|
Feline Leukemia Virus: Knowing the Cat Killer
Feline leukemia is the leading cause of death among our feline friends. This disease starts from the infection of feline leukemia virus, which is a retrovirus that mutates and replicates within the cells of cats. This virus carries RNA information instead DNA and cannot live alone but in the presence of a cell that has DNA information. This lethal disease currently has no cure and is very lethal for cats that are not given proper medical attention.
As a virus, cats can pass this disease among themselves. This virus is passed through close exposure that includes mutual grooming, close contact, biting another cat, using the same liter box or food dish, and the same milk during nursing. Like other retroviruses, cats can be born with feline leukemia virus because of an infected mother. However, the virus won’t live very long in external conditions. Feline leukemia virus can live for two hours in dry environment and up to 48 hours in damp places such as litter box or feeding baskets. Feline leukemia virus is especially weak against ultraviolet light, heat, detergents, and drying.
However, feline leukemia virus does not cause leukemia. This name came from the fact that veterinarians in the past associate this virus with leukemia or a certain form of cancer. However, when literature revised their findings, the name stuck. Feline leukemia virus is actually a type of FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. This class of virus is comparable to HIV in humans. Feline leukemia virus spreads only in cats and is not transmissible to humans as all retroviruses are.
Feline leukemia virus infection happens to 2%-3% of all cats. This number increases depending on the cat’s age. The percentage of infected young cats rises to 13%. When a cat is infected, they enter into acute stage after 2-4 weeks. This phase presents no symptoms or if they do it is usually with mild fever, slight lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. After the acute state, 30% of cats will not be infected due to inadequate exposure while 20%-35% of cats will eventually kill the leukemia virus in 6 months. Five percent to ten percent of cats will develop latent infection or a state where the cat is infected with feline leukemia virus but is able to keep the virus in check. Thirty to thirty five percent of cats meanwhile develop serious infection and can be the cause if death after two to three years.
As defined feline leukemia virus is not the disease itself. Instead, it causes other diseases to spring up because of a compromised immune system in cats. Aside from immunodeficiency, feline leukemia virus can cause neoplasia, enlarged lymph nodes, platelet disorder, neurologic disorder, gastrointestinal disease, reproductive problems, anemia and more. Most of this disease is fatal to domestic cats and the treatment of one disease does not mean the virus is defeated. Usually, feline leukemia virus introduces a number of conditions that can happen at the same time.
Feline leukemia virus is not readily diagnosed by veterinarians. Only an investigation of its manifestations will make veterinarian look for the virus. Therefore, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to bring the cat to the veterinarian at the first sign of suspicion.
|