Article Advise

submitted: Jul 12th 2008 | by: KurtSchmitt | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 434 | |

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an often deadly virus that compromises the immune system of cats. There is no known cure for this disease, and to date, no treatments have been clinically proven to increase the longevity of otherwise healthy infected cats.

This disease has a varied list of symptoms and signs, many of which may be common to other illnesses and conditions. FeLV is a retrovirus, which means that it is able to insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected.

Healthy cats, like healthy people, are attacked by organisms all the time. Most of the time, both felines and humans can fight them off. When your cat's immune system is compromised, however, opportunistic infections and parasitic organisms are more likely to thrive and cause damage.

FeLV infected cats have a difficult time fighting off infections and parasites. With a weakened immune system, your cat is more susceptible to secondary infections and diseases. The symptoms an infected cat experiences, to a large degree, are caused by these other diseases and conditions.

Initial symptoms may include fever, blood disease, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise. Some cats will experience no symptoms during the beginning stages of the disease.

FeLV infected cats are susceptible to developing leukemia as well as other forms of cancer. They often will develop anemia as well, and about 30 percent of infected cats will develop tumors. Some cats may exhibit excessive thirst and urination, which is also common to feline diabetes and other conditions.

As the disease progresses, sick cats may present with more and varied symptoms. Blood in the stool, constipation, jaundice, and recurring infections may be present. Feline leukemia virus symptoms may also include and diarrhea, severe weight loss, and depression.

There are two stages of feline leukemia virus. Some cats will mount an immune response upon initial infection, and the disease will not progress to the second stage. Other cats will eventually enter the second stage.

If your cat has FeLV, the only thing you can do is to treat the secondary infections and diseases, and try to boost the immune system of your cat. This disease is usually fatal for those cats who reach the second stage of this disease.

In fact, it's estimated that only about 2 to 3 percent of all cats are infected with FeLV. Infection rates are higher in high risk groups. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat. Keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good precaution. Fortunately, if your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease.

About the Author

Author Kurt Schmitt writes about cat health problems and provides a complete feline leukemia virus symptoms list including information on pregnant cats and kittens. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Comments

No comments posted.

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.