Feline panleukopenia
1982686
224864168
2008-07-10T19:22:46Z
Cjcrowe2
6545982
Added that dogs can not contract the virus from infected cats; created a references section so I could properly cite this information.
{{Taxobox | color=violet
| name = ''Feline panleukopenia virus''
| virus_group = ii
| familia = ''[[Parvoviridae]]''
| genus = ''[[Parvovirus]]''
| species = '''''Feline panleukopenia virus'''''
}}
'''Feline panleukopenia''', commonly known as '''feline distemper''', is a [[virus|viral]] infection affecting [[cat]]s, caused by feline [[parvovirus]], a close relative of [[canine parvovirus]]. It is not related to [[canine distemper]].
== Transmission and symptoms ==
Panleukopenia is primarily spread through contact with an infected cat's bodily fluids, [[feces]], or [[flea|fleas]]. Sometimes it is spread through contact with bedding, food dishes, or even by handlers of infected cats.
The virus primarily attacks the lining of the [[gastrointestinal tract]], causing internal [[ulcer]]ation and, ultimately, total sloughing of the intestinal [[epithelium]]. This results in profuse and usually bloody [[diarrhea]], severe [[dehydration]], [[malnutrition]], [[anemia]], and often [[death]]; mortality rate 60-90%.
The virus causes a decrease in the cat's [[white blood cell]]s, thus compromising its [[immune system]]. Typically, it also causes a decrease in [[hematocrit]] and [[platelet]] counts on a [[complete blood count]]. This is often key in diagnosing panleukopenia.
Other symptoms include [[depression (mood)|depression]], [[lethargy]], loss of [[appetite]], [[fever]], [[vomit]]ing, loss of skin elasticity due to dehydration and self-biting in the tail, lower back and back legs.
If a cat is exposed during [[pregnancy]], the virus can cause [[Cerebellar hypoplasia (non-human)|cerebellar hypoplasia]] in her offspring. This is why administering modified live feline panleukopenia vaccine during pregnancy is discouraged.
It is impossible for a cat to spread Panleukopenia to a dog, as dogs can not contract the virus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunlakesanimalclinic.com/Library/Panleuk.htm | title=Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)}}</ref>
== Vaccination ==
{{see|Feline vaccination}}
Protection is offered by commercial feline distemper [[vaccine]], which is usually a mixture of vaccines for several different diseases, including panleukopenia.
== External links ==
* [http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/panleukopenia.html Winn Feline Foundation Article on Panleukopenia written by Wilma Lagerwerf, RVT, RLAT]
* [http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/panleukopenia/panleukopenia_brochure.asp American Veterinary Medical Association brochure on Feline Panluekopenia]
* [http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1983 Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) from The Pet Health Library]
* [http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/distemper.html Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. Cat Health Care FAQ]
* [http://www.avma.org/vafstf/rbbroch.asp AVMA article on the benefits and risks of feline vaccines]
* [http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/insight/2004/fall2004/cats.htm Colorado State University article on the potential connection between CRF and vaccinations]
* [http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=vaccination1 Little Big Cat article discussing feline vaccinations including Panleukopenia]
== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Cat diseases]]
[[Category:Parvoviruses]]
[[Category:Animal virology]]
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{{Domestic cat}}
[[cs:Panleukopénie]]
[[de:Panleukopenie]]
[[he:חתלתלת]]
[[ja:猫汎白血球減少症]]
[[pl:Panleukopenia kotów]]
[[ru:Панлейкопения]]
[[fi:Kissarutto]]