February 5, 2009

Dear Obie,
My vet tells my humans that I should be immunized against Feline Leukemia. What is Feline Leukemia?
Signed, Boswell
Yuma, Arizona


Dear Boswell,
Feline Leukemia (also known as FeLV) is a viral disease that only exists in cats. Contrary to some rumors you might hear, the disease can not be transferred to humans or any other animal; that's why it's called Feline Leukemia! FeLV is caused by a type of virus called a retrovirus. A retrovirus infects the cat's cells and reprograms them to continually produce copies of the virus. That is what makes FeLV so nasty! As the cells reproduce copies of the virus, it creates a condition called persistent viremia, which makes the disease impossible to cure!

FeLV affects a cat's bone marrow and immune system, causing the cat to become anemic and unable to fight off even routine infections. Cats with FeLV are often very lethargic, and can become jaundiced. They may also suffer from enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and a general loss of energy and stamina. In some cases, infected cats will develop lymphosarcoma, which is a type of cancer that can affect many of their organs, beginning with the lymph nodes and spreading to the brain, liver, spleen and intestines.

Unlike FIV, which requires something like a deep, penetrating bite wound to spread from cat to cat, FeLV is in a cat's blood, saliva, urine, feces and mucus, and can be spread to other cats through fighting, sharing food and water bowls, sharing litter boxes, and through grooming. Since the virus is fragile in the environment, many experts feel that long-term contact is necessary to pass the virus, but other experts disagree.

So how does a vet know if a cat has FeLV? There are a couple tests that can be done to detect the actual protein of the virus that circulates in the blood. One is called the ELISA test, which is the one most vet's use. If the ELISA test shows a positive reading, the next step is the IFA, or immunofluorescense assay, which must be performed by a diagnostic lab.

Is there a cure for FeLV? Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of scientists, there is not a present cure for FeLV, but I can see the day coming when there will be! (Keep your paws crossed!) Right now the best that humans can do if their kitty has FeLV is to maintain the cat's health with good nutrition, regular veterinary care, and a low-stress living environment.

There is a vaccine that a vet can give to cats who are considered to be at risk of exposure. Most indoor cats do not require the vaccine, but I would highly recommend it for any cat that ventures outside. The vaccine is safe, but, like all vaccines, there is no guarantee that it is 100% effective. (All the more reason to keep your kitty indoors!)

Sadly, most kitties that are diagnosed with FeLV live less than two years following diagnosis, though that time-span varies widely. Getting immediate vet care at the first sign of illness will help prolong the cat's life, and an infected kitty can still live its final years happy and fully enjoying life.

So, Boswell, I hope that answers your question! Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

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Don't forget, February 21!! The Kitty Karnival at PetSmart on Lancaster in Salem! Fun! Games! Kitties! Great people! If you miss this, you'll feel really bad until the next Kitty Karnival, and you don't want to feel bad! So mark it on your calendar right now!!!!!

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Remember, folks, I am not a vet! I am a cat! Always talk to your vet before making any medical decisions regarding your cat! Please!