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In the halls of UC Davis walked several brilliant minds such as my close friend and Daisy’s “Mommie” Abby Rosenberg. Abby brought to life a very entertaining and funny Devon Rex cat in a blog appropriately named “Daisy the Curly Cat.” In those same halls at UC Davis, researchers back in the mid 80’s identified a virus which was named “The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus” (FIV). FIV is a cat virus that closely resembled the human immunodeficiency virus. Cats with this virus have a weakened immune system and become susceptible to oral infections, eye disease, respiratory disease, skin infections, certain cancers, and many other opportunistic infections.

FIV is generally spread between cats that spend a lot of time outdoors exposed to bites and scratches. aggressive male cats are generally at more risk. Although it is possible for this disease to pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, rarely are young kittens that have this virus found roaming around which makes this method of transmission seem unlikely.

During the early stages of this infection you may notice the cat looking tired, not eating well, having a high fever, and swollen lymph glands. This disease can go into a phase with no symptoms that can last quite a while making it seem as if the cat is cured. When the disease returns however, the cat becomes so vulnerable to infections and secondary diseases that cats in this phase don’t usually survive more than a year.

Since there is no cure for FIV, the best way to protect against infections that occur because of this disease is by keeping the cat indoors. Vaccination against other viral diseases, antibiotics to treat infections, chemotherapeutic agents to treat any cancer have all been somewhat effective in treatment. generally the treatment is according to what opportunistic disease the cat has developed due to the decreased CD4+ count and lowered immunity.

Another retrovirus that is found in cats worldwide is called the Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV). Transmission of this virus can occur from bite wounds, mutual grooming, during passage through the birth canal, or when the kittens drink the mother’s infected milk. This infection has two stages: the primary viremia stage and the secondary viremia stage. during the primary stage some cats are able to mount an effective immune system response, eliminating the virus from the bloodstream. Secondary viremia is the later stage and is characterized by constant infections of the bone marrow and other tissue. If FeLV infection progresses to this stage then the cat has very little chance to mount a useful defense.

Signs of this disease include loss of appetite, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, inflammation of the gums and inside the mouth, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, certain types of cancers, and a variety of eye diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, seizures, and persistent diarrhea. Although there is no cure, it is possible to decrease the chance of cats with FeLV from being exposed to and coming down with secondary infections. Vaccinating against other viral diseases and keeping the cat indoors and away from other cats are both very important. Secondary infections can be treated with antibiotics, a quality and balanced nutrition, and fluids if necessary. A lymphocyte T-Cell immunomodulator which was approved about 7 years ago has proven to be effective against opportunistic infections by regulating the CD-4 effectiveness and quantity. Some cats are somehow able to remain without symptoms for the duration of their lives.

In the mid 80’s vaccines also became available for both FIV and FeLV infections. The American association of Feline practitioners has put out specific recommendations for using each of these vaccines. one of the most effective ways to keep your cat in good health is to develop a good relationship with the veterinarian. Ask many questions and keep asking questions until you understand and are comfortable with the answers. If you have any medication related questions or concerns, your 1800PetMeds pharmacist is also available to answer those for you.