Feline Distemper ( Panleukopenia) Affects Mainly Young and Unvaccinated Cats

Feline distemper, also known as panleukopenia, or FPV (Feline Parvovirus) is a highly contagious disease of cats that affects all body systems containing dividing cells, particularly the digestive system. Besides attacking the intestinal tract, the feline parvovirus (FPV) also attacks the blood system, nervous system, ophthalmic tissues, reproductive system, and the lymph system. It can attack the fetus during pregnancy, causing complications including fetal death or permanent brain damage in the newborn kittens.

At one time, distemper in cats was very common but with the introduction of highly effective vaccines, it is now very rare. Unfortunately, it still occurs in unvaccinated kittens and cats, especially in shelters, on farms and among strays.
Feline panleukopenia is caused by a virus of the parvovirus family, and is similar to the parvovirus that causes severe enteritis (gut inflammation and infection) in dogs. The virus is shed via all body excretions (i.e. saliva, feces, etc.) for up to six weeks after infection and it is very resistant to most disinfectants. In fact, it can survive in the environment for years.

Signs of infection are similar to those seen in dogs with a parvovirus infection. After becoming infected, cats stop eating, become depressed and get a fever. Severe vomiting and diarrhea occurs, leading to dehydration and often death. In later stages, the body temperature is below normal. In adults, the disease may be subclinical (show no clinical signs of infection).

FPV is usually diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and a CBC (complete blood count), though more specific tests are available. A low white blood cell count (the term panleukopenia, which means that all the white blood cells are decreased in numbers) supports the diagnosis and indicates a suppressed immune system.

Like canine parvovirus infections, there is no treatment to kill the virus. Instead, treatment consists of supportive therapy while the cat's body tries to build up protective antibodies to fight off the virus. In severely affected patients, this includes IV fluids including electrolyte normalization, nursing care, and restricted food intake. Antibiotics do not have any effect on this virus, but if the white cell count is very low, or an infection with a bacterium is identified also, they may also be prescribed. Unfortunately, in young kittens, the mortality can be as high as 50 to 90 per cent, even with treatment.

Household bleach is highly effective for killing this virus, and any cat coming into a home where a clinical case has resided should be fully vaccinated before entering this environment, and thorough clean should be performed. Things like cat plush toys and cat climbers that cannot be easily sterilized should be discarded.

Veterinarians recommend that all your cats be vaccinated, not only for panleukopenia, but for other diseases as well. Talk with your health care team about the regimen that meets YOUR cat's lifestyle and risks.