ArticleZones.com » Pets-and-animals » Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV
View PDF | Print View
Article By: KurtSchmitt
Total views: 16
Word Count: 418
Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV
This disease comes with a diverse symptom list. FeLV is a retrovirus, which means that it is able to insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected. This illness shares many symptoms in common with other diseases and conditions.
Fungi, viruses, and bacteria attack felines and humans alike on a regular basis. Most of the time, a healthy cat or person will fight them off. With a compromised immune system, however, bacteria, parasites, viral and other organisms are more likely to do your cat harm.
FeLV infected cats have a difficult time fighting off infections and parasites. With a weakened immune system, your cat is more susceptible to secondary infections and diseases. The symptoms an infected cat experiences, to a large degree, are caused by these other diseases and conditions.
Initial symptoms may include fever, blood disease, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise. Some cats will experience no symptoms during the beginning stages of the disease.
FeLV infected cats often will develop anemia. About 30 percent of infected cats will develop tumors. Leukemia and other forms of cancer are possible outcomes. Some cats may exhibit excessive urination and thirst, which is also common to other illnesses such as feline diabetes.
As the disease progresses, sick cats may present with more and varied symptoms. Blood in the stool, constipation, jaundice, and recurring infections may be present. Feline leukemia virus symptoms may also include and diarrhea, severe weight loss, and depression.
There are two stages of feline leukemia virus. Some cats will mount an immune response upon initial infection, and the disease will not progress to the second stage. Other cats will eventually enter the second stage.
If your cat has FeLV, the only thing you can do is to treat the secondary infections and diseases, and try to boost the immune system of your cat. This disease is usually fatal for those cats who reach the second stage of this disease.
According to professional sources, FeLV infections exist in about 2 to 3 percent of all cats. Infection rates are higher in high risk groups. If your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease. Since the disease is transmitted through contact with infected cats, keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good preventive measure.
Article Source: ArticleZones.com
About the Author
Kurt Schmitt writes about cat illnesses and provides a complete feline leukemia virus symptoms list including information on pregnant cats and kittens. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
Comments
No comments posted.Add Comment
You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you will be able to comment.More articles in this Category
1. How to Make a Homemade Hamster Bin Type Cage?2. Havanese puppies and Maltese Puppies well socialized healthy and Beautiful
3. The Meaning Behind Pet Charms
4. Spiders
5. Feline Leukemia Virus: Symptoms of FeLV