Preventable Feline Diseases
DiseaseVaccination Schedule
DistemperCombination vaccine against 3 viruses.
First vaccine is given between six to eight weeks of age. Booster every three-four weeks until 15-18 weeks of age, adult booster in one year, then every three years.
RabiesMust be at least 12 weeks of age to begin series. Booster one year from initial vaccine, then every one to three years, depending on the vaccine used.
LeukemiaMust be at least 9 weeks of ageto begin series. Booster in threeto four weeks, then once a year.
Panleukopenia Virus
Panleukopenia is commonly called Feline Distemper Virus. It is a parvovirus and is closely related to the canine parvovirus. Panleukopenia is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats, usually kittens and young adult cats living in groups. Barn cats, feral colonies, animal shelters, pet stores and rescue facilities are at high risk for outbreaks. The virus is shed in all body secretions, such as: feces, vomit, urine, saliva and mucus. Signs may include fever, appetite loss, diarrhea and/or vomiting. Prognosis is dependent upon the patients’ response to treatment.
Calici Virus
Calicivirus is an important cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. It is highly contagious and is typically shed in the saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes of infected cats. Signs may include sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis or discharge from the nose or eyes. Cats with a calicivirus infection may also develop ulcers on the tongue, hard palate, gums, lips or nose and painful joints. Treatment typically consists of supportive care for symptoms.
Rhinotracheitis (Herpes Virus)
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus. As with other herpes viruses, the virus is very species specific and is only known to cause infections in domestic and wild cats. Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats. It is excreted in saliva and eye/nasal secretions of an infected cat. Therefore, an infection occurs when a susceptible cat comes in to direct contact with an infected cat or comes in to contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated with viral particles. All cats can become infected with viral rhinotracheitis, but infection tends to be more severe in young animals or animals that have other chronic diseases. Symptoms may include: sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis or discharge from the eyes or nose and corneal ulcers. Prognosis is dependent upon the severity of symptoms and the patients’ response to treatment.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is spread through bite wounds from the saliva of a rabid animal. Rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and bats, but can also be found in horses and cows as well as dogs and cats. Rabies affects the central nervous system and brain causing a behavioral change and leads to death. Once symptoms appear the disease is always fatal. While there is an effective post exposure treatment for humans, there is none for animals. City laws usually require dogs to be vaccinated for rabies.
Leukemia Virus
Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus and can affect the cat’s body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders and it may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections. The virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, feces and milk from infected cats. Transmission may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming or through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. Kittens are much more susceptible to infection than adult cats and therefore are at the greatest risk of infection if exposed. In early stages of leukemia virus infection, some cats are able to mount an effective immune response and eliminate the virus from the bloodstream. In later
stages of infection, the virus persistently infects the bone marrow and other tissues and the majority of cats will be infected for the remainder of their lives.