Feline Leukemia is Painful To prevent your cat from having to deal with such a painful and challenging experience, you can have her vaccinated against feline leukemia. Although it is always possible that she could become sick with another condition, you'll be able to protect her from one of the most severe.
In fact, studies show that affected cats live as long as cats without FeLV. They also are not necessarily going to suffer from symptoms. Cats with FeLV are more susceptible to illness, and any illness should be treated as quickly as possible. FeLV Myth #4 – Cats with FeLV can't live with other cats.
The remaining 30% of exposed cats are persistently infected and, of these, about 83% die within three years of the time of infection from leukemia and/or the associated diseases. Death can be sudden or lingering and painful.
Secondary viremia, a later stage characterized by persistent infection of the bone marrow and other tissue. If FeLV infection progresses to this stage it has passed a point of no return: the overwhelming majority of cats with secondary viremia will be infected for the remainder of their lives.
A variety of symptoms could develop, and there is a progressive deterioration in their health over time. However, a FeLV cat can live for many years without illness. FeLV can cause diseases such as enteritis (chronic diarrhea), eye disease or stomatitis (painful inflammation of the mouth).
Feline leukemia is sneaky. Cats may have no signs during early stages, and then over weeks, months or even years, health may progressively deteriorate. Or, an FeLV-positive cat may have recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health.
It can be many months or even years between the initial virus infection and the onset of related clinical disease problems. During this time, virus particles may be continuously shed in the cat's saliva.
A cat who tests positive for FeLV at a veterinary clinic or shelter should not be euthanized unless she is already ill or suffering beyond what can be treated. FeLV testing should be done with a plan to help the cat if she tests positive, not to end her life.
"The reality, though, is felines who are positive for the virus can remain healthy for months or years after their diagnosis until the virus becomes active." In fact, some cats can live to be 10 to 15 years old if they are diagnosed as an adult. Whatever length their life ends up being, their time can be joy-filled.
The feline leukemia virus is “second only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats, killing 85% of infected felines within three years of diagnosis”. The prognosis, for many cats, is unfortunately poor, with most only living with the virus 3-4 years.
Frequent diarrhea and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms related to feline leukemia. If your cat is in the early stages of this disease, diarrhea and vomiting may be the first symptoms you notice. These symptoms can sometimes become very severe and can dehydrate your cat in a short amount of time.
Some cats exposed to feline leukemia virus infection are able to fight it off and remain healthy for their entire lives. Others bring the virus under control and might never have any health problems as a result, although they do continue to be infected.
How should FeLV-positive cats be managed? Any cat that has tested positive for FeLV should be kept indoors at all times and provided with good nutrition, a low-stress environment, and regular veterinary care.
Because of their weakened immune system, cats with FeLV have a shortened lifespan. The average survival time for cats after FeLV is diagnosed is 2.5 years. There is no cure for FeLV.
The average cost to treat feline leukemia virus is about $650-$700. And the average prevention cost is approximately $75.00. However, it can vary depending on the size of your cat, veterinary bills, and the stage of feline leukemia.
FeLV is found mostly in cats from 1 to 6 years old; the average age is 3 years. Outdoor cats are more likely to be infected with FeLV.
Fortunately, adopting an FeLV+ cat is an incredibly safe and rewarding experience. Feline leukemia (FeLV+) is a virus that is contagious among other cats. It causes a weakened immune system which can leave its victims susceptible to other illnesses and early death if they don't receive protection and care.
The key parts of palliative care are controlling pain, maintaining mobility, and adapting the environment to keep your cat engaged in family activities. Your veterinary team will partner with you to put together the most appropriate palliative care plan for your cat.
Many cats that are FeLV positive are able to fight it off and become FeLV negative in the future. If you decide to adopt a FeLV positive cat, you should have the cat retested by your veterinarian. The cat/kitten can become FeLV negative at any time, but most will successfully fight off the disease within 12 weeks.
Generally, the symptoms of feline leukemia are nonspecific such as lack of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness, fever and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
Feline leukemia is a disease that only affects cats -- it cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals. FeLV is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, and to some extent, urine and feces. The virus does not live long outside the cat's body -- probably just a few hours.
For socialized, owned cats, it is generally recommended that FeLV-positive cats only live in homes with other FeLV-positive cats. (FIV-positive cats can live with other cats who don't have FIV as long as they get along and don't fight, causing bite wounds.)
Many cats will go into remission, but the length of survival varies greatly. Average survival is about 3 to 4 months. The drug protocol varies depending on the case and weekly treatments. Typically, several different drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, prednisone, and vincristine, are used alternately.
FeLV is most commonly transmitted by mutual grooming, biting and fight- ing. Prolonged cat-to-cat contact is necessary for effective transmission, as the virus is fairly unstable and will not survive long in the environment. Detergents, bleach, heat and drying will inactivate or kill FeLV.