The median survival time for cats after FeLV is diagnosed is 2.5 years. Once a cat has been diagnosed with FeLV, careful monitoring of weight, appetite, activity level, elimination habits, appearance of the mouth and eyes, and behavior is an important part of managing this disease.
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.
FeLV-related disease is usually fatal. Studies have shown that 80-90% of FeLV-infected cats will die within three to four years of initial diagnosis.
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.
Most cats with FeLV live normal lives, but their life span tends to be significantly shorter. Around 80 percent of FeLV kittens do not live past three years and most die within a year.
Progressive Infection and Disease
The virus eventually moves to the bone marrow and compromises the immune system. Although a cat in this state may show no signs of illness for several years, FeLV-related diseases such as anemia, skin diseases, and leukemia typically develop within two to three years.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
Although many veterinarians understand that FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives, some still recommend euthanasia even if the cat is otherwise healthy.
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.
Feline leukemia is highly contagious. In fact, it's sometimes referred to as the “friendly cat” disease since it's easily spread from cat to cat through contact that shares saliva or nasal secretions, such as grooming or biting.
Home » FAQs » Should I vaccinate my cat for Feline Leukemia? According to the guidelines set forth by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the FeLV vaccine is recommended annually for all cats who go outside where they have exposure to other cats, and/or live with a FeLV infected cat.
Generally, the symptoms of feline leukemia are nonspecific such as lack of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness, fever and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
Because feline leukemia cannot survive outside of a host, ordinary detergents, including bleach, successfully kill the virus on household surfaces.
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.
Cats infected with FIV may live for months or years. On average, life expectancy is 5 years from the time of diagnosis depending on how active the infection is. There is a FIV vaccination given twice initially, then yearly thereafter for outside cats or cats exposed to outside cats due to the potential of cat bites.
It's important to give amoxicillin to your cat at the dosage prescribed and for a full 10 days to 2 weeks as prescribed by your veterinarian. Even if your cat seems to feel better, don't stop the medication or the infection may not resolve.
A cat who's been recently infected may not show signs at all; however, over time, their health will slowly decline due to repeated infections or cancer. Cats with feline leukemia may demonstrate: Weight loss. Poor appetite.
Feline leukemia symptoms may take a while to develop. Many cats live normal, healthy lives for weeks, months, or even years after infection. When symptoms do appear, they often get gradually worse over time, but can come in cycles where the cat appears healthy between periods of illness.
Cats with leukemia may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, anemia, infections, easy bruising, or bleeding.
Some cats infected with feline leukemia will show no signs at all. When symptoms do occur, they can appear in almost any form. Common symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy, fever, and weight loss. Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, or a runny nose may be seen.
FIV infection sometimes leads to gingivitis, painful inflammation of the gums. Some antiviral therapies have been shown to help FIV-infected cats suffering from inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis).