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Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV

by: KurtSchmitt
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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 has a varied list of symptoms and signs, many of which may be common to other illnesses and conditions. FeLV is a retrovirus, which means that it is able to insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected.

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.

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.

Some FeLV infected cats may exhibit excessive urination and thirst, which is also common to a number of other conditions. They often will develop anemia, and some will develop tumors, leukemia, and other forms of cancer.

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. 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.

If your cat has FeLV, the only thing you can do is to treat the secondary infections and diseases, and try to boost the immune system of your cat. This disease is usually fatal for those cats who reach the second stage of this 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. Keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good precaution. Fortunately, if your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease.

About the 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.

Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV

About the Author

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