CATS WITH FELINE LEUKEMIA OR FIV REQUIRE EXTRA ATTENTION
MANHATTAN, KAN. -- Two viruses, the feline leukemia virus -- FELV - - and the feline immunodeficiency virus -- FIV -- are infecting the cat population in a manner similar to the AIDS-related human immunodeficiency virus -- HIV.
These two contagious viral diseases debilitate cats' immune systems which make it more difficult for the cats to fend off infection, the same result that HIV has in humans, said Alan Spier, a doctor of veterinary medicine in the department of clinical sciences at Kansas State University.
The cats may die of secondary diseases they would normally be able to recover from, or diseases they would normally not get at all, he said. The most common secondary infection developed is an upper- respiratory infection and the most common noninfectious disorder the cats acquire is a cancerous disorder, such as lymphoma, Spier said.
"FIV is typically transmitted through bite wounds," Spier said. "It is most prevalent in outdoor cats that roam or wander. FELV is found in the saliva and transmitted by casual contact such as licking or grooming and is often spread in catteries or multi-cat households," Spier said.
There is no vaccine available for FIV; however, there is a vaccine for feline leukemia, though there are questions about its efficacy, Spier said. Members of K-State's veterinary hospital tend to reserve administration of the vaccine except in cases of multi-cat households or cats who spend a lot of time outdoors, Spier said.
"There have been some secondary problems associated with the vaccine," Spier said. "Tumors have reported at the sight of injection, though the incidence is rare. It is the veterinarian's preference as to what cats they vaccinate. Some vaccinate every cat and some do it on an individual basis."
Like HIV, an infected cat's life span is variable. Some cats contract a secondary disease right away and die quickly, while others live a long time, Spier said. Also like HIV, there is no known cure for the cat viruses, but if a cat acquires one or both of the diseases, there are some precautions that can be taken to try and increase the cat's life span, Spier said.
First, the owner should not be afraid of contracting HIV or any disease from a cat with an immune deficiency virus, Spier said. FIV and feline leukemia are species specific and require the cat host-cells to replicate and grow, Spier said. Second, the owner should simply administer extra care to the animal.
Spier said the cats should be well vaccinated, but suggests owners use caution as to which vaccines are administered after the animal is infected with FIV or feline leukemia.
"Some vaccines have a weakened live virus," Spier said. "When given to an immuno-competent animal, the animal will have a slight reaction to it and then build an immunity. But cats infected with FIV or feline leukemia may not be able to fight it off. It's a two-edged sword because they're susceptible to disease, yet you have to be careful when vaccinating."
Spier said owners should talk to the veterinarian and make sure the veterinarian knows the cat is infected before the cat is given any vaccines or treatments.
There are no additional vitamins, minerals or drugs that can be given to a cat who has FIV or feline leukemia. Spier said there is no feline equivalent to AZT, the drug suspected to slow HIV advancement in humans.
"Just give them a well-balanced diet," Spier said. "A good quality commercial brand of cat food is sufficient. If the cat becomes ill, then you can give it the appropriate treatment, but there's no extra supplement necessary on a regular basis."
Spier said there's nothing specific the owner can do for the cat except tend to its general health.
"Use a higher index of caution and concern with the cat," Spier said. "If you suspect the cat may be sick, take it to the veterinarian a little sooner than you would a normal cat. The cat should be kept indoors to avoid exposure to other diseases and minimize the risk of infecting other cats as well."
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Prepared by Bree Bisnette. For more information contact Alan Spier at (913) 532-5690 or Cheryl May; [email protected]
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