Download Preventable Feline Diseases

Preventable Feline Diseases
Disease
Vaccination Schedule
Distemper
Combination vaccine against 3 viruses.
First vaccine is given between six to eight
weeks of age. Booster every three-four
weeks until 15-18 weeks of age, adult
booster in one year, then every three years.
(Panleukopenia virus, Herpes virus
and Calici Virus)
Rabies
Must be at least 12 weeks of age to begin
series. Booster one year from initial
vaccine, then every one to three years,
depending on the vaccine used.
Leukemia
Must be at least 9 weeks of age to begin
series. Booster in three to four weeks, then
once a year.
Panleukopenia Virus
Panleukopenia is commonly called Feline Distemper Virus. It is a parvovirus and is closely
related to the canine parvovirus. Panleukopenia is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats,
usually kittens and young adult cats living in groups. Barn cats, feral colonies, animal shelters,
pet stores and rescue facilities are at high risk for outbreaks. The virus is shed in all body
secretions, such as: feces, vomit, urine, saliva and mucus. Signs may include fever, appetite loss,
diarrhea and/or vomiting. Prognosis is dependent upon the patients’ response to treatment.
Calici Virus
Calici virus is an important cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. It is
highly contagious and is typically shed in the saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes of
infected cats. Signs may include sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis or discharge from the
nose or eyes. Cats with a calici virus infection may also develop ulcers on the tongue, hard
palate, gums, lips or nose and painful joints. Treatment typically consists of supportive care for
symptoms.
Rhinotracheitis (Herpes Virus)
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus. As with other
herpes viruses, the virus is very species specific and is only known to cause infections in
domestic and wild cats. Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a major cause of upper respiratory disease
in cats. It is excreted in saliva and eye/nasal secretions of an infected cat. Therefore, an
infection occurs when a susceptible cat comes in to direct contact with an infected cat or comes
in to contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated with viral particles. All cats
can become infected with viral rhinotracheitis, but infection tends to be more severe in young
animals or animals that have other chronic diseases. Symptoms may include: sneezing, nasal
congestion, conjunctivitis or discharge from the eyes or nose and corneal ulcers. Prognosis is
dependent upon the severity of symptoms and the patients’ response to treatment.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans.
Rabies is spread through bite wounds from the saliva of a rabid animal. Rabies is most often
found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and bats, but can also be found in horses and cows as
well as dogs and cats. Rabies affects the central nervous system and brain causing a behavioral
change and leads to death. Once symptoms appear the disease is always fatal. While there is an
effective post exposure treatment for humans, there is none for animals. City laws usually
require dogs to be vaccinated for rabies.
Leukemia Virus
Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus and can affect the cat’s body in many ways. It is the most
common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders and it may lead to a state
of immune deficiency that hinders the cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections. The
virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, feces and
milk from infected cats. Transmission may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming or
through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from
an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing.
Kittens are much more susceptible to infection than adult cats and therefore are at the greatest
risk of infection if exposed. In early stages of leukemia virus infection, some cats are able to
mount an effective immune response and eliminate the virus from the bloodstream. In later
stages of infection, the virus persistently infects the bone marrow and other tissues and the
majority of cats will be infected for the remainder of their lives.