4-- Pawsitively Pets-- July
News You Can Use
Feline Leukemia Virus by Cheyenne Pratt, Technician, Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
July 15th is Feline Leukemia Awareness Day. Feline leukemia virus( FeLV) is responsible for more cat deaths than any other disease. FeLV is mainly spread through infected saliva, but can also be transmitted through urine, feces, blood, nasal discharge, and from mother cats to their kittens during pregnancy / nursing. FeLV can be spread through fighting, grooming, and less commonly, through sharing food / water bowls and litter boxes.
There are 4 types of feline leukemia infections- abortive, regressive, progressive, and focal.
Abortive: The cat’ s immune system reacts quickly and effectively, clearing the virus before it enters the DNA. These cats develop antibodies and are considered immune to FeLV. Tests will show negative for the virus and the cat will be not have symptoms.
Regressive: There is a partial immune response; FeLV enters the cat’ s DNA but remains inactive and cannot be spread to other cats. Most cats remain symptom-free but the virus can reactivate if the immune system becomes weakened.
Progressive: The immune system is unable to fight off the virus and it makes its way to the cat’ s bone marrow where it replicates and spreads. Cats with progressive FeLV are contagious to other cats and may develop health issues, such as anemia and other blood disorders, weakened immune system, neurological disorders, and intestinal inflammation. It could be weeks, months, or years for a progressively infected cat to show signs of illness, which include loss of appetite, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, pale gums, skin infections, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, inflammation of the gums and mouth, persistent diarrhea, seizures / neurological issues, and a variety of eye problems. Progressive feline leukemia is ultimately fatal, however; positive cats can live for years without complications with proper vet care, nutrition, and minimal stress. FeLV positive cats should be kept strictly indoors so they don ' t spread the virus.
Focal: In these rare cases, the immune system isolates the virus to specific areas of the body. These cats are not considered contagious but may still experience health problems.
There is no cure for FeLV and the prognosis varies for each cat and the type of infection they have. Before introducing a new cat into your household, have it tested for feline leukemia with a simple blood test. Cat’ s that are negative can be vaccinated, especially if they spend time outdoors.
4-- Pawsitively Pets-- July
Around The Hydrant:
News You Can Use
Recalls:
Go Raw LLC of California: Recalling a single lot of Steve’ s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Pet Food, due to potentially low levels of thiamine. Info: 801-432-7478.( 6 / 9 / 26)
Raw Energy Food of New Jersey: Recalling products produced between 7 / 17 / 25 and 12 / 23 / 25 due to potential Listeria contamination. Another batch date of 3 / 31 / 26 Beef and Turkey Medley was also recalled. Info: 732-414-1446.( 5 / 22 / 26)
Albright’ s Raw Pet Food of Indiana: Voluntarily recalling one lot of its Chicken Recipe for Dogs Complete and Balanced frozen one pound bricks, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Info: 866 729-4738.( 5 / 6 / 26)
Elite Treats of Boca Raton, Florida: Recalling a single lot of Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs( 6-ounce bags), due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Info: 561-901-5310.( 2 / 24 / 26)
Gold Star Distribution of Minnesota: Issued a voluntary recall of various brands of pet foods, due to potential contamination, including Salmonella. Info: 612-617-9800.( 12 / 26 / 25)
Consumer Supply Distributing, LLC of Iowa: Recalling Country Vet & Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits for possible Salmonella contamination. Info: 712-202-5609.( 12 / 24 / 25)
Source: dogfoodadvisor. com, amva. org
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