【VMC Vet Tips | Feline Leukaemia Virus and Vaccine】
Aug 31, 2023
Feline Leukaemia Virus: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Vaccination and Prevention
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. They have the ability to cause the development of cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, severe immunosuppression and severe anaemia. It is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease in cats.
Symptoms of FeLV in Cats
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia
Infections
Inflammation of gums and mouth
Pale gums and other mucus membranes
Fever
Diarrhoea
Risk factors of FeLV in Cats
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus and transmits through:
Spread through saliva, nasal discharge, urine, faeces from infected cats
Infected from mother cat to kittens during pregnancy or milk-feeding
Outdoor cats, live in multi-cat households or unvaccinated cats are at higher risks
Diagnosis of FeLV in Cats
Blood test to detect the presence of virus
Chest x-ray, bone marrow biopsy if cancer suspected
Treatment of FeLV in Cats
There is no cure for FeLV and only supportive care and symptomatic treatments:
Antibiotics for secondary infections
Blood transfusion for severe anaemia
Chemotherapy for some cancers
Other symptomatic treatments
Prevention of FeLV in Cats
Vaccination is key: The FeLV vaccine is considered a core vaccine for kittens and high-risk cats. kittens need an initial 2-part vaccine series 3-4 weeks apart, starting around 8 weeks of age. A booster is given 1 year later and then annually for cats at risk.
Keep cats indoors and away from infected cats
Annual testing is recommended for at-risk cats
Common questions about FeLV
Feline leukaemia is not a cancer but rather a virus that compromises the immune system
Feline leukaemia is not zoonotic and will not pass to other animals or people. It is safe for humans to handle them.
Similar to any other autoimmune disorder, cats with FeLV require a higher level of care. It is important to vaccinate your cat and ensure your cat is healthy and free from diseases.
Cats with FeLV can live with other cats whether they are infected or not. In multi-cat households, it is recommended that they all be tested for FeLV if FeLV is suspected in any of them. Cats with FeLV are able to live together without any adverse consequences. But if you have a cat with FeLV and others without FeLV, they should have separate toys, food and water bowls.
Feline leukaemia virus is a serious disease, but by keeping cats indoors, preventing exposure to infected cats, taking new cats to a veterinarian for check-ups, and staying up-to-date on FeLV vaccinations, owners can minimise the risk to their cats.