lipp@mariah.DEC (Nicki Lipp - DTN 522-2320) (02/11/85)
<purrrrrrrrrr> I just recently visited my vet and found a brochure entitled: "Feline Leukemia Virus Infection: Life saving information for cat owners." Here are some excerpts from that brochure. Unknown until about 20 years ago, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is now regarded as a leading cause of pet cat deaths. Cats persistently infected with FeLV rarely live more than three years, and most die of associated diseases before cancers develop. ... Leukemia, a blood cell cancer, is only one of many outcomes of infection with FeLV. Another cancer--lymphosarcoma--is actually a more common FeLV disease. Lymphosarcoma is a tumor that can occur in almost any tissue or organ and is virtually always fatal. The cat with lymphosarcoma may die quickly or after a lengthy period of suffering and deterioration. Still more common, though, are "associated diseases" that result when FeLV impairs a cat's immune system. Cats infected with FeLV have limited ability to resist other infections by even the most ocmmon bacteria, viruses, and fungus. They may undergo reproductive failures such as abortions or birth of weak and dying kittens, and generally experience a high rate of infectious diseases such as pneumonia. They sustain frequent colds, stomach problems, skin and mouth sores, and anemia. In fact, one notable FeLV researcher has said the "FeLV infection must be suspected whenever a feline patient develops anything but the simplest of problems." ----------------- How do cats get FeLV? The virus is present primarily in the saliva, but also in urine and feces of infected cats. Typically it is passed from cat to cat by licking, biting, and sneezing. Less often FeLV is transmitted in the mother's milk or through the womb to unborn kittens. FeLV enters the body through membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. From there it goes into the bloodstream, eventually lodging in various tissues and organs, where it multiplies. Because FeLV is blood-borne, even fleas that have sucked infected blood might transport the virus to other cats. Feline Leukemia virus is not at all hardy. It can survive only two to three minutes in air and only 2-3 days in a moist environment other than living cells. Nevertheless, contaminated food bowls and litter pans can be a source of infection among cats with regular close contact. Ordinary household detergents easily kill FeLV, and it's highly improbable that the virus can be carried between cats on the skin or clothing of humans. --------------------- How can FeLV be detected? Because FeLV is associated with so many disorders, observable signs of FeLV disease vary dramatically. It's impossible to precisely diagnose a cat entirely from observable signs in the early stages of infection. Still, signs such as depression, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen glands in the neck or abdomen suggest onset of FeLV-related disease. Recently a number of simple blood tests have been developed to allow a vet to test a cat for FeLV infection. No test is 100% accurate, but the reliability of these procedures is considered quite good. --------------------------- Does a positive FeLV blood test mean a cat will die? No. A positive test simply means the cat has been exposed to FeLV. If the cat is otherwise healthy, there's a 40% chance it will reject the virus and recover from the infection. About 30% of cats, though, are incapable of rejecting the virus, and these may develop a persistent infection, detectable by repeated testing. Persistent infections inevitably result in full-blown FeLV disease--whether associated disease, lyphosarcoma, leukemia, or some other blood cell cancer--and death. Another 30% of cats neither reject the virus nor develop a persistent infection. These are called "latent carriers."... Lab testing to identify latent infections is rather complicated and painful, requiring sampling of bone marrow. While cats that test positive for FeLV don't necessarily develop the disease, a negative FeLV test is not a guarantee the cat won't become infected. A negative test simply means that for the time being the cat is not actively infected. Future exposure to FeLV could still result in infection and disease. -------------------------- In 1984 Norden Labs developed the first federally licensed feline leukemia virus vaccine, 'Leukocell.' First time vaccination requires two doses given two to three weeks apart and a booster dose given two to four months later. After that, a single dose per year is recommended. Although a FeLV diagnostic test is not required before 'Leukocell' vaccination, it is a good idea. Identifying infected cats will protect other cats from possible exposure and help determine whether vaccination is advisable. Vaccinating an already infected cat will not hurt, but on the other hand won't help either. Vaccination is of no known value in cats with existing FeLV infection. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The above info was copied without permission... I talked with my vet about the cost and the first 2 shots are $15 each with the booster about $12.50. As much as I have spent on my cats aready, this is not too much to pay for the life of your animals. The cost should go down after awhile, since we are going to be paying for the research that has been done so far. Maybe Norden Labs will come out with a vaccine which works on alreay infected cats! Nicki Lipp DEC Engineering Colorado Springs decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-mariah!lipp