Feline leukemia

Feline Leukemia Symptom: A retrovirus that infects cats, the FelV is usually transmitted between infected cats through saliva and/or nasal secretions and currently has no known cure. Common Feline Leukemia symptoms produced by the feline leukemia virus include depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, or excessive drinking and urination. Cancer occurs in some cats that are infected with leukemia. This virus also interferes with a cat’s immune system and makes it susceptible towards other infections. Further detailed reading material can be found at http://www.cathospitalofaustin.com/Library/feline_leukemia.htm

Feline Leukemia Virus: A major cause for deaths among the felines (cats), Feline leukemia virus or FeLV infection affects both domestic cats and wild felines; categorized into three main types (FeLV-A, FeLV-B and FeLV-C), instances are there where FeLV-positive cats were infected with all the three types at once; while the FeLV-A causes severe immunosuppression i.e. weakens the immune system, FeLV-B causes neoplastic diseases like tumors and abnormal tissue growths and FeLV-C causes severe anemia. All the three types replicate in the tonsils and pharyngeal lymph nodes, before spreading through the bloodstream to other body parts, infecting the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and intestinal tissue, before showing up as the symptoms after two to four weeks.

Feline Leukemia Treatment: No method has been proven scientifically till now to eradicate the feline leukemia virus from infected cats, though Staph protein A, Immunoregulin and interferon gave some desired effects. Good supportive care is the other alternative; it includes a good quality diet, stress reduction and keeping the affected cat indoors.

Feline Leukemia Vaccine: Vaccination is a process that has proved 85% efficiency in preventing infection with feline leukemia virus. Available in both injectable and needleless transdermic versions, it is important to diagnose the infected cat for the FeLV infection through a simple blood test. Feline Leukemia Vaccine creates immunity to prevent spreading of the infection. Dosages are as follows:

· The first dose: Recommended at 8 to 10 weeks of age.

· The second dose: Often termed a booster, it should be given 3 to 4 weeks after the first one.

· The final Dose: It should be given one year later than the second dose. Then, annual vaccination should follow.

However, vaccines have their own sets of pros and cons; though they can save the life of your precious pet, it may also cause some discomfort at the site of vaccination, a mild fever, a diminished appetite and lethargy; however, there are certain serious and life-threatening allergic reactions that may also develop if not a sarcoma.