Feline Leukemia Virus

This virus can cause immune suppression and cancer in cats. It is more common in outdoor cats although indoor cats have been known to test positive for this disease. This disease is usually fatal within 2-3 years after infection.

The virus is very stable in the environment. The most common mode of infection is cat bites, but close contact such as grooming or sharing food bowls can also transmit the disease. Mothers with the disease also pass this virus along to her litter.

This virus affects many organ systems, so the clinical signs vary. Some cats are infected for months or years before they show clinical signs. They can exhibit fever, persistent diarrhea, oral lesions, upper respiratory signs, conjunctivitis, or chronic/recurrent infections of the skin or ears. Outside cats that develop recurrent abscesses should be screened for Leukemia. Cats that develop lymphoma show signs of immune suppression.

The best prevention is to vaccinate your outdoor cat yearly for Leukemia. They should also be screened yearly for the virus as the vaccine is not 100% effective. If you have indoor cats, they should be tested for the virus as kittens and kept inside. Vaccination will depend on if there will be another cat added to the household or whether the cat will ever be let outside. Even if your cat only goes into their own yard or on the porch, it is advisable to vaccinate them.If the pet has tested positive, palliative care is the only treatment. There are immune modulators that can boost the pet’s immune system and alleviate some of the discomforts. Antibiotics may be indicated intermittently for respiratory or eye infections and diarrhea will need to be addressed with probiotics or diet changes. Cats diagnosed with lymphoma have chemotherapy as an option. Cats with Leukemia should never be let outdoors or allowed to mingle with other cats.Every kitten should be screened for Leukemia on their first vet visit.