Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Detailed information about Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Species: Cat
Breeds Affected: All breeds (outdoor, fighting tomcats at highest risk)
Overview
A retrovirus (lentivirus) that attacks the immune system, analogous to HIV in humans. It is spread primarily by deep bite wounds. Infected cats may remain asymptomatic for months or years while the virus slowly weakens the immune system, eventually leading to feline AIDS.
Symptoms
- Often no signs early on. Within 1–3 months after infection
- a transient fever and lymph node enlargement may occur but are often missed. Later
- chronic secondary infections (eg
- recurrent gum infections
- respiratory or skin infections)
- weight loss
- and general poor condition develop. Advanced cases can show persistent fever
- diarrhea
- neurologic issues
- and anemia.
Treatments
No cure is available. Infected cats should be kept indoors and isolated from non-infected cats. Supportive care and prompt treatment of secondary infections are crucial (eg, dental care, antibiotics for gum infections, antiviral eye medications for herpes outbreaks). Good nutrition and stress reduction are important. In some cases, antiviral therapy (eg, zidovudine/AZT) is used to temporarily improve symptoms.
Medications
Antibiotics (eg, doxycycline or clindamycin) for secondary infections; antiviral medication such as AZT (zidovudine) for severe cases; immune modulators (eg, interferon-alpha) have been tried; anti-inflammatory steroids may be used in end-stage disease.
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