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Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV

By: Kurt Schmitt.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an often deadly virus that compromises the immune system of cats. There is no known cure for this disease, and to date, no treatments have been clinically proven to increase the longevity of otherwise healthy infected cats.

This disease comes with a diverse symptom list. FeLV is a retrovirus, which means that it is able to insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected. This illness shares many symptoms in common with other diseases and conditions.

Fungi, viruses, and bacteria attack felines and humans alike on a regular basis. Most of the time, a healthy cat or person will fight them off. With a compromised immune system, however, bacteria, parasites, viral and other organisms are more likely to do your cat harm.

FeLV infected cats have a difficult time fighting off infections and parasites. With a weakened immune system, your cat is more susceptible to secondary infections and diseases. The symptoms an infected cat experiences, to a large degree, are caused by these other diseases and conditions.

Some cats will experience no outward symptoms during the initial stages of the disease. Early FeLV symptoms may include general malaise, blood conditions, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

FeLV infected cats are susceptible to developing leukemia as well as other forms of cancer. They often will develop anemia as well, and about 30 percent of infected cats will develop tumors. Some cats may exhibit excessive thirst and urination, which is also common to feline diabetes and other conditions.

Additional feline leukemia virus symptoms may also include depression, diarrhea, and weight loss to the point of emaciation. Some cats may maintain a persistent low grade fever. Other symptoms include chronic recurring infections, jaundice, blood in the stool, and constipation.

There are two stages of feline leukemia virus. It's possible that an infected cat may halt the progression of the disease at the first stage, but others are not so lucky.

Ultimately, for cats who reach the second stage of this disease, it is usually fatal. If your cat has FeLV, the only thing you can do is to treat the secondary diseases and infections, and attempt to strengthen the immune system of your cat.

According to professional sources, FeLV infections exist in about 2 to 3 percent of all cats. Infection rates are higher in high risk groups. If your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease. Since the disease is transmitted through contact with infected cats, keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good preventive measure.

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

Author Kurt Schmitt, an avid cat lover provides cat health information and a complete feline leukemia virus symptoms list including information on pregnant cats and kittens. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory



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