Download FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS What is Feline Leukemia virus?

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS
What is Feline Leukemia virus?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the number one deadliest disease among domestic cats. FeLV
suppresses the immune system and results in various types of cancer and other chronic and
debilitating diseases in cats.
What are the symptoms associated with the disease?
Signs of infection include gum disease, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite,
lethargy, skin abscesses, anemia, lymphoma (type of cancer), ocular disorders, chronic
inflammatory conditions and susceptibility to secondary infections that are resistant to
standard treatments.
How the virus is transmitted?
FeLV is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat, such as by mutual grooming,
fighting or playing, or by sharing a food or water dish or litter box with an infected cat. The
virus can spread from an infected mother cat to her kittens through the placenta or during
nursing (via the milk). Bite wounds are an especially effective method of transmission because
there is a high level of virus in saliva of an infected cat.
How can we diagnose the infection?
An in clinic test kit is used to diagnose the infection. A small amount of blood is first collected.
At Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic, the test is performed in house. The test detects the circulating
viral antigen in the blood. The result is obtained after 40 minutes. The test also detects
infection with the Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV or Feline aid virus), another common
feline virus.
It is important to understand that the test diagnose the infection not the disease itself.
Why cats should be tested for FeLV?
Although vaccine is available for leukemia viruses, identification and segregation of infected
cats, which is separating infected cats from non-infected cats is considered to be the single
most effective method for preventing new infections with FeLV. Despite the availability of
point of
care testing and vaccines, less than one quarter of all cats have ever been tested, and infections
with this virus are still common.
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When cats should be tested for the FeLV virus?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that all cats should be
tested for FeLV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. This includes:

testing at the time of acquisition
o Even cats that are not expected to live with other cats should be tested for several
reasons, including the impact on their health, the possibility of other cats joining the
household, and the possibility that cats confined indoors may escape and be exposed to
other cats.
o Tests should be performed at adoption, and negative cats should be retested a minimum
of 60 days later.

following exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown infection status,
particularly via a bite wound
o Because the disease's lengthy incubation period may cause an infected cat to test negative
for some time after exposure, the cat should be retested six weeks after possible
exposure.

prior to vaccination against feline leukemia virus vaccine (FeLV)

prior to entering group housing
o Affected cats not yet showing signs of illness may shed the virus and be infective to other
cats. This is why it is not recommended to bring a new cat into your household without
testing for FeLV.

when cats become sick.
If my cat tests positive and become sick, what are the treatments?
Although cats can remain apparently healthy for months or even years following infection, once signs
begin, they are difficult to impossible to treat successfully.
Can we prevent the infection?
Testing and vaccination protocols, client reminder programs, and pet owner educational efforts can
help contain the spread of these infections.
Even though a vaccine against feline leukemia virus has been available to cat owners since 1985, FeLV
remains the leading infectious cause of illness and death in domestic cats. At this time, vaccination and
preventing exposure to possible carriers are the only defenses against this devastating disease.
FeLV vaccination consists of two initial injections about three weeks apart with yearly or very 2 years
boosters thereafter. Again, it is highly recommended that cats be tested for FeLV before
vaccination. Ask your veterinarian about Felv testing.
Reference:
Levy J. and all. 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners’
feline retrovirus management guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2008) 10, 300e316doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2008.03.002
Par C. Senay, Mai 2013
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