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Feline Panleukopenia
(Distemper) Fact Sheet
- Also called:
feline distemper, feline parvovirus and feline
enteritis virus.
- Contagious
to all species of cats and raccoons.
- Signs include
vomiting, depression, fever and severe diarrhea.
- The virus
may attack the fetus in utero or kittens shortly
after birth and cause death or birth defects.
- The younger
the cat, the greater the chance he or she will
NOT survive.
- The virus
is transmitted through all body secretions, but
urine and feces are the most potent sources of
infection. The virus can also live on contaminated
rugs, bedding, shoes and other objects.
- An effective
disinfectant is 4 oz. Clorox in one gallon of
water.
- Cats remain
highly susceptible to Panleukopenia until 2 weeks
after the last injection of the immunization series.
- Treatment
consists of supportive care and preventing secondary
bacterial infection. We have no cure for any animal
virus, just as there is no cure for any human
virus.
- The body normally
is about 80% water. Life is NOT possible when
12-15% of the normal body fluids are lost. In
Feline panleukopenia, the animal often becomes
"dehydrated" from vomiting, diarrhea and inability
to consume fluids. This is the reason fluid therapy
is so important.
Death from panleukopenia
may result from:
- Dehydration.
- Overwhelming
bacterial infection from the pet's lowered resistance.
- Blood loss
from internal hemorrhage.
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