Adult cats have a 10-20% mortality rate if treated, and a 85% mortality rate if not treated.  Elderly cats have a 20-30% mortality rate if treated, and a 90% mortality rate if not treated.

 Cats that survive the infection acquire a lifelong immunity.  It is also possible for kittens to receive immunity from their mother through the transfer of antibody  The most effective means of prevention is by preventing exposure to infected cats by keeping them indoors.  Yearly boosters should be given.

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 Summers, Alleice. Common Diseases of Companion Animals. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier, Print.  Feline Panleukopenia Virus." Cat Health Guide. Web. 04 Mar  Feline Panleukopenia." The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merial Ltd. Web. 04 Mar

 COMMON DISEASES OF COMPANION ANIMALS BY ALLEICE SUMMERS    =222 =222  htm/bc/57100.htm