![]() ![]() Some cats may also show vague signs such as lethargy, fever, diarrhea, poor haircoat,weight loss or inappetance and a certain percentage may develop cancer. In this case, this is Grade II periodontal disease.Ĭats may also acquire upper respiratory, eye, ear, or skin infections. Sometimes it is dental disease, and not FeLV, that causes the gums to be inflamed. When a cat is presented with gums that look like this it might have this virus and should be tested to know for certain The most frequent finding is a chronic oral infection of the gums, cheeks or tongue. SymptomsĪ variety of clinical syndromes may develop, waxing and waning for years or months until the cat succumbs. ![]() This leads to the vast array of different symptoms seen, and is when owners typically first bring in a sick cat for an exam. The third stage of the infection results from a progressive destruction of the white blood cells and dysfunction of the immune system. Since all of this is occurring internally, most owners still do not notice any problems with their cat. The timetable depends on a host of factors like nutrition, stress, parasite load, and each cat’s immune system. The second phase is a period of relative normalcy lasting months to years. Most cat owners do not even know this has occurred since symptoms are minimal and cats are experts at hiding illness. Most cats survive this phase without treatment. It may manifest as, but is not limited to, a fever, swollen lymph nodes, a low white cell count or any combination of the above. The initial acute stage occurs approximately four to six weeks after infection. This virus is easily killed by routine detergents and disinfectants. Kittens can possibly pick up the virus in the uterus and while nursing, although most infections are in adult cats. One of the most prevalent methods of transmission is bite wounds in fighting cats, especially roaming males. There is no evidence that people can get AIDS from a cat that has FIV. It is also similar to the human AIDS virus, and is sometimes referred to as cat AIDS. It is similar to the retrovirus that causes FeLV in cats, and causes similar symptoms, particularly supression of the immune system. ![]() CauseįIV is caused by a retrovirus called the lentivirus. This is due to increased awareness and testing.Įven though this virus acts similar to the AIDS virus in people, humans are not infected with FIV. The prevalence of this disease has decreased significantly since it was first diagnosed. We monitor white blood cells (WBC’s) in our routine blood panel. You can see a normal WBC of 10,400 at the top of this CBC (Complete Blood Count). Once a cat is infected with FIV it is infected for life, and can transmit the virus if it bites another cat. The virus disables or destroys the white blood cells, and leaves its host susceptible to infections. Prevalence varies from 2.5% up to 47%, and depends on the country.įIV is closely associated with FeLV– you should learn about both diseases if you have a cat.įIV preferentially infects white blood cells (WBC’s) which are an essential part of a cat’s immune system. Intimate contact through grooming, sharing food etc., does not spread the virus. It is transmitted from cat to cat primarily by bites and scratches, as the virus is shed in the saliva. The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as FIV, was discovered in California in 1986. ![]()
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