FeLV; It is the first feline retrovirus discovered by William Jerrett in 1964. FeLV is known as a dangerous virus that causes illness and death in domestic cats because it causes immunosuppressive and immunoproliferative syndromes. As a result of the tests performed with PCR, FeLV cases were observed in 26 of 60 cats, while according to the results of the tests performed with ELISA, 4 out of 60 cats were found to have FeLV DNA.
The most important destruction of Feline Leukemia Virus is on the immune system. FeLV; It weakens the immune system of cats and over time the immune system is suppressed. In cats infected with FeLV; Different diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, anemia and severe erythroid hypoplasia are much easier to develop than others.
What is Feline Leukemia Disease (FeLV)?
Feline Leukemia (FeLV), known as “Feline Leukemia Virus”; It is an RNA virus that can replicate in many cells, such as the salivary gland, bone marrow, and respiratory tract. Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in the cells. The disease can settle and spread in the body for many years without showing any symptoms. Detecting FeLV antigen and antibodies in cat blood is quite easy in today's conditions.
Leukemia (FeLV), a serious disease of cats, can be life-threatening in approximately 85% of cats that are “permanently” infected within three years of diagnosis. There are many cases where the virus causes anemia and lymphoma. About 70% of cats that come into contact with the virus can resist and recover from the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Disease (FeLV)?
Symptoms of the leukemia virus in cats can be similar to the symptoms of many diseases. However, clinical findings do not need to be seen to suspect a virus. In fact, many cats can overcome this disease on their own without showing any symptoms. However, if the following situations occur, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian before long:
- Extreme weight loss
- Seizures and behavioral disorders
- Loss of appetite
- Non-falling fever
- Pale dental mucous membranes
- Growth in lymph nodes
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
How to Diagnose Feline Leukemia?
FeLV can be diagnosed with examinations and tests performed under the control of veterinarians. FeLV can be diagnosed by performing the following procedures:
- Physical examination: Symptoms such as weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, infection in the mouth and eyes, abnormal breathing and heartbeat are checked.
- ELISA test: The presence of FeLV is checked in fluid samples taken from the cat, such as blood, saliva or eye fluid. A second test, called Western Blot, is used to verify the ELISA test.
- PCR test: It detects the structural presence of virus RNA in the body. It has a very high accuracy rate.
- Blood count: A decrease in red blood cells may be seen due to FeLV infection. This test detects red and white blood cells and platelet counts.
- Biopsy: The presence of FeLV is examined by taking samples from diseased cells.
- Imaging: Internal organs are evaluated.
Virus isolation and diagnostic tests are also among the techniques frequently used by physicians.
The virus in the blood sample is cultured with the virus isolation test. Immunofluorescence test detects antigens in blood cells. In order to ensure the accuracy of the test result, the tests can be renewed if your veterinarian deems it necessary.
Is Feline Leukemia Disease (FeLV) Contagious?
FeLV can be easily transmitted from cat to cat. The virus can be easily infected through daily actions that cause contact with cats, such as eating food from the same container, as can be seen in the mother's womb and through breastfeeding. Generally, transmission occurs through saliva or nasal secretions. Therefore, there is a risk of spreading the disease in any article or situation that these secretions come into contact with.
The conditions that increase the risk of transmission of FeLV virus can be summarized as follows:
- Widely via blood
- Via body fluids, especially saliva and nasal secretions
- Use of common food and water bowls as it is transmitted through oral fluid
- In the womb or during breastfeeding
- Through the person's hand or clothing that comes into contact with different cats
How Is FeLV Treated?
Unfortunately, a treatment method to eliminate the leukemia virus in cats has not been developed yet. However, the methods that can be used to minimize the pain that cats will experience during the disease process and to suppress the symptoms are as follows:
- Compliance with quality food and intensive diet program
- Uninterrupted participation in veterinary checks
- Chemotherapy if the physician deems it appropriate
- Regular use of anti-anemia drugs
- A peaceful life away from stress
Is Leukemia Vaccine Necessary in Cats?
Vaccination is essential to minimize the 85% life-threatening risk of the disease in cats with weakened immune systems.
With the guidance of the veterinarian, the frequency of vaccination periods may vary for the cat.
It is very important to do the FeLV test before vaccination and to have a negative result. There are many vaccines from different companies developed for the FeLV virus. Like many vaccines, the leukemia vaccine is not 100% protective.
As seen in other vaccine applications, conditions such as loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness may be encountered after FeLV vaccination, and these symptoms may last for several days. However, if the symptoms become severe or do not subside in the process, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.
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