Clinical Signs of Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease of cats caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), also referred to as feline parvovirus. Kittens are particularly vulnerable to the disease, but cats of any age can become infected. Despite its name, feline panleukopenia should not be confused with canine distemper or canine parvovirus infection, as they are caused by different viruses.

The name “panleukopenia” comes from the virus’s damaging effect on white blood cells (leukocytes), which are crucial for fighting infections. As a result, infected cats may develop a range of clinical signs, including:

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Diarrhea and vomiting are common signs of feline panleukopenia. The diarrhea may be severe and bloody, while vomiting can be frequent and projectile.

Fever and Depression

Infected cats often display signs of fever and lethargy, lacking energy and interest in their surroundings.

Appetite Loss and Dehydration

Affected cats may lose their appetite, leading to dehydration, which can be evident by sunken eyes and dry gums.

Painful Abdomen

Cats with panleukopenia may experience abdominal pain, which can manifest as reluctance to move or be touched in the belly area.

Neurological Symptoms

In very young kittens, FPV can damage the cerebellum and retina, leading to incoordination, tremors, and even blindness.

Sudden Death

In severe cases, especially among unvaccinated kittens, feline panleukopenia can lead to sudden death.

How to Test for Feline Panleukopenia？

Early diagnosis of feline panleukopenia virus is crucial for successful treatment and to prevent the spread of the disease to other cats. There are several methods used to test for FPV infection.

Fecal Tests of virus panleukopenia

ELISA Test: This is a point-of-care test that can detect FPV antigen in feces. While it is quick and convenient, it may have lower sensitivity compared to PCR tests. Positive results, especially strong positives, are highly reliable, but negative results in clinically affected animals should be followed up with PCR testing.

Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR)

This is considered the gold standard for diagnosing feline panleukopenia virus. qPCR is highly sensitive and specific, and can detect even low levels of viral DNA in feces, anal/rectal swabs, or vomit samples.

Blood Tests of panleukopenia virus cats

Although blood tests are not directly used to diagnose FPV infection, they can provide valuable information about the cat’s overall health and help assess the severity of the disease. For example, low white blood cell counts and anemia are common findings in cats with feline panleukopenia.

Clinical Signs and Exposure History of panleukopenia in cats

The presence of characteristic clinical signs, along with a history of exposure to infected cats or contaminated environments, can also be used to support a diagnosis of feline panleukopenia.

Conclusion of panleukopenia virus in cats

Feline panleukopenia is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences, especially for unvaccinated kittens. Early recognition of clinical signs and prompt diagnostic testing are essential for successful treatment and disease control. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent feline panleukopenia, and all cats should be vaccinated according to recommended schedules. If your cat shows any signs of illness, consult your veterinarian immediately.

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