How to Diagnose Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper)

Overview
Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is an extremely contagious and deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through contact with an infected cat’s saliva, urine, blood, nasal discharge, or feces. There is no cure for panleukopenia and, without treatment, it has a high mortality rate. The most important fact to know about panleukopenia is, that it is preventable through vaccination.

While cats of all ages can become infected with the distemper virus, kittens—especially those with a poor immune system or those who are unvaccinated—are at the greatest risk for this virus, which causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Clinical signs
They clinical signs of feline distemper are:

• Depression
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Lethargy and weakness

Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and take a detailed history of your pet, including vaccination status.

Additionally, your veterinarian may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
• A feline leukemia virus (FeLV) test
• A feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) test
• A complete blood count (CBC)
• Electrolyte tests to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
• Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease, and to evaluate the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine
• X-rays of the chest and abdomen
• Fecal evaluation and microscopic examination

Treatment
Unfortunately, many cases of panleukopenia are rapidly fatal. With aggressive therapy, many cats can make a full recovery, although the prognosis is guarded. Your veterinarian will recommend supportive therapy tailored to your cat’s needs and may include hospitalization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, medication for vomiting and diarrhea, and nutritional support.

Prevention
This virus can be prevented through vaccination!

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Characteristics and Transmission of the Panleukopenia Virus

Panleukopenia, or feline distemper, is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes parvo in dogs. It survives well outside the feline body; it can survive for years at room temperature and at lower temperatures as well. It’s resistant to most disinfectants, but you can kill it by disinfecting surfaces with a solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water. Allow the solution to rest for at least ten minutes.

The feline distemper virus is transmitted through contact with the feces or urine of infected cats. A cat can continue to shed the virus for up to six weeks after he recovers from panleukopenia infection. Feline distemper can also spread through contact with feces or urine contaminated surfaces, such as food bowls, clothing, shoes and hands.

Symptoms of Feline Distemper

Many older cats won’t develop the disease if they’re exposed, but young, unvaccinated cats, particularly kittens between three and five months of age, are at dramatically increased risk for serious illness. Feline distemper has an incubation period of four to five days from the time of exposure, during which your cat will show no symptoms. Symptoms occur suddenly, and usually begin with a fever of 104 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit, depression, and lack of appetite.

Three to four days after the onset of symptoms, cats with distemper may begin vomiting and become severely dehydrated. Bloody diarrhea can also occur. If dehydration grows too severe, your cat will experience a significantly lowered body temperature leading to hypothermia, weakness, and even coma. Cats at this stage of the disease are vulnerable to opportunistic bacterial infections.

Cats who survive the symptoms of feline panleukopenia for longer than five days will usually make a full recovery. However, a total recovery from cat distemper can take weeks.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Distemper

Your veterinarian will perform laboratory tests and a physical exam to determine if your cat is suffering from distemper. In addition to fever, dehydration and depression, your vet will also find thickened intestines and enlarged lymph nodes. Your cat’s abdomen may be painful to the touch. A cat suffering from panleukopenia infection will display a low white blood cell count, and a decrease in the number of platelets that help your cat’s blood clot, so your vet will perform blood tests as part of the diagnostic process.

Once a diagnosis is made, supportive care is given. There’s no cure for panleukopenia infection, but supportive care can help give your cat a fighting chance. Intravenous fluids can help prevent dehydration. Medications may be administered to treat diarrhea and vomiting and to stave off secondary bacterial infections; in extreme cases, a blood transfusion might be required.

Once vomiting has stopped, your cat can begin the recovery process by eating a bland diet. A complete recovery often takes weeks.

What is panleukopenia?

Panleukopenia, which is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “feline distemper,” is a parvovirus very similar in structure to canine parvovirus. It is highly contagious and extremely resistant to disinfectants and temperature extremes. Strains of the virus can infect not only domestic cats but also all other members of the feline family as well as raccoons and minks.

How is it transmitted?

Transmission of the panleukopenia virus occurs either through direct contact between cats or through contact with “fomites,” common surfaces where the bug can survive for a year or more. Litter boxes, food bowls, cages, and hands are all fomites, and infected cats can shed the virus through vomit, feces, and other bodily secretions. Proper scrubbing and disinfection can help ensure that the virus will not be passed on to other cats through contaminated items.

What are the signs?

The panleukopenia virus attacks and destroys white blood cells, weakening the immune system and putting the cat at great risk of contracting secondary infections. Rapidly dividing cells in the gastrointestinal tract, lymphoid tissues, and cerebellum can also succumb to the virus. While some cats die suddenly without showing any signs of the disease, others suffer severe symptoms, including fever, fluctuating temperatures, depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Lethargy is a big warning sign, and infected cats often droop their heads over their water bowls, thirsty but unable to drink.

Which cats get it?

Kittens aged three to five months are the most susceptible to the panleukopenia virus, although it can strike cats at any age. Generally, adult cats are more resistant, having either received vaccinations or developed their own immunity through exposure to the virus in the natural environment. Kittens infected in utero or up to two weeks after birth can suffer permanent damage to their nervous systems; if they survive, they may have difficulty walking and keeping their balance.

How is panleukopenia treated?

Treatment is restricted to supportive therapy in the form of antibiotics, fluids, and sometimes even blood transfusions. Isolation of infected animals during treatment is critical; otherwise, they could contaminate the general environment, putting other animals at risk of contracting the disease.

How is panleukopenia diagnosed?

In diagnosing panleukopenia, veterinarians look for symptoms of the disease and a low white blood cell count. It’s also possible to detect the virus in a cat’s feces; kits are available for fecal testing.

How can panleukopenia be prevented?

Vaccination and meticulous disinfection are the best ways to prevent the spread of the panleukopenia virus. While many shelters like to use quaternary ammonium compounds for routine disinfection, experts say the only foolproof way to kill the panleukopenia virus is to apply a dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) to food bowls, litter pans, cages, and other surfaces during cleaning. Whenever possible, those items should be made of stainless steel; plastic food bowls and litter pans are too difficult to disinfect after repeated use. Requiring staff, volunteers, and visitors to wash hands before and after the handling of each animal can also reduce the spread of disease.

yoppy / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Panleukopenia is a viral disease of cats often called feline distemper however it is more closely related to parvovirus. It is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in kittens. It is one of the diseases for which cats are routinely vaccinated (the “P” in combination FVRCP vaccines).

Once a leading cause of death in kittens, panleukopenia has been mostly eradicated thanks to the vaccine, and it’s not contagious to humans. But unvaccinated cats, such as stray or feral cats, are still at risk, especially kittens.  

What Is Panleukopenia?

Feline panleukopenia is a disease caused by a type of parvovirus very closely related to the parvovirus found in dogs.   The virus can be spread by direct contact with infected cats but also indirectly by contact with items contaminated with the virus.

The virus survives a long time in the environment and is resistant to many disinfectants, so most cats will be exposed to this virus at some point.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of panleukopenia can include:  

• Fever, Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and Diarrhea

Lethargy and mood issues can be difficult to detect in cats, who typically spend much of their time snoozing, but if your cat isn’t showing interest in toys it usually likes or seems to avoid contact with you, these can be signs of it is not feeling well.

The virus also causes a marked decrease in white blood cells, leaving affected cats susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection.   Dehydration and secondary bacterial infections are often life-threatening in these instances.

Panleukopenia damages the intestines, and like parvovirus in dogs, attacks the infected animal’s bone marrow and lymph nodes.

When pregnant cats are infected, their kittens may be stillborn or suffer other developmental abnormalities. Some kittens infected in the later stage of pregnancy or neonatal phase can survive but the virus may affect their brain development, causing the kittens to be born with a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia which damages the part of the brain that affects their motor control.  

Kittens born with this condition often suffer tremors and other health issues if they survive at all.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of panleukopenia is often based on history, symptoms, and physical exam. A blood count may reveal a decrease in all types of white blood cells (which is actually the definition of “panleukopenia”).

Laboratory tests can be done to check for the presence of the virus as well.

Causes

The cause of feline panleukopenia is feline parvovirus (FPV). Cats can develop FPV when they come into contact with feces, vomitus or other bodily fluids that are infected with FPV. The FPV virus can also be spread via humans who have been in contact with other cats that have FPV and didn’t wash their hands or change clothes. Materials like bedding or food dishes that are shared between cats can also spread the virus.  

Treatment

There is no cure for the panleukopenia, so treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms while the cat’s immune system fights the virus.   Hospitalization is usually required, and intravenous fluids are usually necessary to stave off dehydration. This can be costly and prognosis should be discussed with the vet as often it is poor.

Antibiotics will not affect the virus, but your veterinarian may prescribe them to prevent or fight secondary bacterial infections, and medication to reduce vomiting may also be used. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.

Kittens under 5 months are usually the most severely affected, and even with intensive treatment, the outcome can be fatal.  

Home Care

A cat with panleukopenia should be isolated from other kittens or susceptible cats. Treatment options should be discussed with your veterinarian. After the symptoms clear up, infected cats can still spread the virus for several weeks. If you have a multi-cat household discuss precautions to take, including disinfection, with your vet.

Litterboxes should not be shared among infected cats or non-infected cats for several weeks after treatment, if ever.

Prevention

Vaccinations provide good protection against panleukopenia and are part of the core vaccines routinely given to cats.   Your vet will recommend a series of vaccines (usually starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age), and it is important to follow this schedule as the vaccinations are not totally ​protective until the full series is given. Different types of vaccines are available, and your vet can help you choose the one right for your cat.

Keeping kittens and cats indoors and away from other unvaccinated cats is the best way to prevent exposure to the virus.

Since the virus survives for so long in the environment, if you have had a cat with panleukopenia, talk to your vet about precautions to take before introducing any new kittens or unvaccinated cats into your home.

A diluted bleach solution to clean surfaces and left with appropriate contact time will kill the panleukopenia virus but cannot be used on all surfaces that might harbor the virus. Any soiled bedding and soft toys an infected cat may have used or played with should be discarded.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease among cats. The life-threatening condition, also known as feline distemper, is caused by a virus that attacks blood cells in the body, especially those in the bone marrow and intestinal tract. It also damages stem cells of the fetus in a pregnant kitty. Since the condition affects blood cells, it can result in anemia, exposing the kitty’s body to infections.

Causes of Feline Distemper

Feline panleukopenia virus is a single-stranded virus that causes feline distemper. The cat’s bodily secretions, such as urine, saliva, are responsible for shedding the virus, also known as feline parvoviral enteritis, into the environment. However, the infection is shed most commonly through feces. Once shed, the virus spreads through the cat’s food and water bowls, pet bedding, and litter boxes. It may even spread to the owner’s clothing. Any kitten or cat that comes into direct contact with the contaminated objects or the infected kitty can easily become infected.

Kittens can acquire the viral disease in utero. They are also exposed to the disease through breast milk of an infected nursing mother.

Cats are vulnerable to infection during summer months, especially if they go outdoors and come into direct contact with other animals, including infected cats.

Symptoms of Feline Distemper

Feline panleukopenia is common among the unvaccinated cat population. The virus can survive for years in the contaminated environment. Kittens between 2-6 months of age and pregnant cats are highly vulnerable to the virus. Fortunately, the cats that have once contracted the infection and survived become immune from feline panleukopenia.

Some of the symptoms of feline distemper include:

• A runny nose and breathing difficulty
• Discharge from eyes that may become watery and runny
• Excessive sneezing that does not go away easily
• A temperature of more than 104 degrees
• Loss of sense of balance due to the viral attack on the kitty’s cerebellum
• Dehydration due to high temperature
• Nerve damage from feline parvo may cause walking difficulties
• Bouts of diarrhea due to the spread of infection to the intestines or bone marrow
• Frequent vomiting episodes
• Complete loss of interest in eating anything despite appearing hungry
• Lack of energy
• Excessive sleeping
• Aggressive behavior, excessive meowing, or hissing as a sign of depression
• Reduced White Blood Cell Count
• Frequent illness episodes
• Isolation

Pregnant cats infected with panleukopenia may have an abortion. They are more likely to have stillborn kittens. However, some kittens may be born with nervous system problems, including lack of motor coordination. Some kittens may suffer from abnormalities of the retina.

Diagnosis of Feline Distemper

The veterinarian will examine the physical symptoms. Give the vet as much detail as possible because FPV symptoms can mimic other conditions, including pancreatitis, poisoning, and feline leukemia.

He may require a thorough history of your cat’s health and recent activities. Inform the vet whether the kitty has recently come into contact with other animals. The veterinarian may be interested to know if she is often allowed to go outdoors, because it is where the highest risk is.

He will perform routine lab tests to diagnose the condition. This may include a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry profile. The blood count may show a decreased white blood count because the feline parvovirus kills the cells that divide rapidly. In some cats, the number of platelets may be extremely low.

Feline Distemper Treatment

The viral infection requires aggressive treatment. Treatment may involve blood transfusion, intravenous fluids, and vitamin B, IV antibiotic injections to prevent septicemia.

A good supportive care is essential to help your cat recover fully from the infectious disease.

With supportive care, you can help your kitty recover from the infectious panleukopenia. Provide her with a warm, isolated space, away from other pets and children. However, your furry friend requires affection, love, and support to recover from the depressive symptoms often associated with the disease, which can have negative effects on her physical and mental health.

Since a kitty suffering from the infection is more likely to suffer from dehydration, intravenous or subcutaneous administration of fluids is a must. Severely affected cats may require blood transfusions.

The vet may prescribe a medication to stop vomiting. He may suggest putting the kitty on an antibiotic therapy as a preventative measure against a bacterial infection. B vitamin shots may be given to the infected cat.

Your furry friend can be placed on a bland diet after the vomiting stops. With appropriate supportive care, your cat can recover fully, though it may take her a few weeks to get back to her normal self.

Vaccination is the most important tool to safeguard your cat from feline distemper. Unvaccinated pregnant cats are vulnerable to fatal complications. The developing fetuses are at a high risk of being born with severe developmental dysfunctions.

Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia, is a contagious disease that’s caused by a single-stranded DNA virus. Cats become infected with the virus through direct contact with contaminated sources. Kittens are more susceptible to the virus and once infected they’re capable of shedding the virus in the environment even after complete recovery. The feline distemper virus survives in the environment for several years and is not easily eliminated with household cleaning agents. Since many pets, especially kittens, succumb to the virus, prompt diagnostic tests have to be conducted in order to begin treatment. Pet owners should watch for any symptoms of disease.

Symptoms of Feline Distemper Virus Include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Dehydration

Diagnosis of Feline Distemper Virus

The symptoms of feline distemper virus are often similar to several other diseases. Due to this the vet will perform a thorough physical examination and evaluate the clinical symptoms exhibited. A physical examination will also reveal swollen lymph nodes and changes in the abdomen. A blood test will determine the amount of platelets and white blood cells present in the blood. Cats suffering from feline panleukopenia exhibit a lower white blood cell count. The feline distemper virus can also be detected in pet’s feces. However, since this diagnostic test doesn’t provide prompt results, it isn’t relied upon. Newer tests such as PCR testing provide more precise and speedy test results.

PCR Tests

This test is a polymerase chain reaction test that’s used to detect viral DNA sequences. The specimen used to perform a PCR test is either a blood sample (0.5 ml) in a EDTA tube or a stool sample that’s necessary if the pet is suffering from diarrhea. PCR testing is more precise in comparison with other antibody tests as it detects specific strains of the virus that’s unique to feline distemper. Since PCR tests detect the presence of genetic components of the pathogen present in the blood sample, it reduces the occurrence of false positive test results. Feline distemper that occurs in the peracute form progresses rapidly and causes death, particularly in un-vaccinated kittens. Due to this, PCR tests are a reliable diagnostic aid to confirm feline panleukopenia virus.

Advantages of PCR Tests for Feline Distemper Virus

Pets that are infected with the feline distemper virus don’t exhibit the symptoms for nearly 10 days. Adult cats may also spread the virus without exhibiting any symptoms. PCR testing is effective as it detects the virus in the early stage and doesn’t rely on antibody levels to diagnose any disease. It also prevents false negative diagnoses as its capable of detecting pathogens or viruses in low titers. Since the test results are available within a short period of time, PCR testing helps the vet to confirm the disease and begin treatment to prevent severe damage and even death.

Treatment of Feline Distemper Virus

Most pets are given supportive care in the form of IV fluids and blood transfusions. Antibiotic medication is necessary to prevent the formation of secondary bacterial infections. Younger pets may also be administered anti-serum injections to boost recovery.

There are various vaccinations available to protect pets from feline distemper virus. Pet owners should discuss with the vet, vaccinations that may be helpful to improve the pet’s quality of life.

What is Feline Distemper (Feline Panleukopenia)?

Feline Panleukopenia is a serious infectious disease. It is relatively common in unvaccinated cats and is often fatal, especially for young kittens. The feline Panleukopenia virus, also known as FPV, is easily spread by contact with a diseased animal or its secretions.

Panleukopenia is often referred to as feline distemper because it produces symptoms similar to those displayed in dogs with distemper. These two diseases are different, however, and are not caused by the same virus.

Who’s at Risk?

Any cat or kitten that has not been vaccinated against feline Panleukopenia is at risk. This is a hardy virus that can lurk in carpets and upholstery for years.

Cats can be infected by litter boxes, food bowls and even toys and clothes. Therefore, introducing an unvaccinated cat to a surroundings previously inhabited by a sick cat, puts her at great risk.

Kittens are especially susceptible to feline distemper because their immune systems are often underdeveloped and cannot fight off the infection. In fact, kittens can be infected in utero or during birth. Mortality rates for this form of neonatal Panleukopenia are extremely high. Survivors of the infection may suffer cerebellar damage.

Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia

Symptoms of feline distemper usually show up within a week and a half of exposure to the virus. Sick cats often run a high fever, accompanied by apathy and loss of appetite. Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain may also be present.

Treatment of Feline Panleukopenia

If you suspect that your cat may have feline Panleukopenia, get her to the vet immediately. Early detection and treatment is crucial for the cat survival and recovery.

Your vet will probably perform a blood test and begin immediate life supportive measures, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics and sometimes even blood transfusions.

Prevention of Feline Panleukopenia

The best prevention for feline Panleukopenia is by vaccinating all cats and kittens. This is one of the routine vaccines every kitten should get. Annual boosters are required to keep the body’s defenses active.

Remember that kittens need some time to fully acquire the immunization. So even if your kitten has been given her shots, avoid exposure to other cats (other than her litter mates) until the age of four months.

Breeders should make sure that breeding queens are vaccinated before mating. This will allow the newborn kittens some immunity, provided they have nursed on their mother’s first milk (the colostrum).

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Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease that occurs wherever there are cats. Cats of any age may be stricken. Young kittens, sick cats, and cats that have not been adequately immunized are most susceptible; older cats are more likely to have acquired immunity and therefore are infected less frequently.

Urban areas are most likely to see outbreaks of feline panleukopenia during the warmer months. The virus has appeared in all parts of the United States and most countries of the world. Kennels, pet shops, humane shelters, and other areas where groups of cats are quartered appear to be the main reservoirs of feline panleukopenia today.

Dogs are not susceptible to feline panleukopenia. Canine distemper is a different disease caused by another virus and neither disease is transmissible to humans.

What Does Panleukopenia Do?

The feline panleukopenia virus is passed from cat to cat by direct contact. The source of infection is most commonly fecal waste from infected cats but the virus may be present in other body secretions.

A healthy cat can also become infected without coming in direct contact with an infected cat. Bedding, cages, food dishes, and the hands or clothing of handlers that contact infected secretions may harbor and transmit the virus.

The feline panleukopenia virus is very stable. It is resistant to many chemicals and may remain infectious at room temperature for as long as one year. Short of raising a cat in total isolation it is nearly impossible to prevent exposure. However anti-germicidal cleaners such as D-D-G-S Concentrate have been proven to eliminate the panleukopenia virus.

Feline panleukopenia is a complex disease. It can vary in severity from very mild to extreme. The many signs are not always typical and many owners may even believe that their cat has been poisoned or has swallowed a foreign object. Because of this fact treatment may be delayed or neglected.

After exposure to the virus many of the cat’s cells are destroyed. This cell loss makes the cat more susceptible to other complications and bacterial infections.

How Can You Tell If a Cat Has Panleukopenia?

The first signs an owner might notice are generalized depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and hanging over the water dish. The course of the disease may be short and explosive. Advanced cases when discovered may cause death within hours. Normally the sickness may go on for three or four days after the first elevation of body temperature.

Fever will fluctuate during the illness and abruptly fall to subnormal levels shortly before death. Other signs in later stages may be diarrhea anemia and persistent vomiting.

Feline panleukopenia virus is so prevalent and the signs of disease are so varied that any sick cat should be taken to a veterinarian for a definite diagnosis.

How is Panleukopenia Treated?

The prognosis for very young kittens is poor. Older cats have greater chance of survival if adequate treatment is provided early in the course of the disease. Treatment is limited to supportive therapy to help the patient gain and retain sufficient strength to combat the virus with its own immune system. There are no antibiotics that can kill the virus.

The veterinarian will attempt to combat extreme dehydration, provide nutrients, and prevent secondary infection with antibiotics. Pregnant females that contract the disease even in its mildest form may give birth to kittens with severe brain damage.

Strict isolation is essential. The area where the cat is kept should be warm, free of drafts, and very clean. Plenty of “tender loving care” even after hospital discharge is very important. Cats may lose the will to live; so frequent petting hand feeding the cautious use of heating pads and good nursing care by the owner is essential.

Other cats that may have been in close association with the infected animal should be carefully examined.

Prevention and Protection

Feline panleukopenia is controlled in several ways. Cats that survive a natural infection usually develop sufficient active immunity to protect them for the rest of their lives. Mild cases may go unnoticed and also produce immunity.

It is also possible for kittens to receive immunity from their mother through the transfer of antibody. This passive immunity from the mother is temporary and its effectiveness varies in proportion to the level of antibody in the mother’s body.

Vaccines offer the safest protection. They stimulate the cat’s body to produce protective antibodies against the virus to prevent infection by natural disease causing viruses. The vaccines are very effective but are preventive not curative. They must be administered before the cat is exposed and infected to be effective. Panagen and Protex-4 for example are effective vaccines that are safe to use on kittens 8 weeks of age and older.

Specific vaccination schedules vary dependent on many factors such as the disease incidence in the area and age and health of the cat.

The pet owner should consult a veterinarian for advice on the correct schedule for each cat.

Sharing Information to Save Them All

Nothing scares a shelter more than panleukopenia (FP or panleuk). It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovius. The names feline distemper and feline parvo should not be confused with canine distemper or canine parvo— although their names are similar, they are caused by different viruses. The viruses do not infect people.

Symptoms of panleukopenia can be difficult to determine as they are similar to other illnesses. Typically they are depression, anorexia, fever, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea (possibly bloody), lethargy and/or sudden death. Some infected cats may even show signs that resemble when a cat has been poisoned.

The best way to fight panleuk is to vaccinate. Shelters have been known to vaccinate kittens as young as 4 weeks and continuing to vaccinate every 2 weeks as long as they remain in the shelter. (Recommendations can be found within the articles on the page on Vaccinations.

It is also essential to clean and sanitize correctly. FP (like parvovirus) is resistant to most disinfectants and can remain in the environment for a year or more. You must be sure to use the proper disinfectant correctly.

Cats shed the virus in all bodily secretions (urine, vomit, etc.) but it is mostly found in the stool. But it does not require direct contact with an infected cat to transmit. The virus is also spread with fomites (contaminated objects) such as hands, instruments, clothing, food and water dishes, toys and bedding. For that reason, understanding proper sanitation techniques is crucial to preventing panleuk from spreading.

If you are looking for something specific, you can search this category:

• Canine and feline parvovirus: what you need to know – Miranda Spindel, D.V.M., M.S. – January/February 2014
  Exploring the myths, finding the facts
• Causes, Clinical Signs of Panleukopenia – ASPCAPro

A good introduction to panleuk in the shelter that includes diagnosing.

What is feline panleukopenia?

FPL is the major cause of death in cats and kittens. It is a somewhat uncommon disease nowadays as the majority of cats that have owners are vaccinated against it. It also goes by the name of feline parvovirosis or feline distemper due to its clinical signs.

Let’s look at how cats become infected, the symptoms of the disease, and whether it can be treated.

How do cats become infected with Feline Panleukopenia Virus?

One important note that must be made in relation to this pathogen is that it is available everywhere in the environment. All cats and kittens are exposed to it at some point in their lifetime, and the categories that are more susceptible to developing the disease are kittens and unvaccinated cats. It’s encountered more commonly in cats aged 3 to 5 months, and it’s at this age that death from FPL is likely to occur.

Once a cat becomes infected with the virus, she starts shedding it in:

• Stool
• Urine
• Nasal secretions

It goes without saying that she can infect all cats that are not vaccinated and that come in contact with her. However, the feline panleukopenia incubation period is rather short, with an infected cat being capable of shedding the virus for just about one to two days.

As with other viruses, this one cannot survive in the living environment for too long. That does not mean that the bedding, the food dishes, or the cages that cats share won’t become contaminated with it, even though they do for a short time.

When handling a cat that is known to be a carrier of the virus, it is important to be as careful as possible and disinfect absolutely everything that the animal uses; the people that handle the cat have to practice correct hygiene to avoid spreading the infection, as well.

Symptoms

The virus affects the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, as well as the intestinal tract of the animal. This leads to ulcers which result in bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, anemia, malnutrition, and pain. The cat can lose her life as a result of these clinical signs or because of a secondary infection that can develop due to a depressed immune system.

Other and less severe symptoms range from lethargy and depression to a loss of appetite and high fever. Nasal discharge is also common in many cats carrying the disease. Unvaccinated and pregnant cats are not immune to the virus, either, and they can become very sick, suffer an abortion, or give birth to cats that have damage to the cerebellum.

Diagnosis

Panleukopenia in cats causes damage to the intestinal lining, and since it also affects the lymph nodes, the bone marrow, and the red and white blood cells, it has a host of clinical symptoms and can be mistaken for FIV, FeLV, pancreatitis, or Campylobacter or Salmonella infections. The diagnosis cannot be made only based on the panleukopenia symptoms reported by the pet parent.

To make sure that the cat is indeed suffering from this disease, testing for panleukopenia in cats is available and it involves the discovery of the pathogen in a sample of the cat’s stool. Blood tests are also necessary and they typically show reduced levels of white blood cell types.

A note must be made with regard to cats that were vaccinated against the disease and are taken to the vet. In their case, the test for FPL might be falsely positive if the vaccination took place under 12 days before the testing.

Feline Panleukopenia – Treatment

Recovery from FPL for kittens that are younger than eight weeks of age is poor. Older cats have a much better chance of surviving the disease provided that adequate treatment is ensured in the early stages.

There is no medication that can kill the virus at this point, so the treatment largely relies on curing the secondary infections that might happen due to the cat’s depressed immune system. The cat also has to receive plenty of fluids and more than enough supportive care, along with food delivered intravenously (since most cats lose their appetites) and vitamins.

Even though antibiotics are incapable of killing the virus, they are usually needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. If the cat survives for the first five days of treatment, her chances of recovery are considerably improved. Isolation from other cats is necessary to prevent the disease from being spread.

The good part is that once a cat recovers from panleukopenia, she can no longer transmit the virus to others. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, meaning that although the cat no longer shows any clinical symptoms, she might be capable of shedding the virus for a period of up to 6 weeks. Fortunately, testing for panleukopenia in cats largely takes care of that issue as the cats that are negative can be re-tested and confirmed as being safe to be around.

How can it be prevented?

Cats that go through the disease and recover from it are protected against the pathogen for the remainder of their lives. Even those that develop a mild form will become immune to future infections.

Kittens can benefit from a temporary immunity ensured by the antibodies transmitted through colostrum (first milk) that they’ve gotten from their mothers. This is known as passive immunity and it protects the kittens for a limited amount of time. This type of immunity does not, however, last for more than about twelve weeks, so vaccinating your pet before she reaches this age can be paramount.

Since prevention is essential when it comes to your feline companion’s health, there are panleukopenia vaccines nowadays that can offer the best protection against the disease. Vaccination is necessary for both indoor and outdoor cats because the virus exists everywhere and even you can carry it into the house.

Vaccination can be performed in kittens as young as six to eight weeks of age, and follow-up vaccines are given until the kitten gets to the age of 16 weeks. While adult vaccination schedules vary depending on the cat’s health and age, as well as on the kind of vaccine that was used, a dose per year is usually necessary. Talk to your vet about vaccinating your feline buddy because in this way, you can prevent a host of life-threatening medical conditions.

Distemper in cats is highly infectious, and widespread, so that almost all cats during their lifetime will come in contact with the organism.

Feline Panleukopenia, also known as Feline Distemper

The virus of feline distemper survives for extremely long periods outside the host animal. It can remain infective in contaminated premises for at least a year. It is this characteristic that ensures that each crop of kittens in a particular area comes in contact with the virus.

While cases of feline distemper can occur at any time throughout the year, most epidemics occur in the autumn and early winter because it is at this time that the new year’s crop of kittens are 3 to 4 months old and have lost the temporary immunity gained from their mothers.

What are the first signs of distemper in cats?

The incubation period of the disease is very short, usually about 5 or 6 days.

Infected kittens become quiet, refuse food and start to vomit. At first the vomit consists of the previous meal, then white mucus, and as vomiting becomes more frequent and violent, it becomes colored by yellow bile.

In very acute cases of the disease the kitten may die within 24 hours, which frequently leads the owner to suspect that the kitten has been poisoned. More usually the disease is less acute, and the animal becomes very depressed, sits hunched over its water bowl, and cries if handled.

In the early stages of the disease the animal’s temperature is elevated, but it soon falls to a subnormal reading, which is not a favorable sign when assessing, the prognosis of the case.

One of the characteristics of the virus is that it not only attacks the cells lining the intestinal tract but it quickly invades the blood, forming tissues in the bone marrow. This leads to a dramatic fall in the white blood cells in the bloodstream, which further decreases the animal’s resistance and chances of survival.

How to treat feline panleukopenia

Treatment of the feline distemper must be begun at the first signs. If left for 2 or 3 days irreversible damage occurs in the cells of the intestinal tract and bone marrow.

Fluids are given intravenously to combat dehydration and loss of electrolytes through vomiting. Drugs are administered to limit vomiting and antibiotics used to prevent secondary bacterial infections of the bowel and further complication of the disease.

Fortunately in recent years the incidence of distemper in cats has dropped dramatically. No longer do we see annual epidemics decimating the population of young kittens.

The sole reason for this is the wide spread use of efficient vaccines. Most cat-owners are now aware of the need to protect their kittens and seek their veterinarian’s advice as soon as they acquire a new kitten.

It is most important, however, that we continue to be conscientious in these programs, as the large population of feral and stray cats surrounding our suburbs ensures, that the virus will always be present and that even the most carefully looked-after cat will at some stage of its life come in contact with the virus.

Vaccination against feline panleukopenia

There is a large range of vaccines available to the veterinarian, and depending on which type he favors, the recommendations for the timing of vaccination programs may differ slightly.

Where a small kitten cannot be completely isolated it is advisable to vaccinate as early as 8 weeks. Vaccination at this time may not be effective for very long, because of the persistence of a passive immunity passed on from the mother.

Re-vaccination is necessary at 14 weeks, then a year later. If the kitten can be kept isolated from contact with other cats it is possible to wait until 12 weeks for the initial vaccination, which is then repeated a year later.

Recently a vaccine against feline influenza has been developed. The initial vaccination is given in two injections 3 to 4 weeks apart. Annual boosters of a single vaccination are necessary.

It is possible to obtain a combined vaccination containing feline distemper and feline influenza, and this is useful for kittens receiving their initial vaccinations arid for their annual boosters.