Feline Leukemia Information

Trying to stay on top of potential diseases in pets, I was fascinated to find out recently from my veterinarian that feline leukemia is a "new" disease that was unknown as recently as the 1960's. Today, it is already considered one of the leading causes of death in cats, potentially infecting as many as 10% of the feline population. The feline leukemia FeLV virus limits a cat's resistance to other infections, thus making the cat more susceptible to other health dangers such as anemia, kidney problems and lymphosarcoma. Feline leukemia is transmitted through contact with another infected cats saliva, feces or blood. Shared water and food bowls can be a source of spreading the disease. Biting is another way to transmit the disease, consequently outdoor cats that roam and fight are just that much more susceptible to it. There are a few cats that once exposed, develop antibodies and effectively fight off the dis- ease. In other words, it is possible for some cats to contract, carry and spread the virus without showing any symptoms themselves. The bad news, however, is that these cats can still transmit it to other felines. At this time it not believed that feline leukemia is transmissible to other animal species or humans. Possible feline leukemia symptoms include persistent coughing, labored breathing, sores around the mouth, frequent vomiting, fever, weight loss, susceptibility to disease and/or swollen glands. Your veterinarian has tests that they can perform to determine if your cat has the feline leukemia virus. However, these tests are not always 100% reliable and can, on rare occasion, result in a false positive or negative for the disease. Although it is not considered 100% fool proof, there is a vaccination available to help prevent feline leukemia. Cats that are particularly healthy, parasite free, fed a good diet and kept current on vaccinations stand the best chance of fighting and surviving the disease once exposed. The best prevention is to limit a cat's exposure to it There is no current medication that will kill the virus and cure the cat. However, some cats can be helped by treating the secondary diseases that occur because of the suppressed immune system. Treatment health products may include antibiotics, immune stimulants, vitamins, red blood cell stimulators and/or steroids. Cats that have contracted feline leukemia should not be allowed to breed, roam or come into contact with other cats. If you are going to introduce a new cat into a household where a cat with feline leukemia has lived, you will want to be sure and clean all bowls, utensils, litter boxes, bedding etc. with bleach and then wait at least a month to ensure the house will be safe for your new arrival. Please note, this information is based on online information common to several authoritative web sites on the subject. We always recommend visiting with your veterinarian regarding your specific situation and/or cat for the most accurate knowledge and advice.