Feline panleukopenia, also known as parvovirus or panleukopenia, is an acute, serious infectious disease that is particularly dangerous and even life-threatening for young, unvaccinated cats. Thanks to an effective vaccine, this disease can now be easily prevented.
Feline panleukopenia is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which is very similar to the canine parvovirus (CPV). Cats can therefore also become infected with CPV. In young cats, the disease is severe, with mortality rates of up to 75%. Cats older than four months usually show mild to no symptoms. Both viruses are harmless to humans.
The virus is very resistant and can remain infectious in the environment for several months or even years. Only special disinfectants can kill the virus.
The virus is mostly excreted in feces and transmitted through direct contact between animals or indirectly via contaminated objects, other animals, or humans. The virus can also be passed on to kittens in the womb. The entry point is the cat's nose and throat. This is where the virus initially multiplies before spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream. To continue multiplying, the virus needs cells with a particularly high division rate, such as those found in the small intestine, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. The incubation period (the time from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms) is three to twelve days, although infected animals excrete the virus after just four days and can therefore infect other cats.
Depending on the severity and progression of the disease, the first symptoms may appear gradually or very suddenly. In young, unvaccinated animals, the first symptoms are often rather unspecific, such as apathy (= listlessness), loss of appetite, emaciation, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. The diarrhea, which can be severe, may become watery or bloody and lead to severe dehydration due to extreme fluid loss. Sudden death without recognizable symptoms is not uncommon. Due to the destruction of white blood cells and the associated weakening of the body's defenses, there is an increased risk of secondary bacterial infections.
Older animals usually show a milder course, but the weakened immune system can make them more susceptible to other diseases. Chronic diarrhea can develop as a result of the destruction of the intestinal mucosa in combination with possible secondary infections.
Kittens that have already been infected in the womb often show coordination and movement disorders in the form of a clumsy gait after birth. These neurological symptoms are due to a developmental disorder of the cerebellum and represent a special form of feline panleukopenia. If these animals survive the disease, the coordination disorder usually persists for life.
In addition to the clinical examination, the preliminary report is particularly important for the veterinarian. Age, vaccination status, origin, and the associated clinical symptoms provide them with important initial information about the possible diagnosis. Additional tests should always include a blood test and virus detection in the feces. Certain characteristic changes in blood values already provide clear indications of an FPV infection. For example, the white blood cell count is always significantly reduced, which is why the disease is also known as panleukopenia (meaning "lack of white blood cells"). Direct detection of the virus in the feces, which can be carried out in most veterinary practices using a rapid test, provides further reliable evidence of feline panleukopenia.
Since there is still no effective medication to kill the pathogen directly, the top priority should be to prevent or at least reduce the spread of the disease. Sick animals must therefore be separated from healthy animals immediately and treated under the strictest hygiene measures.
The aim of treatment is to stabilize the patient, with fluid replacement being the top priority. In addition, drugs to prevent vomiting and diarrhea and to treat any secondary infections are often used, including antibiotics. Special drugs are administered to protect the damaged intestinal mucosa.
The chances of recovery depend greatly on the course and severity of the disease, the age of the animal, its vaccination status, the presence of secondary infections, and, in particular, the type of treatment given to the sick animal. With intensive medical treatment as soon as possible and strict adherence to all hygiene measures, the survival rate can be increased to up to 90%. Without treatment, only about 10% of infected animals survive the infection.
The most effective protection against this serious disease is regular vaccination. Thanks to decades of vaccination, the disease has already been significantly reduced. However, it is strongly recommended to continue vaccinating, as the virus is still widespread worldwide and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. The Standing Vaccination Commission for Veterinary Medicine (StiKo Vet), a committee of veterinary experts, therefore recommends vaccination against panleukopenia as a "core component," which means that every cat should be protected against this disease at all times. Cats can be vaccinated from eight weeks of age. Three consecutive vaccinations at eight, twelve, and 16 weeks of age and another at 15 months of age are recommended as a complete basic immunization. Booster vaccinations are then necessary every three years. Combination vaccines are usually used. Your vet can send you a personalized vaccination schedule for your cat via petsXL, and you will automatically receive notifications when it is time to make another appointment.
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