What is feline panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia (FPL), also sometimes called feline distemper, is a serious viral illness in cats caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV). A similar but distinct virus causes parvovirus disease in dogs.
Panleukopenia lowers the number of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells play a major role in immunity, defending the body against infections and diseases. In severe panleukopenia, there may be just a few hundred white blood cells per milliliter of blood—much lower than the normal several thousand per milliliter of blood. This low number of white blood cells makes an affected cat vulnerable to other infections.
These viruses attack rapidly dividing cells, so other cells in the bone marrow (red blood cells, platelets) and cells of the gastrointestinal tract are also commonly affected. Parvoviruses are extremely tough viruses and are only killed by strong disinfectants, including 2% household bleach. FPLV can survive in some environments for a year or more.
How is FPL transmitted?
The feline panleukopenia virus is present in all excretions of infected cats, particularly the feces. FPL is transmitted when a susceptible cat has direct contact with an infected cat, or has contact with contaminated water, food bowls, shoes, or clothing. The incubation period from infection until clinical signs develop is typically three to five days, and seldom longer than a week.
What are the clinical signs of FPL?
Clinical signs of FPL can vary, but clinical signs typically include the following:
- Depression or listlessness that may progress to collapse
- Frequent vomiting and diarrhea, and diarrhea may contain blood
- Dull and rough haircoat
- Loss of skin elasticity due to dehydration
Often, cats with FPL develop other infections because their immune system is weakened. They may have purulent (green/ yellow) discharge from the eyes and nose. In young kittens with severe infections, sometimes the only clinical sign is sudden death.
In a pregnant cat, the infection can result in fetal death. Kittens that survive may have abnormal development of a region of the brain called the cerebellum (cerebellar hypoplasia). This condition results in tremors and an abnormal gait with exaggerated movements. Affected cats adapt well to this disability and can lead relatively normal lives.
Can FPL be treated?
As with most viral diseases, there is currently no treatment for FPL. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, but they help control the secondary bacterial infections that commonly develop due to the lack of white blood cells and the resulting reduced immunity.
Dehydration and shock are life-threatening components of FPL, and intravenous fluid therapy and intensive nursing care are critical. If the cat receives aggressive supportive care through the initial stages of illness, full recovery is possible, but the prognosis can still be guarded (uncertain).
How can I protect my cat against FPL?
Fortunately, excellent vaccines are available and are part of the core feline vaccination program.
- Kittens require vaccine boosters starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age.
- Kittens’ boosters are given every three to four weeks until the kitten is 16 to 20 weeks of age and then are followed by at least one booster a year later.
- Cats and kittens over 16 weeks of age need an initial series of two vaccinations, three to four weeks apart.
The FPL vaccine usually produces strong immunity, but it decreases with time and quicker in some cats than others. For that reason, booster vaccinations every one to three years are strongly recommended. Your veterinarian will discuss the appropriate frequency of booster vaccinations for your cat’s lifestyle.
Are there any side effects of the vaccination?
Modern FPL vaccines are safe and side effects are uncommon. However, as with all vaccines, some cats may be lethargic for a day or two after administration. Very rarely, a more severe allergic reaction may occur due to an individual’s sensitivity to one or more components of the vaccine (anaphylactic shock). Such severe reactions, if they occur, usually happen within a few minutes of vaccination, but may be delayed by hours in some cats.
If you observe signs such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or any other signs of distress, call your veterinarian immediately. Talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have about vaccinations.
