Feline Panleukopenia
By
Kari Winters
Feline Panleukopenia (Panleuk) is a highly contagious virus
sometimes referred to as "Feline Distemper", although
this is not a correct term. Panleuk is related to the parvovirus
in dogs and if you search the web for information about Panleuk,
most of the articles you'll find say that this is a disease
which is rarely seen anymore. This year, however, we're seeing
a lot of cases of this disease. A notice put out by L.A. Animal
Services says that it has been confirmed at West Valley and
North Central shelters and it is also in the community. This
lethal virus has hit many rescues hard and it's important for
everyone to know the facts because the virus is so risiliant
and is spread so easily.
Feline Panleukopenia is a virus, which attacks the white blood
cells, decreasing the immune system and leaving the cat susceptible
to other infections. The virus can also harm cells in the brain
and GI system. The first signs of Panleuk are usually decreased
appetite and activity. Vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever may
accompany this. A classic sign of Panleuk is a kitten hanging
over a water dish because it is dehydrated and thirsty but doesn't
have the energy to drink. Some cats, particularly young kittens
may die suddenly before any symptoms are apparent. Other cats
or kittens may have severe symptoms. Young kittens (under 5
months of age) are the most susceptible to the disease, as are
cats that have never been vaccinated. A veterinarian can diagnose
feline Panleukopenia with a "Parvo Snap Test".
Panleuk is spread through direct contact with an infected cat's
body secretions such as urine, feces, and vomit, or by "fomites",
which can live in the environment for up to a year (and some
sources say even longer). These can be passed to other cats
via litter boxes, food bowls, cages, hands, and even the bottoms
of shoes. The virus is highly resistant to disinfectants and
extreme temperatures but is very susceptible to bleach. Although
humans can pass the virus on from cat to cat, it is not contagious
to humans.
For all rescuers, it's important to isolate any newcomers for
14-21 days. The incubation period for the virus is 2-10 days,
but it can remain subclinical (i.e. no symptoms are seen) for
4-9 days or more. Food and water bowls should be made from stainless
steel, as it is easier to clean than plastic. Bowls and litter
boxes should be cleaned thoroughly, then soaked in a bleach
solution for 10-15 minutes and should not be shared between
groups of cats or kittens . A footbath of bleach solution can
be placed outside the isolation room so that volunteers step
in it each time they enter or leave. The footbath needs to be
deep enough to cover the entire tread of the shoe and the bleach
solution should be changed at least twice a day. Volunteers
should also be educated to wash with a bleach solution between
rooms while cats are in isolation. Volunteers should always
deal with healthy cats before going into isolation.
There is little to do in the way of treatment. Very young kittens
almost always die of the disease. For cats and older kittens,
the veterinarian may place them on antibiotics and give them
IV fluids and possibly blood transfusions to try to combat the
low white blood count, but many cats die of the disease despite
this.
Prevention, of course, is the best way to battle the disease.
According to UC Davis Shelter Medicine Program, all cats 4-5
weeks of age and older should receive a modified live vaccine.
Risk is greater if a killed or intranasal vaccine is used. They
also recommend that kittens under 16 weeks of age receive boosters
every 2 weeks while in the shelter. Adult cats should receive
boosters every three years and should not be allowed outside.
Cats and kittens that have not been vaccinated at the time of
exposure will receive little benefit from the vaccine. Some
rescues have reported kittens dying of Panleuk after being vaccinated.
This is most likely due to the fact that they were exposed and
the virus was subclinical prior at the time of vaccination.
The vaccination does not cause the disease.
Why are we suddenly seeing more Feline Panleukopenia? According
to Dr. Kate Hurley of UC Davis, this is a nationwide phenomenon
and no one is sure why it seems more prevalent. She speculates
that part of it "may have to do with changing management.
It used to be that sick looking cats were more likely to be
euthanized before the disease was diagnosed and sometimes before
it had a chance to spread."
It is disheartening for rescuers when several cats or kittens
in our care die of Panleuk and many times we question if we
could have done something different. Mary Anne Miller of www.meowhoo.com
reports that she's had many letters about this issue and I've
received many letters on my own website. As rescuers, it's natural
for us to feel that we've somehow failed when a cat or kitten
dies, but it's also important to remind ourselves that, unfortunately,
this is a part of rescue. Our job is to arm ourselves with knowledge
so that we can give the best possible care to the cats we rescue....and
to lovingly let go of those we can't save.
Kari Winters is a frequent contributor to The Pet Press and
has won many awards for her work. She volunteers with Southern
CA. Siamese Rescue and is the author of the book, "Princess
Fiona: My Purrsonal Story." She can be reached through
her website at www.ShelterPetsInk.com.
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