Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Detailed information about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Species: Cat
Breeds Affected: All breeds (kittens and outdoor cats at highest risk)
Overview
A contagious retrovirus that suppresses the immune system and can cause anemia and lymphoma. It is spread via saliva and close contact. Many cats become persistently viremic. Once common, its prevalence has decreased due to testing and vaccination.
Symptoms
- Early infections may be asymptomatic or cause mild fever and lymph node enlargement. Over time
- affected cats develop recurrent infections (eg
- respiratory
- oral)
- poor coat condition
- weight loss
- and sometimes signs of anemia or cancer (lymphoma
- leukemia).
Treatments
There is no cure; management is supportive. Infected cats should be kept indoors and separated from non-infected cats. Secondary infections must be treated aggressively (eg, antibiotics for bacterial infections). Regular veterinary checkups are essential, and blood transfusions may be needed for severe anemia. Chemotherapy can be used if lymphoma develops.
Medications
Antibiotics (eg, doxycycline, amoxicillin-clavulanate) for opportunistic infections; experimental antivirals (eg, AZT) with limited success; immune stimulants (eg, interferon omega); prednisolone as palliative therapy; chemotherapy drugs if cancer develops.
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