Let’s continue our discussion on how to diagnose and treat feline panleukopenia today.
Diagnosis:
Cats infected with feline panleukopenia will see a drop-in level of white blood cells. The feline panleukopenia virus attacks bone marrow cells, affecting the production of red blood cells and white blood cells, resulting in anemia and panleukopenia.
Rapid test kits are available to detect the virus in a cat’s feces, but sometimes the test gives false positive results if the cat had been vaccinated within the past week.
Treatment:
There is no treatment for feline panleukopenia infection, but supportive therapy is mandatory to meet the demands of the body.
1. Antibiotic IV injections to avoid secondary bacterial infection.
2. Vigorous fluid therapy is recommended to maintain the water requirements of the body.
3. If there is severe anemia, transfusion therapy may be indicated.
Prevention:
Preventive measures should be strictly taken to avoid the infection of feline parvovirus because survival rate is low once your cat catches this disease.
1. The first thing to do is vaccinate your cat against the virus. The vaccination course starts at the age of eight weeks old.
2. If a cat is suspected or proven positive for feline parvovirus/panleukopenia virus, immediately separate it from other cats if you have more than one cat at home. Clean the whole place with a strong disinfectant.
3. If your cat passes away due to this deadly virus, wait for at least six months before adopting or purchasing another pet as the virus survives for a very long time in the environment.
4. Vaccinate a pregnant cat before delivery. The passive immunity passed onto her kittens will protect them from feline parvovirus.
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