What Is Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia, also called feline distemper or feline parvo, is caused by feline parvovirus. The virus destroys rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow and intestines, leaving the cat unable to fight infection and unable to absorb nutrients.

How the Virus Spreads

The virus is shed in stool, urine, saliva, and even fleas that bite infected cats. It can survive for a year on bedding, cages, and shoes, so indirect contact is common. Kittens catch the virus easily because maternal antibodies fade by eight to twelve weeks of age.

Why It Is Serious

• Up to ninety percent of untreated kittens die
• Dehydration and secondary bacterial infection develop within a day
• Pregnant queens can lose their litter or give birth to kittens with brain damage

Signs of Infection

• Sudden high fever
• Loss of appetite and hiding
• Severe vomiting and watery or bloody diarrhea
• Gums that turn pale from low white blood cells
• Collapse or seizures in advanced cases

Treatment

There is no medicine that kills the virus, so care focuses on keeping the cat alive until the immune system recovers.

• Intravenous fluids to replace water and salts
• Broad spectrum antibiotics to block bacterial invasion
• Antiemetic drugs to stop vomiting and allow rest
• Warming blankets and glucose for weak kittens
• Isolation to protect other cats and prevent extra stress

Prevention

Vaccination is very effective and is part of the core kitten series. Kittens receive shots at eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks with a booster at one year, then every three years. Keep unvaccinated cats indoors and disinfect surfaces with bleach at one part bleach to thirty two parts water.

When to See a Veterinarian

Any kitten with sudden vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat for more than twelve hours needs prompt examination. Adult cats that are overdue for a booster should be vaccinated right away if panleukopenia has been reported in the area.

References

1. VCA Animal Hospitals. Feline Panleukopenia.
2. American Veterinary Medical Association. Feline Panleukopenia.
3. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Feline Panleukopenia.