Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Tags: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Health Problems, Health

 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is also known as Feline Aids, it affects 11 percent all domestic cats worldwide. It is also affects wild cats though they do not appear to show any symptoms. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentivirus, (characterized by having a slow incubation period) and is also part of the retrovirus family, which includes Feline Leukemia.

Causes

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus evades the cat's immune system where it attacks several cell types of lymphocytes which are white blood cells responsible for aiding the immune system; CD4+ and CD8, T lymphocytes and B lympthocytes which produces antigens to ward off foreign bodies. It also attacks microphages, (cells that seek and destroy foreign toxins). Thus this virus destroys the very cells that protect the animal against foreign bodies and renders it susceptible to several kinds of invading viruses and bacteria from the environment. It also renders the cat susceptible to as certain cancers. The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is very similar to the humanAIDs condition as well.

Symptoms

First stage or acute stage - occurs within a few months of after incubation.

Fever

Depression

Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)

Lack of appetite

Weight loss

Lethargy

Stage two is the subclinical or latent stage named as such because the symptoms seem to disappear. Nevertheless, the immune system continues to break down and the cat will have the virus for the duration its life.

The third stage is the chronic stage, which occurs when the cat is 5 - 12 years old. This is where the feline will be victim to all kinds of infections, which can be bacterial, fungal and parasitic. Some of these infections would not normally harm a healthy cat but because cats with FIV are severely compromised, the infections are able to do cause severe damage. For that reason they are called opportunist infections. You will also see these symptoms

Gingivitis, - inflammation of the gums

Stomatitis, - inflammation of the mucus lining of the mouth, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat.

Odontoclasia, - fibrous legion or tumor in the gums

Periodontitis, - inflammation of the bones of the teeth and gums

Rhinitis, - inflammation of the lining of the nose

Conjunctivitis, - inflammation of the lining covering the eyeball

Pneumonitis, - inflammation of the lungs

Enteritis, - inflammation of the intestines

Dermatitis - inflammation of the skin

Cancer

Anemia

Transmission of the disease

Feline immunodeficiency is most common in outdoor male cats. Cat fights where biting and scratching is involved will break the skin and spread the virus. It is not common for indoor or cats in pet shops etc to have it. Cats in the late stage of the virus can also transmit the disease through their saliva, or vaginal secretions.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will take your cat's history. He/she will perform a physical exam and order FIV tests for analyzing antibodies.

Prevention

Cats are kept indoors to avoid passing on the disease to outdoor cats. They are also kept indoors to avoid contracting the disease themselves. Felines are vaccinated against the disease.

Treatment

Drugs and antibiotics are administered after the cat becomes infected. These medications have shown some promise but no cure for the disease exists at this moment in time. In cases where felines also have cancer, there will be chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and diet guidelines and supplements implemented.

Prognosis

Infected cats do not die because of this virus but often times are euthanized only because their owners are afraid of the disease. Both viruses, feline and human HIV are not compatible. They do not jump hosts; a human cannot infect a cat and a cat cannot infect a human. Felines with the disease can still live out their lives. Feline immunodeficiency virus does not necessarily have to be a killer disease. Simply remember to take your cat for regular check ups and especially if symptoms appear. You will want your cat to have as normal a life as possible.

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