Feline distemper, or feline panleukopenia, is a highly contagious viral disease of kittens and adult cats caused by the feline parvovirus. It is called panleukopenia because it affects the bone marrow and causes low white blood cell counts.
Panleukopenia is often fatal, especially in young kittens. It has been referred to as Feline Distemper, but in fact, it is caused by a completely different virus than canine distemper and it causes different symptoms. Early symptoms of feline distemper infections are lethargy and loss of appetite then rapid progression to severe, sometimes bloody diarrhea and vomiting. These signs are very similar to other diseases, some serious, some not so serious. Therefore, if any abnormal behaviors or signs of illness are observed, it is important to have your veterinarian examine your pet as soon as possible.
A diagnosis of feline distemper is presumed if vomiting and diarrhea are present along with a low white blood cell count. Another syndrome associated with the feline distemper virus occurs when a pregnant cat or a newborn kitten is exposed. The kittens will have permanent damage to the cerebellum part of the brain and walk with an uncoordinated gait and an elevated tail. It may also affect the retinas of their eyes. They are otherwise alert and act normal.
Infection occurs when unvaccinated cats come in contact with the virus, which is shed in blood, urine, feces, nasal secretions, or even the fleas that have bitten an infected cat. The hands and clothing of people who handle infected cats can also spread the disease.
Hospitalization with IV fluid therapy and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection are necessary to support the cat’s health while its own body fights the feline distemper infection. Not all cats will survive depending on the severity of the infection. Preventing feline distemper through vaccination is more successful than treating an infected cat. Today’s vaccines are very effective in helping your pet protect itself from infection. A series of kitten vaccinations followed by adult boosters stimulate the cat’s immune system to produce protective antibodies. Should your cat come into contact with feline distemper, these same antibodies will help your cat successfully fight off the infection. We will advise you on a vaccination schedule appropriate for your pet.