Feline Leukemia Virus FeLV
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An accurate diagnosis of the cause of hair loss requires a detailed history and physical examination. The physical examination will cover both the cat’s skin and its general health. The veterinarian will also look for signs of skin infections or parasites. Your veterinarian will tell you whether it is appropriate for your cat.
How Is FeLV Diagnosed?
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See your veterinarian immediately if you notice any sign of infection or illness, because treatments should be started as soon as possible. If your cat tests positive for feline leukemia virus, it is important to limit its exposure to secondary infections. It is best that she remains indoors only and does not have access to other cats that may have spreadable diseases. Any illness, no matter how small, is a threat to a compromised immune system. Vaccination for FeLV is available, and although it will not protect 100% of cats vaccinated, it is recommended to reduce the risk of FeLV infection for cats at risk of exposure, such as indoor/outdoor cats.
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Twice-yearly physical examinations, laboratory testing, and parasite control can prevent complications and identify problems quickly. Feline leukemia virus is transmitted between cats via infected saliva and urine. Direct contact with these body fluids, mutual grooming, shared litter boxes and food dishes, and fighting (bite wounds) all expose uninfected cats to the virus. To become infected, cats typically require prolonged, repeated exposure to the virus.
Diseases Caused by FeLV
Excessive shedding is common and may be observed, as well as itching and more frequent grooming. Some cats will develop painful cracks on the pads of their feet and resist walking because of them. We know our cats love to groom themselves; it’s part of their normal behavior and how they keep their skin and coat healthy. However, if they’re itchy, painful, or stressed they can do too much grooming, licking, and scratching and actually cause excessive hair loss and alopecia.
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Mites, bacteria, yeast, and fungi like ringworm, can only be seen with a microscope so your vet will probably recommend checking for these with testing like skin scrapes, cytology, and fungal cultures. Some strains of FeLV can be experimentally grown in human tissue cultures, leading to concerns of potential for transmission to people. Studies addressing this concern have shown no evidence that any zoonotic risk exists, and there are no known cases of zoonotic transmission. Viral DNA is inserted and integrated into host DNA, serving as a template for formation of new viral RNA genomes, which are released from the infected host cell.
Diagnosis of Feline Leukemia Virus Disease
An infected mother cat can also transmit the virus to her kittens before birth or while nursing. Only about 3% of cats in single-cat households have the virus, but for cats that spend time outdoors, the rate is much higher. Still, the prevalence of FeLV has decreased over the last 25 years because of vaccines and reliable tests. These disorders can be worsened by the presence of other infectious diseases, such as feline panleukopenia or calicivirus.
How Can FeLV Be Prevented?
Mother cats can also transmit the virus to their kittens while they are in the womb and through breast milk. It is likely that the transmission from a mother to her kittens is the greatest source of infection. Young kittens have the highest risk for catching the virus, whereas adults may have some inherent protection. However, cats of all ages can catch the virus and develop the disease.
Cats at-risk should continue regular vaccination each year, while low risk indoor-only cats may discontinue the vaccine after the initial series. Some cats diagnosed with FeLV can live normal lives for years, especially if they are kept indoors with minimal exposure to secondary illnesses. The average life span after testing positive for leukemia virus is less than three years.
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As FeLV can be easily spread to other cats, it's crucial that pets who are infected stay strictly indoors, ideally in a home where they're the only cat. Providing indoor enrichment, such as adding toys or new elements to their play space, can help reduce stress. Also, consider having a vet come to your home to suggest ways you can make the space more soothing for a cat with FeLV.
Interferons (human and feline) are often used in retrovirus-infected cats as antivirals and immunomodulators. Unfortunately, well-designed studies using these drugs are lacking or have failed to show benefit. Two separate studies have shown some benefit from parenteral feline interferon omega; however, controlled studies using oral feline interferon omega have not been published. However, transmission can occur at any age, and factors affecting clinical course of disease are complex and incompletely understood. Sadly, many cats will eventually die from the disease or will require euthanasia due to poor quality of life and suffering. The average projected lifespan for FeLV-positive cats is approximately 2 to 3 years, but with adequate treatment from your veterinarian, these years can offer a good quality of life.
I just discovered that one of my cats has FeLV, yet I have other cats as well. If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit to the vet for a thorough examination. Feline Leukemia-related hair loss can be a sign of underlying health issues that require proper diagnosis and treatment. If you allow your cats to enjoy the outdoors, be sure they are up to date with all vaccinations. Not only will this keep them from experiencing any preventable illnesses that could lead to hair loss, vaccinations will also stave off much more serious and possibly fatal diseases. While the link between skin lesions and cancer is unknown, most cats with paraneoplastic alopecia have pancreatic cancer.
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