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Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) has no known cure, and it has not been clinically proven that any antiviral or other agent will extend the life of an infected cat. This disease affects the immune system of cats, and is often fatal.

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.

Healthy cats, like healthy people, are attacked by organisms all the time. Most of the time, both felines and humans can fight them off. When your cat's immune system is compromised, however, opportunistic infections and parasitic organisms are more likely to thrive and cause damage.

With a weakened immune system, your cat is more susceptible to secondary infections and diseases. It's these secondary infections, conditions and diseases that make the symptom list for this disease so varied. FeLV infected cats have a difficult time fighting off infections of any kind.

Initial symptoms may include fever, blood disease, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise. Some cats will experience no symptoms during the beginning stages of the disease.

FeLV infected cats often will develop anemia. About 30 percent of infected cats will develop tumors. Leukemia and other forms of cancer are possible outcomes. Some cats may exhibit excessive urination and thirst, which is also common to other illnesses such as feline diabetes.

As the disease progresses, sick cats may present with more and varied symptoms. Blood in the stool, constipation, jaundice, and recurring infections may be present. Feline leukemia virus symptoms may also include and diarrhea, severe weight loss, and depression.

There are two stages of feline leukemia virus. Some cats will mount an immune response upon initial infection, and the disease will not progress to the second stage. Other cats will eventually enter the second stage.

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.

Fortunately, if your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease. In fact, it's estimated that only about 2 to 3 percent of all cats are infected with FeLV. Infection rates are higher in high risk groups. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat. As such, keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good precaution and preventive measure.

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Author Kurt Schmitt writes about cat health problems and provides a complete feline leukemia virus symptoms list including information on pregnant cats and kittens. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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