Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

If your feline has contact with other kittens or cats, you ought to know about the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This virus causes key problems with the Kitten or Cats immune system and other organs, and might even cause cancer. study indicates that the feline leukemia virus is extremely transmittable among felines of all ages. Current study indicates that it does not have an effect on humans or other types of species. Amongst cats, it is spread by urine, saliva, and blood. A momma cat can also pass the virus along to its kittens in a bunch of ways before they are born.

How can I tell if my cat is infected with FeLV?

Kittens and cats should be tested for the feline leukemia virus at before the time they are introduced to the family circle. The disease can be detected in a blood sample, tears or saliva.  Currently, the vet uses a small blood sample.  Most felines which test negative dont have the disease but a premature virus may be missed by the blood test.  A retest in 1 month may be recommended.  If it is still negative, the risks are small for the feline to have the virus. If your Feline becomes under the weather, develops a fevers, loses its desire for food, develops weight loss, or has cancer, your veterinarian may want to test it again for the feline leukemia virus, to determine if your cat is infected with FeLV.   Sometimes, felines need to be retested even though they have been kept indoors or vaccinated time after time in case of hidden illness acquired very early in life.

When testing felines for the feline leukemia virus, you should also test for felineimmunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Some of the symptoms include:

• lack of pink in the gums
• Recurring or chronic illness
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Fever ,lethargy,  diarrhea
• Breathing trouble
• Yellow color in eyes

CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF FeLV:

There is currently no treatment for FeLV; but it can only be controlled. While some veterinarians suggest a raw meat diet, high doses of vitamin C, and raw liver, typical treatment includes chemotherapy, antiviral agents such as interferon, and steroids. Antiviral agents may decrease the quantity of the virus present in the blood of the feline, and are easier on the cats body than chemotherapy. Steroids might reduce the number of cancerous lymphocytes in the blood, but they can also lower the immune system and make the feline defenseless to other diseases. All of these treatments can put a feline in remission, but it will not get rid of the virus.